Hidden Knights

by Jennifer Anne Davis

  “Read or play a game.” Often times, she played chess or cards with her father.

  He stood, resuming his inspection. “Have you read all these books?”

  She nodded. “Some twice.” Or even three times.

  He stopped at her desk, surveying the knives, daggers, and swords strewn over the surface. Dexter picked up a small knife, feeling the weight of it in his palm. He set it down before examining a few of the other weapons.

  Reid remained sitting on the edge of her bed, watching him.

  “Do you have a favorite?” he asked.

  “For throwing, I prefer the ones with the black hilts.” Their weight was balanced, the handles small, making them easier for her to throw.

  “And for fighting?”

  “My twin swords.”

  “Where are they?”

  “In the scabbard on the dresser.” It had been far too long since she’d held them in her hands.

  “I prefer my longsword.” He turned and leaned against the edge of her desk, folding his arms and studying her. “Where do you practice?”

  They didn’t have a training yard on the premises. “In town.” Thunder boomed again, making Reid shiver.

  Dexter pushed off the desk and came over to the bed, sitting on the edge about two feet away from her. “I’d like to see it.”

  Reid wanted to show Dexter what her life here had been like—the good and the bad. He needed to understand why she wanted to implement the changes she did.

  “I’m heading to bed,” Ackley said, startling Reid. He was leaning against the frame of the open door. “You still have the first watch?”

  “I do.” Dexter stood.

  “I’ll show you to the tower. It’ll allow you an unobstructed view of the land surrounding the castle. Though, in this storm, it’ll be difficult to see far.” Pushing off the doorframe, he left.

  “I wish your father and sister weren’t riding in this weather.” Dexter headed to the window, glancing out.

  There were plenty of homes along the way for them to stay at. “My father is used to traveling in storms like this.” On the other hand, Kamden was probably complaining incessantly.

  “You coming?” Ackley called from down the hallway.

  “I better go. I’ll see you in the morning.” Dexter exited Reid’s room, closing the door behind him.

  She had the distinct impression something was on his mind. However, she had no idea what could be bothering him.

  Reid woke up, the gray light of dawn filtering in through her window. The fire in the hearth blazed, which meant someone had been in her bedchamber. While she appreciated waking to a toasty room, the thought of someone being in there while she slept made her uncomfortable.

  Sliding out of bed, she went over to the window, peering outside. Until now, she hadn’t realized how much she missed this view. Thick fog coated the land like a blanket, the gray sky promising more rain. The ground was muddy, the air crisp. Breathing in, Reid savored it all.

  Someone knocked. “Come in,” Reid called.

  “I was hoping you’d be awake,” Idina said as she stepped into the room. “Kamden told me you like black tea.” She held a mug in her hands.

  Reid eyed her. “I thought you refused to serve others.”

  Idina shoved the mug at Reid. “Just take it.”

  “What do you want?” Reid took the steaming mug, wrapping her hands around it.

  “Why do you think I want something?”

  Instead of answering, Reid held up the mug as if that were proof.

  “Fine.” Idina sighed. “Since I’ve been staying here, Kamden and I became friends. I don’t think it’s fair to keep her cooped up in Ellington. She deserves to see more of the kingdom. I’d like for her to come with me to the castle as my personal friend. I’d like to show her around. Introduce her to eligible men.”

  Reid tried not to let it bother her that Idina and Kamden had become close. She should be happy two people she cared about were also friends. “Don’t you think you should be asking my father’s permission?” After all, he was still the duke and in charge of Kamden.

  “You’re going to be the queen. It will be up to you to decide who resides at court.”

  “Just so you know, I plan to reside in the City of Radella.” Not only was the palace Dexter’s home, but it was also far more welcoming than the castle in the City of Buckley.

  “Can we come with you?” Idina pushed her red hair behind her ears. “I hear Axian is far more accommodating than here.”

