Shadow Knights

by Jennifer Anne Davis

  Duke Ellington took the goblet handed to him, then came to stand directly behind Reid.

  “I’d like to make a toast,” King Eldon said. “To Prince Dexter and Lady Reid.” When he lifted his goblet, everyone copied the gesture. “To a long and healthy marriage. Why are the two of you so far apart? You’re getting married tomorrow.” A slow smile spread across his face. “Come now—you should be happy.”

  Dexter didn’t even glance in Reid’s direction.

  “They are still getting to know one another,” Duke Ellington commented.

  “Well,” the king drawled, lifting his goblet higher, “to the happy couple!”

  Everyone took a drink. When Ellington set his aside, Reid noticed the same amount of alcohol remained. He hadn’t drunk a drop. Relief filled her.

  People started to eat the food the servants had brought, and conversations sprang up.

  Duke Ellington leaned down. “Do you know which room I’m staying in?” he murmured.

  Reid nodded.

  “Wait five minutes, then leave and meet me there.” He meandered around the room, talking to people here and there, before he slipped out the side door.

  Even though people were talking, Reid found it to be useless chatter about the weather or the harvest. Several people spoke a little louder than necessary. She assumed everyone was nervous. Ackley and Gordon were side by side. The dukes remained close to the king. However, no one dared ask anything substantial—like what Eldon intended to do with the foreign army.

  Since no one was paying her any attention, she made her way over to the sentry standing guard near the door. “Which way to the privy?” she asked.

  “I don’t know,” he replied.

  It was only natural he wouldn’t know, seeing as he was a soldier from northern Marsden. Reid had only asked the question so if the king inquired after her, the soldier would relay she’d needed to relieve herself.

  She exited the room. Five steps down the hallway, Gytha suddenly appeared at Reid’s side. Silently, they made their way to Duke Ellington’s chambers. Not bothering to knock, Reid entered with Gytha. Her father continued to shove clothes into a travel bag without looking up.

  “Where are you going?” Reid asked.

  He tied the bag, then studied Reid, his hands on his hips. “To speak with the person in charge of the Knights.”

  Reid had never seen a tattoo on her father’s wrist, so she knew he wasn’t a Knight. “You know about them?” She glanced at Gytha, who stood quietly by the door.

  “I do,” he replied.

  Had Ackley told him? Or had he found out some other way? “I already sent them a message. They know a foreign army is here.” And she hadn’t heard a word about what they wanted her or Ackley to do. Weren’t the Knights supposed to be protectors of the kingdom?

  “I can’t sit around when we are on the brink of war. I must do something.” He slung his bag over his shoulder. “I won’t be back in time for the wedding—if the wedding even takes place.” He went over to the window, peering outside. The lawn was still full of soldiers. “You have a choice.”

  He’d never given her a choice before.

  “You can come with me now or you can stay here. There are pros and cons to each decision. However, I must leave before the king has a chance to stop me.”

  “What do you hope to accomplish?”

  “We need to show this army that we are not to be trifled with. We will send them back to wherever it is they’re from.”

  Reid agreed with his end goal. However, she wasn’t sure how to go about accomplishing it. If she went with her father, she’d be running away. It might keep her safe and out of harm’s way. Yet, the thought of leaving Dexter here to fend for himself didn’t sit well with her. Not only that, but if she left, she’d also be turning her back on her wedding. On the other hand, this was Reid’s chance to get out of it. However, no matter how she looked at it, the idea of running away and not marrying Dexter felt wrong. “I’ll stay.”

  The duke nodded. He approached Reid, then kissed her forehead. “Be smart, stay safe.” On his way out of the room, he mumbled something to Gytha before disappearing.

  “Now what?” Reid asked, having no desire to return to the sitting room where the king was.

  “That is a good question,” Gytha replied. Going over to the window, she peered outside. “I don’t like any of this. Why are there only men in this so-called army from Melenia? Where is Melenia?”

  A knock sounded, and Ackley entered. “King Eldon hereby requests the honor of your presence tonight for supper in the great hall.” His eyes were vacant, his voice bland and monotone.

