Hidden Knights

by Jennifer Anne Davis

  The castle came into view. Off to the side, Reid saw soldiers had already started to gather there. “Okay.”

  Dexter eyed her sidelong. “Okay?”

  “I’d like to marry here in Ellington.”

  “You would?”

  “Yes.”

  He smiled, sitting up straighter on his horse. “It’s settled then. I’ll speak to the marriage binder to make the arrangements.”

  “And I’ll find a dress to wear and…prepare a room for us to share.” Her face warmed just thinking about it.

  Chapter Seven

  When Reid and Dexter returned to the castle, they found everyone in the great hall studying a worn map.

  “It doesn’t matter,” Idina said. “It won’t take Anna long to figure out we’re not following her plan.”

  “I’ll tell her it is her plan, just altered a bit.” Ackley folded his arms.

  “We need a place where we can battle the Melenia soldiers,” Gordon said, tapping the map. “I assume Dexter can recommend a location that will cause the least amount of damage to property.”

  “I’ll think on the matter,” Dexter replied. “Perhaps some place north of the City of Radella. We’d need to lure the soldiers in the city there, but I’m sure it can be done.”

  “And Anna,” Ackley reminded everyone. “We can’t forget about her and her personal agenda.”

  “I think we need a break,” Leigh said. “After supper, we’ll revisit this. Hopefully, there will be some new ideas.”

  Gordon rolled up the map. “Reid, I took this from your father’s office. I hope he won’t mind.”

  “It’s yours to use.” She sat at the table.

  “I’m going outside to start organizing the men,” he responded. “Once you and Idina are done writing those letters to the duchesses, I’ll have someone deliver them.”

  “Is that your way of telling me to get the letters written?” she asked. She’d never written a formal letter before. However, with Idina’s help, she should be fine.

  “The sooner, the better. It’ll take the duchesses some time to organize their soldiers and travel to the City of Buckley.”

  “Is that where you want everyone to convene?”

  “Yes,” he answered. “All the supplies we need are there.”

  “I want to be there when they arrive.” Reid needed to speak to the duchesses to ensure they understood the importance of banning together.

  “I suggest we split into two groups,” Idina said. “Half of us will go with the first wave of Ellington soldiers, the second half will wait until the rest show up and travel with the remaining ones.”

  “Good idea,” Dexter said, hovering behind Reid. “Um…” When he cleared his throat, everyone turned to him. “I asked Reid to marry me.”

  Idina smirked. “Yes, we are all aware you two are going to marry.”

  “I mean now.”

  “Now?” Idina asked, her voice incredulous.

  “I want to marry Reid now,” Dexter reiterated.

  Ackley chuckled.

  Reid glared.

  Leaning on the table, Ackley’s chuckle escalated into a full-on belly laugh.

  “What’s so funny?” Reid demanded.

  Shaking his head, Ackley went over to the cabinet off to the side. He pulled out a jug of her father’s alcohol, along with several cups.

  Royce entered. “Harlan’s here. He said he was invited?”

  Ackley waved him in. Harlan stepped around Royce, joining them in the great hall.

  “You came just in time,” Ackley said. “We’re about to make a toast to Dexter and Reid.”

  “I fear this is my doing,” Leigh said with a sigh. “I must have dropped him on his head when he was an infant.”

  “Mother,” Ackley said. “My friend,” he handed Dexter a cup, “is eager to enter into marital relations with Reid.” He winked.

  Reid plopped her head onto the table, hiding her face with her arms. Could Ackley be any more embarrassing?

  “What?” Ackley said. “Stop looking at me like that. You all know it’s true.”

  “Yes, but that doesn’t mean you have to say it out loud,” Idina chided. “Regardless of the reason, I think it’s a wise move.”

  “Come on, Reid,” Ackley goaded. “Head up. You agreed to it, so you must be equally eager to share his bed.”

  She grabbed the cup someone had set in front of her, drained it in four gulps, then chucked it at Ackley. He ducked, the cup narrowly missing his head before banging against the wall and crashing to the floor.