  “I don’t see why not. I’m going to need some women I trust around.” And it would be nice to have Idina and Kamden nearby. A log shifted in the fireplace. “Do you know who made sure my fire was burning?” It unnerved Reid that someone had been in her room, and she’d had no idea.

  Idina placed her hands on her hips. “I had Gordon tend to it before he went on watch about an hour ago. But don’t worry, I came in here with him. He was the perfect gentleman.”

  “I should hope so seeing as how he’s married and his wife is pregnant.” Reid took a sip of her tea.

  “Don’t remind me.” Idina shivered even though the room was toasty. “I do have another question.”

  “What is it?” Reid asked, curious as to what Idina could possibly want.

  “Once we’re settled in the City of Radella, will you teach me to fight?”

  “You’re assuming we’ll win,” Reid muttered. If only she were that confident.

  “We will.”

  “How can you be so sure?”

  “The alternative isn’t acceptable.”

  Reid chuckled. “I happen to agree with you.” She eyed her friend. “You want to learn to fight?” While Reid had no doubt Idina could do it, the request surprised her. The woman had always been so good at organizing covert operations and seeing patterns that Reid wasn’t sure why Idina would want to learn to fight.

  “I’d like to be able to defend myself.”

  Reid understood the value in that. “Why wait? We can start your training now.” Quite frankly, it surprised her that Idina’s brothers hadn’t taught her already. It was a skill every princess should know. Especially when war loomed on the horizon.

  “Thank you.”

  “How’s your mother?” Reid hadn’t seen Leigh since supper last night.

  “She’s fine. Although, I haven’t told her anything about our plans to assassinate Eldon. She knows we plan to remove him from power—which she agrees with given his erratic behavior.”

  That made Reid remember something. “Henrick said Hudson behaved similarly around the time his father died.” Could there be a connection between the two? Some sort of illness? Or drug perhaps?

  “Eldon can’t stand the fact Mum confronted him. Even though she is his mother, he holds little respect for women. So while his behavior seems erratic, it is in line with how he’s always been. My father loved his wine, women, and doing whatever he wanted. Even though Eldon is not his biological child, they are remarkably similar. And Father doted on Eldon.”

  Reid took another sip of her tea before setting her mug on the dresser. “Are you okay with us assassinating your brother? We could just…put him in the dungeon?” There were ways to eliminate him from power without killing him.

  “I’ve studied enough to know we have little choice in the matter. While I don’t want my brother to be murdered, someone has to stop him. He intends to destroy Marsden and harm thousands of people. I can’t let him do that. If killing him saves all those lives, spares this kingdom, and brings peace, it is a small price to pay.”

  “I agree.” Even though the thought of intentionally killing Eldon made Reid’s stomach queasy. “I have a question for you.”

  Idina plopped on Reid’s bed. “What is it?”

  “How do you feel about Dexter being king?” Would Idina rather one of her brothers hold the position? Would there be problems in the future? Bitterness? Resentment?

  She shrugged. “I don’t personally know Dexter that we
ll, but my research has told me that he is qualified to rule this kingdom. I fear Gordon is too focused on the army to be able to handle the citizens and dukes. Ackley is, well, Ackley. He could never stay in one place. It would be too confining, and it would destroy him.”

  Reid still hadn’t asked Dexter if he wanted to be king. So far, he’d been willing to accept the responsibility his father had shoved on him, but that didn’t mean he wanted it.

  “What do you plan to do with Harlow?” Idina asked, plucking at a string on the blanket.

  “I hadn’t thought about it.”

  “Make sure you do. She is young and from a powerful county. You’ll need her father, Duke Bridger, on board. You can’t assassinate Harlow’s husband without offering her family some sort of retribution.”

  Why hadn’t Reid thought about Harlow being from Bridger before? Duke Bridger controlled the mines—the mines Melenia was after. Reid filed the information away in case it came in handy later.

  “What is it you want out of this deal?” Reid asked.