  “He’s made you the errand boy again?” Reid teased, trying to lighten the mood and get some sort of reaction from Ackley.

  He didn’t laugh.

  Reid waved him over.

  “What?” He folded his arms.

  “You could kill him right now.”

  “I could. But I’m afraid that if something happens to him, those soldiers have orders to attack. We need to tread carefully. I’d like those soldiers to go home before we kill Eldon.”

  “We might not get another shot,” she pointed out.

  “I hate to sound like Prince Henrick, but we need to consider what’s going to happen to our citizens. I can’t let thousands of innocent people die simply because we want Eldon gone.”

  “Thousands of people may die regardless.”

  “True.”

  “In that case, what’s our next move?”

  “It depends on the king’s next move.” He winked. “See you at supper.”

  The dukes and the royal family attended supper that evening to honor the king. A feast was spread from one end of the table to the other. King Eldon sat at the head of the table, speaking cordially to those around him. He appeared to be a kind, considerate man, asking questions about wives, children, and harvests. If Reid had to pick a word to describe him, she’d say he was personable.

  Watching him, she realized he always appeared that way since he was soft spoken. His easy manner hid his evil intentions. If Reid hadn’t seen his cruel side for herself—if she didn’t know he’d tried to kill his siblings—she’d believe he was simply here for the wedding and the soldiers were for his protection. Because Eldon didn’t look evil. He didn’t act evil. How could he be so cunning and ruthless underneath the façade? It was the perfect cover—one even she’d bought when she’d first met him.

  “I’d like to make a toast,” Eldon said, raising his goblet. “To the happy couple! I look forward to your wedding tomorrow.”

  Everyone murmured cheers, then took a sip of their wine.

  “Speaking of which, where is Duke Ellington?” Eldon asked.

  Reid set her goblet on the table. “He said he was working on something special for my wedding,” she replied, forcing a smile.

  “Did he say anything about missing supper?”

  “No. However, he did go into the city. Maybe he is simply held up?” She took a bite of her food, hoping Eldon couldn’t read the lie on her face.

  After an uncomfortable minute, he smiled. Addressing everyone present, but keeping a keen eye on Reid, he said, “My brother, Prince Gordon, has an announcement.”

  Reid wondered what Gordon could have to say. He sat directly across from her, Dana at his side.

  Gordon’s focus remained on his plate as he cleared his throat. “Princess Dana and I are expecting our first child.”

  A round of applause rippled through the room. Someone made a toast, congratulating the parents-to-be.

  The news surprised Reid. While Gordon didn’t care for Dana, they’d managed to make a child together. Which meant they’d been intimate. She couldn’t imagine Gordon sleeping with Dana.

  “Try to wipe that horrified look off your face,” Ackley murmured. “I know it’s shocking to imagine Dana performing such duties, but it must have happened. At least once.” He took a drink of his wine, waggling his eyebrows.

  Reid tri
ed not to laugh.

  “Father, are you all right?” Dexter asked.

  A sheen of sweat covered Henrick’s forehead. “I’m fine,” he said. “Although, I do think I’m going to retire for the night. We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow.” He’d been fine earlier, and Reid had only seen him eat a few bites of his food.

  Nara stood. “I’ll go with you.” They exited the room, Nara glancing over her shoulder once, worry evident in her creased brow.

  “I hope Prince Henrick isn’t too sick to attend the wedding tomorrow,” Eldon said. “It would be a shame if something happened to him.”

  Fear and anger boiled inside Reid. If Eldon did something to harm Henrick in any way, she’d assassinate him herself.

  “Lady Reid,” Gytha said, stepping away from the wall where the personal guards were stationed for the evening. “The seamstress wishes to see you. I assume it is to make sure your dress is ready for tomorrow.”

  Gytha was lying. Reid’s completed dress already hung in her bedchamber. “Of course.” After Reid stood, she gracefully exited the room, her hands shaking at her sides.