  Leigh clapped twice, effectively silencing everyone. “Ackley, leave Reid alone. Reid, go get out of your wet clothes—I’m cold just looking at you. Idina, help Reid get the letters written.” She scanned the room. “Gordon, organize the army. Ackley, help your brother. Dexter, entertain Harlan. We will meet back here for supper in one hour.” On her way toward the exit, she came to an abrupt halt. “Apparently, I will be cooking supper. Maybe one of the soldiers can help.” She tapped her finger on her chin. “Well, what’s everyone waiting for? Do as you were told. Now.”

  Reid jumped up. Hurrying from the great hall, she then ran up the stairs two at a time. Inside her bedchamber, she peeled off her wet clothing. After dressing in dry pants and a tunic, she opened her door to find Idina there.

  “Do you have paper and ink in here?”

  “No.” Reid led Idina to the duke’s office. Sitting in her father’s chair, Reid pulled open the top drawer, taking out several sheets of paper. She felt so small in her father’s chair. She’d never sat in it before.

  “Do you know what to say?” Idina asked as she perched on the chair across from Reid.

  Taking the quill, she dipped it in ink. “I know exactly what to say.”

  Reid poured her heart into the letters. She explained how she’d been raised, how she’d pretended to be a man so her father wouldn’t lose his land and title, how she’d been sent to Axian where she learned another way of life, how the king had brought an army here from Melenia, and how they—the women of the kingdom—had the power to save it. She not only called on the power the ring invoked, but she also called on each duchess, each woman, personally, encouraging her to raise her army to fight the king and the invading foreign army. When she finished, she dipped her ring in ink, pressing it to each letter to verify she possessed the ring and had the authority to call upon them. Then she closed the letters with her father’s wax seal.

  “Give these to Gordon. See that each one makes it to the correct duchess.”

  With a nod, Idina took the letters.

  “Make sure the soldiers remain along the northern coastline watching Melenia’s ships. If we’re sending our troops south, we don’t want to be caught unaware in the north.”

  “I’ll speak to Gordon on the matter.”

  After Idina left, Reid exited her father’s office and headed to the great hall. She found Dexter and Harlan at the table, each with a drink in hand.

  “Everything all right?” Reid inquired.

  “Yes.” Dexter patted Harlan on the back. “I’m just trying to get to know your friend.”

  “Spill it,” Reid said, taking a seat across from them. “Don’t look at me like you don’t know what I’m talking about, Harlan. Tell me what’s wrong.” She’d grown up with him. She knew something was bothering him by his hunched shoulders and the way he kept glancing at Dexter while chewing on his bottom lip.

  He shrugged. “I’m worried about how you’re faring in Axian.”

  “I’ve been trying to assure him you’re fine.” Dexter rubbed the nape of his neck. “Probably would have been more convincing if I left out the assassination attempt.”

  “You know,” Harlan said as he twisted his cup in his hands, “I almost went to Axian to save you. But then I realized you didn’t need me—or anyone else—to do that.”

  Reid reached across the table, taking Harlan’s hand. “I should have written to let you know I was doing okay. I’m sorry.” She’d
taken the time to write her father, and she should have done the same with Harlan and her sisters. However, she’d never been good with correspondence of that nature.

  He finished off his drink. “I’ll be honest, Reid. I didn’t expect you to want to marry Prince Dexter.”

  To Reid, Dexter said, “I filled Harlan in on everything.” Then, to Harlan, “Please, there’s no need for titles and formalities.”

  Harlan nodded. “When I saw Reid earlier at the apothecary’s shop, I was worried Axian would have changed her. But she’s still Reid. And for that, I’m glad.”

  Dexter drummed his fingers on the table. “How well versed are you with antidotes to commonly used poisons?”

  “Very,” Harlan answered. “Since there’s only one apothecary in town, and I’ll be taking over for him, my education is extensive.”

  “I think you should come with us.”

  “Why?” Harlan’s brows drew together in confusion.