  “Other than not being forced to marry some useless lord, I don’t know what I want. I’ve never been given the choice. Traveling with you to the City of Radella, seeing the kingdom, and having some freedom is more than I could ever ask for. I also think bringing your sister along will be good for her. She has only ever considered marrying. I want her to see there are other options out there. She is capable of so much more.”

  Reid happened to wholeheartedly agree with Idina.

  Chapter Six

  “Will your mother be okay by herself?” Reid asked. Since there weren’t any servants in the castle, Leigh would be completely alone.

  “She’ll be fine,” Ackley said. “And Royce is nearby in the stables if she needs anything.”

  They left, Dexter and Reid riding side by side while Gordon, Ackley, and Idina rode behind them. Reid steered her horse toward town, a nervous energy filling her. Ackley had been there before, so he knew what he was getting himself into. Dexter, on the other hand, would probably think the place small and rundown compared to what he was used to in Axian. Regardless, this was where she’d spent countless days, and she couldn’t wait to share that part of her life with him.

  When they reached the outskirts of town, Reid led the way to one of the three main streets where most of the businesses were located. At the apothecary’s, she dismounted, tying her horse to the post outside. Everyone followed suit.

  Without waiting for her companions, Reid pushed the door open, rushing into the store.

  Harlan sat at the table, grinding leaves in a small bowl. He glanced up. “Reid?” A huge smile spread across his face.

  She ran around the table, throwing her arms around him as he tried to stand.

  “It’s good to see you.” He chuckled at her enthusiasm. Holding her at arm’s length, he scanned her from head to toe. “You look about the same. How’s Axian?”

  “Interesting.” Not knowing if anyone was in the back section of the shop, she kept her answer short, not wanting to go into details until she was sure they were alone.

  Harlan stiffened as he peered over her shoulder, releasing her.

  Dexter closed the door, turning to face Harlan and Reid while Ackley, Idina, and Gordon remained outside.

  Grabbing Harlan’s arm, Reid dragged him around the side of the table. “I’d like for you to meet Dexter, my fiancé.” As a safety precaution, she chose not to use his formal title or last name.

  Harlan wiped his hands on his pants before shaking Dexter’s hand.

  “Nice to meet you,” Dexter replied, his voice oddly stiff and formal, as if he were nervous.

  “What about you?” Reid asked, nudging Harlan. “Are you married?” He’d told Reid he was engaged to the apothecary’s eldest daughter, Sophie, but he hadn’t said when they were supposed to marry. Reid had hoped to make it back in time for the wedding.

  “I am.” Harlan sat back on the chair, then resumed crushing the leaves in his bowl. “It’s good to see you. I’ve been worried.”

  “We’re not sure how long we’ll be in town,” Dexter said. “But I would be honored if you’d come to Duke Ellington’s later today. I’d like to have a drink to celebrate your wedding.”

  Harlan paused before peering at Dexter.

  The prince cleared his throat. “I’d like to get to know Reid’s friends.”

  Harlan nodded. “I’ll come by after work.” He set his bowl down. “If you don’t mind, I’d like a moment alone with Reid.”

  Dexter nodded, then stepped outside.

  “I’m glad he isn’t the hovering type.” Harlan rubbed his face. “Are you okay? I mean, really okay?”

  “I am.” Reid perched on the edge of the table.

  Harlan reached out, taking her hand. “You two aren’t married yet?”

  She shook her head.

  “Why are you in Ellington?”

  “It’s a long story. I’ll explain later.”

  “Is he…treating you right?”

  Reid squeezed Harlan’s hand. She was about to say Dexter had been nothing but kind to her. However, that wasn’t true, and she didn’t want to lie to her friend. “We’ve grown to care for one another, and I consider him a friend.”

  Relief shone on his face. “That’s good enough for me.”

  “Will your wife be joining you this evening?” Over the years, Reid had seen the apothecary’s daughter a few times. However, she’d never spoken to the young woman.

  “No. It’ll just be me. That way we can talk.”