  “Sorry,” Gytha mumbled once they were alone. “I had to get you out of there. If you could have seen the expression on your face…”

  “Don’t apologize. I don’t think I could have been around the king another moment.”

  They went directly to Henrick’s bedchamber. He was already in bed, Nara at his side.

  “How is he?” Reid asked.

  Nara shook her head. “I don’t know. I sent for a healer.”

  “Is he actually sick or is this Eldon’s doing?” Gytha demanded.

  “Eldon is my son,” Henrick wheezed. “He wouldn’t hurt me. I’m sure this is just a cold. It will pass.”

  Nara pushed his hair back off his forehead. “You’re right,” she said. “Your own flesh and blood could never do something so evil.”

  Reid spotted a single tear slide down Nara’s face.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Reid awoke. Today was her wedding day. A dozen emotions swirled within her. However, trepidation seemed to be the dominant one. She slid out of bed and stretched. Gytha was nowhere to be seen.

  Reid padded into the sitting room, thinking Gytha may have fallen asleep in there. Instead of the warrior woman, Ackley lounged on the sofa as if he didn’t have a care in the world.

  “What are you doing here?”

  “Good morning, princess.”

  “Where’s Gytha?”

  “Helping Prince Dexter.”

  “Is everything all right?”

  He raised a single eyebrow.

  “Never mind,” Reid mumbled. “Don’t bother answering that.”

  Ackley rose to peer outside. “On a positive note, Dexter managed to get most of the foreign army to set up camp just outside the city.”

  Reid stood at his side, observing the two dozen or so men who remained on the lawn. “Even their tents are different.” Instead of the typical squared tent, theirs were rounded.

  “I’m guessing that’s a squad of officers,” Ackley mused. “Gordon was going to try to talk to their leader.” He yawned. “I’ll doubt he’ll glean any new information.”

  “Why are you so tired?”

  “I’ve been up all night.”

  Examining him, she noted the dark circles under his eyes. “What’s Gytha doing with Dexter?”

  “Some guy named Seb arrived last night with five wagons full of weapons. Last I saw her, she was busy helping Dexter smuggle the weapons into the military compound without the king or the foreign army seeing.”

  Reid recalled Dexter ordering arrowheads from Seb when he’d visited the man’s homestead in the woods. “Do we have a plan?”

  “Several, but I don’t know if any will work.”

  “Why are you here?” Didn’t he have better things to do than babysit her?

  “Gytha asked me to watch you.”

  Reid eyed him, wondering if he was smitten with the warrior woman.

  The door flew open, and Gytha entered. “Prince Dexter just received word Prince Henrick has worsened.” After closing the door, she plopped on a chair, rubbing her eyes. “Princess Nara wants to proceed as if nothing is amiss.”

  A sick foreboding filled Reid. She suspected Eldon had somehow poisoned Henrick.

  “Prince Henrick is meeting with each duke individually,” Gytha said. “He is making sure they all know Prince Dexter is his heir.”

  Ackley turned to Gytha, clearly impressed. “That’s smart.”

  Gytha rested her head against the back of the sofa, briefly closing her eyes. “Prince Henrick said we must learn from the mistakes of the past.”

  “Are you done helping Dexter?” he asked.

  “I am. I officially release you of your duty to watch over and protect Lady Reid,” she said, sitting straighter.

  Ackley gave a curt nod before heading to the door. “Excellent. I have a few things I need to do before the wedding.”

  Once he left, Reid eyed Gytha. “How are we supposed to proceed as if nothing is amiss?” Henrick was bedridden, a foreign army lurked nearby, and the king was here.

  Gytha shrugged. “I guess you get ready for your wedding.”

  “Do you want to help me, or should I call for Joce?”

  The warrior woman snorted. “All servants were evacuated. Only soldiers remain in the palace, so you’re stuck with me. I need to warn you, though—I don’t know how to do hair or makeup.”

  That could be problematic since Reid also didn’t know how to do either. Oh well, how hard could it be?