  “Since you know how to make different antidotes, you might come in handy. Anna does love her poisons.”

  “Who’s Anna?” he asked.

  “I didn’t tell him that part,” Dexter said to Reid. “I figured you’d want to handle that one when you’re ready.”

  “Yes, I would.” And she was nowhere near ready to talk about her mother with Harlan or anyone else for that matter. “I understand having Harlan with us might be vital, but have you asked him if he wants to come?”

  “No. I only just thought of bringing him along now.” Dexter took a drink.

  Reid looked expectantly at Harlan. “Do you want to come to the City of Buckley?”

  “You know I hate to travel. But yes, I’ll come to help. If anything happened to you, I’d never forgive myself.”

  “Will the apothecary be okay if you leave for a bit?” Reid asked.

  “He has to be. If you don’t pull this off, Marsden might cease to exist.”

  “And your wife?” Would Sophie be okay with him leaving?

  “She will be fine for a couple of weeks without me.” He stared down at his empty cup.

  “How’s married life?” she asked. Harlan had always been a private person, rarely sharing the details of his home life.

  “We’re still getting to know one another as husband and wife.” He stood. “Speaking of Sophie, I should get home. She will be wondering where I am.”

  “Before you go, I have a question,” Dexter said. “Will you do me the honor of standing in for my brother when Reid and I marry?”

  Harlan faced Reid. “Do you truly want to marry Dexter?”

  “Yes.”

  “Not to save the kingdom, your land, or your father, I mean. Do you love Dexter and want to marry him?”

  “I do.”

  He nodded before addressing Dexter. “Then yes, I will stand in for your brother. Reid deserves the best. I’m glad she has found someone she wants to share her life with.”

  “Thank you,” Dexter replied humbly.

  Harlan headed toward the exit. “Oh…there’s one more thing.” He pivoted toward Dexter. “If you harm Reid in any way, you won’t have to worry about Anna, Eldon, or anyone else. You’ll need to worry about me. Every bite you take, every breath you breathe, could be your last. I’ll use a poison you know nothing about, and you’ll never ever see it coming.” With that, he left.

  “I like him,” Dexter said.

  Reid snorted. Harlan usually didn’t threaten people, and he was rarely so direct—especially with someone like Dexter. However, she understood why he’d done it. It warmed her heart. “He’s my best friend.”

  “I know. And I’m jealous of that. I hope to steal the title from him one of these days.”

  Leigh entered the room. “I enlisted two men to cook for us. Since they’re soldiers, I’m not sure what they plan to make, but they assured me I didn’t need to worry.” She sat next to Reid. “It appears we have a wedding to plan.”

  “There’s nothing to plan other than getting the town’s marriage binder,” Reid said.

  “Since I can’t help with the army, I intend to help with the wedding.” Leigh abruptly stood. “I have an idea. I’ll be back.” She hurried from the room.

  “It’s strange for me to be around her,” Dexter mumbled.

  Reid had forgotten Dexter’s father, Henrick, had been in love with Leigh before Nara. “I’m sorry. If it’s easier, we can get married without anyone else present.”

  “No. She’s my aunt, and Gordon, Ackley, and Idina are my cousins. I’d like to have a couple of witnesses. It’ll be fine. It’s just…odd. But I honestly can’t complain. Not when you just discovered your mother is still alive.”

  Ackley sauntered into the room. “Thought I’d find you two love birds in here.” He sat next to Reid, across from Dexter. Running his hands through his hair, he let out a sigh. “A letter just arrived.”

  “From whom?” Reid asked.

  “Colbert.”

  “Who delivered it?” Dexter asked, a hint of panic in his voice.

  “A young guy. He’s outside if you want to question him.”

  “What does the letter say?”

  “Gordon has it if you want to read it. It’s just an update. Basically, it says the dukes have been stripped of their titles and are being held in the dungeon. Colbert believes once the duchesses arrive, the dukes and duchesses will be killed.”

  So nothing they hadn’t expected.

  “I’d like to speak with the messenger.” Dexter stood. “Will you take me to him?”