  Reid stood. “I’ve missed you.” While she’d made friends in Axian, no one knew her as well as Harlan.

  “It’s not the same around here without you.”

  After one last hug, she bid him goodbye and exited the store.

  “It’s about time,” Ackley said. “Now where to?” He surveyed the street. “Shall we find that obnoxious, over-controlling friend of yours?”

  “Do you mean Knox?” she asked.

  He smiled. “Why do you think I call him obnoxious? It’s the only way I can remember his name.”

  Rolling her eyes, Reid said, “Leave him alone. He means well.”

  “I’m sure he does.” Ackley led the way to the watchtower, the fighting yard located adjacent to it. That was where Reid had seen Ackley for the first time.

  Since the fenced-in training yard was empty, Reid instructed her friends to wait there. Entering the watchtower, she found Knox sitting at a desk. “Now isn’t this an interesting sight?” she said by way of greeting.

  “I’ll be damned,” he said, jumping to his feet. “I didn’t think I’d see you back here any time soon.” He slapped her on the shoulder, almost knocking her over. “Got tired of that entitled prick of a prince in Axian?”

  “Not exactly.”

  He folded his arms. “What are you doing here?”

  It struck Reid as odd no one knew the king was on the verge of overthrowing the dukes and taking complete control of Marsden. Taking a deep breath, she shoved those thoughts aside and focused on Knox. “I’m here to spar with my friend.”

  He nodded as if expecting that. Through the years, how many times had she come here to spar with him? Too many to count.

  Reaching under his desk, he pulled out his sword. “Listen, Reid, I want to apologize.”

  “No need.” She knew his personality. Knox would always see her as someone weaker than him who should be protected. It had been ingrained in him since childhood. Harlan was one of the few people who saw her for the person she was on the inside.

  “I should have stayed with you instead of going home. When you needed me, I wasn’t there for you. I’m sorry.” He ducked his head.

  She’d never heard him apologize before. “You’re forgiven.” Ironically, Harlan—the least skilled of her friends when it came to fighting—was the only one who had stayed with her. “Now, are we going to just stand here and gossip? Or are we going to get to work?”

  Smiling, he sheathed his sword
in the scabbard strapped to his waist. He opened the door, ushering Reid outside. When Knox saw Ackley and Gordon, he stopped. “What are they doing here?” he muttered.

  “I’m not sure why my father hasn’t told you anything, but the king is trying to take over the kingdom.”

  “In case you haven’t heard, the king is in charge of the kingdom.”

  She shook her head. “He’s either going to overthrow the dukes or kill them so he has complete control.”

  “And you think you’re going to stop him?”

  “Not quite. We’re just here to regroup. Come on.”

  When they reached the training yard, Reid quickly introduced Knox to everyone. “He’s the one who taught me to fight.” She patted him on the shoulder.

  “That explains why your skills are lacking,” Ackley drawled.

  Reid was going to whack Ackley on the back of his head. However, Dexter beat her to it.

  “When will I learn to defend myself?” Idina asked.

  “I can show you some basics,” Knox offered.

  “Not a chance in hell,” Ackley said.

  Reid wondered if Ackley’s objection was due to Knox’s lack of skill or the fact he was an unmarried man.

  “I’ll work with you,” Gordon said. He led Idina across the muddy training yard, off to the side and out of everyone’s way. Gordon proceeded to show Idina what to do if someone came at her with a knife. It surprised Reid that neither Gordon nor Ackley had thought to show Idina some basic self-defense moves before now. They must never have thought it necessary.

  “I’ll take the big guy,” Ackley said, pointing at Dexter with a wicked gleam in his eye.

  That left Reid with Knox for a partner. She pulled her swords free from their scabbards, reveling in the sounds the blades made as she unsheathed them. It had been far too long.

  “You look nervous,” Knox commented with a low chuckle.

  “I’m rusty.” She swung her arms, trying to loosen up. Knox never went easy on her.