  As she bathed and dressed, she couldn’t help but wonder what life with Dexter would be like. Up until now, she’d refused to think about it. But with the wedding only hours away, she had to face it. He’d said they wouldn’t share a marriage bed right away. However, what if the king wanted proof of consummation? What then? Her nerves started to flutter.

  “Let’s apply your makeup,” Gytha said once Reid had managed to get the dress on and fastened correctly. “You are too pale.”

  As Gytha applied powder to Reid’s face, Reid said, “When I first met you, I hated you.”

  “Trust me, the feeling was mutual.”

  “I’m sorry for coming into Axian and taking Dexter.”

  Gytha lowered the brush, observing Reid. “I won’t pretend to not be hurt over it,” she admitted. “However, I understand. Just make sure you protect Dexter and Axian. That’s all that matters.”

  Once Gytha finished Reid’s makeup and hair, Reid examined herself in the mirror. The simple yet elegant dress had been made from heavy, cream-colored silk, the scooped neckline embroidered with thick gold thread. A golden velvet mantle hung from Reid’s shoulders down to the hem of her dress. Gytha had braided a portion of Reid’s hair, but she’d left the rest to fall in soft waves around her shoulders. A crown rested atop her head, the braid coiled above it to keep it in place.

  “Do you need to change?” Reid asked Gytha.

  “Yes. Prince Dexter wants me to look like your attendant instead of a soldier.” When she rolled her eyes, Reid laughed.

  After Gytha readied herself, they headed to Prince Henrick’s suite. He still remained in bed, Nara at his side.

  Reid took his hand and squeezed it. “Has the healer been here?”

  “She has,” Nara answered. “She suspects he’s been poisoned.” Her eyes filled with tears. “She administered a few potions, but none have worked.”

  Reid sank onto the bed. Henrick’s eyes were glazed, his skin blotchy, and his body cold to touch.

  “You…look…beautiful,” he wheezed. “I wish I could be there to see you marry my son today.”

  “I wish you could be there, too.”

  “I want to tell you something.” He clutched Reid’s fingers. “I was wrong.”

  “About what?” she asked.

  “My son, Eldon. He is just like his uncle, Hudson. Both have an evil streak. I was blind to only see the good and to hope
for the best.”

  “You had no way of knowing.”

  “He did this to me.” He took a shaky breath. “I want you to promise me you will help my wife and sons protect this county. I failed in my duties. Now you all must fix this for me. I am so sorry.”

  “I promise.” Reid would do everything in her power to take care of the people of Axian.

  “Thank you.” Henrick closed his eyes, his breaths coming out short and loud.

  “Has Dexter been to see him?” Reid asked Nara.

  “He has. Henrick made Dexter promise the same thing.” Nara wiped her eyes. “You better go. It’s almost time for the wedding to start.”

  Nara escorted Reid and Gytha out of the room. Before closing the door, Nara lowered her voice. “I don’t know what the king has planned. Be on guard.”

  “We will,” Gytha said.

  Nara handed Reid a dagger. “This is mine. Slide it up your sleeve. Just in case.”

  Reid nodded and took the weapon, doing as instructed.

  “Good luck,” Nara whispered, then closed the door.

  “I cannot believe the king would do something so dishonorable as to poison Prince Henrick,” Gytha fumed as they headed down the hallway.

  “I agree.” It was one of the main reasons Reid supported the assassination of the king. Except now, she didn’t know how they would manage to pull it off.

  When they reached the antechamber, they went inside, waiting while the guests took their seats in the great hall. Too concerned about Henrick, Reid didn’t dwell on the upcoming ceremony or the fact that not a single one of her family members would be there to witness the event—not even her grandparents.

  Ackley slipped into the small room. “It’s time. With the exception of your father, all the dukes are here. Are you ready?”

  Suddenly nervous, Reid clutched her shaking arms. “Yes.”

  Ackley placed a hand on each of Reid’s shoulders, squeezing tightly. “You look beautiful.” He smirked. “Just focus on Prince Dexter and ignore the king.”

  “Easier said than done.” Reid took a deep breath, releasing it slowly.