  Ackley agreed, and the two men exited the room.

  Dexter had to be worried about his brother. Reid had wanted to ask if there was anything in the letter about Nara, but she knew not to. The warrior princess could take care of herself. Same with Gytha. Dexter had enough to worry about without reminding him of those he cared for who were stuck in the palace with Eldon.

  It was hard to reconcile the fact Eldon and Dexter were half-brothers. How could two people who shared blood be so different? Of course, all Reid had to do was look at her own mother. Anna was cold, shrewd, and the opposite of what a mother should be in every way.

  The following morning, Reid exited the castle and headed to where the soldiers had gathered. Men loaded supplies onto carts. Off to the side, several others sparred. Since she hadn’t seen Dexter, Ackley, or Gordon at breakfast, she assumed they were out here somewhere.

  She entered the only erected tent, which served as Gordon’s command center. “You’re alone,” she said as she entered. “I thought Dexter and Ackley would be with you.”

  He set his quill on the low table, observing her. “I suspect they’re sparring.”

  She sat across from him. “Why is that?”

  “I know my brother,” he replied. “And Dexter is a challenge to him. He fights, moves, and thinks differently.”

  Scanning the maps and correspondence strewn on the table, she asked, “How are things going?”

  He rubbed his face. “I’m trying to figure out how to lure Eldon out of the City of Radella in order to preserve the city. I don’t want to turn it into a battlefield.”

  “Any ideas?” Dexter had marked a spot on the map where he wanted the battle to take place. It was about five miles north of the city.

  “Not yet. Whenever I think about my brother, I get so angry and confused. How could he kill our father? That’s when I remember Hudson wasn’t his father, Henrick was. And that’s how he could have done it.”

  Reid wasn’t convinced Eldon had killed Hudson. She suspected her mother had something to do with it. However, that didn’t change anything. Eldon intended to murder the dukes and duchesses in order to have total and complete control of Marsden. He’d also invited a foreign army into the kingdom. And, most importantly, Eldon wasn’t the rightful heir—Henrick was. Of course, Henrick was dead. Sort of. Which made Dexter the rightful heir.

  “I intend to leave first thing tomorrow morning with my mother and Idina,” Gordon said. “We’ll be accompanied by hal
f of your father’s men. I hope other counties’ soldiers start arriving at the City of Buckley about the same time as we do.” He pinched the bridge of his nose.

  “What else is bothering you?”

  “I hope Dana is okay.”

  Dana. His pregnant wife. Reid didn’t know what to say because she had no idea what Eldon planned to do with the woman.

  “You and Dexter seem to get along.” He picked his quill up.

  Reid nodded.

  “Are you certain you want to marry him? You don’t have to. You can still offer Ellington’s support without legally binding yourself to the man.”

  “I know.” Which was why Dexter had asked her to marry him now. It would show they were choosing this instead of being forced into it. “I want to marry him. He treats me as an equal.” And he was passionate about his people. He embodied everything she found important.

  “I need to get back to work,” Gordon said. “I’ll see you later today.”

  She exited the tent, making her way over to the sparring area. When she reached it, Dexter and Ackley weren’t sparring as Gordon had suspected. Instead, Ackley was working with Idina on some basic self-defense moves. A few soldiers watched, encouraging her. Reid hadn’t been sure how Ellington men would feel about women being in the army. Maybe, just maybe, they saw the value of women knowing how to fight.

  Standing next to Dexter, she watched Idina throw a punch. “Does she know it would be easier in pants?”

  “I told her that,” he responded. “She said she intends to wear dresses, so she needs to know how to move and fight in one.” He shrugged.

  “We’re getting married.” Hopefully, nothing would interrupt the ceremony this time.

  “We are.”

  “There’s still so much I don’t know about you.”

  “What would you like to know?” he asked.

  “Well, for starters, I want to know what it’s like to spar with you.”

  “You would?” He chuckled, the sound deep and throaty. “Let’s rectify that right now. Come on.”