She could not believe they were discussing something so intimate with one another.
“Why do you always shy away from anything personal like this?” he asked. “Don’t you trust me?”
She glanced at her friend. “It’s not that. I trust you implicitly.” After all, she’d taken him to Axian with her. He was one of the only people she ever confided in.
“Then why don’t you talk to me?”
“I do.”
“Not about anything personal.”
She sighed, leaning her head back against the wall. “How long did it take you to tell me you were engaged?”
“The only reason I didn’t tell you right away was because you don’t like to talk about that sort of thing!”
“Fine. What do you want to know?”
“Nothing.” He shook his head. “All I want is for you to come to me if you need something or want to talk.” Pointedly, he looked at the bag clutched in Reid’s hand.
“I’m sorry, Harlan. I didn’t mean to offend you.” The rain picked up, pinging against the window. “I just got so used to keeping everything inside, so I didn’t slip and make a mistake.” But now everyone knew she was a woman, so she didn’t have to be so guarded. However, she didn’t know how to change who she was or how she acted.
He took her free hand. “I know. I’m worried now that you’re married, our friendship will change. You’ll go live in the City of Radella, and I won’t get to see you very often.”
“We’ll have to make a point of spending time together.” She squeezed his hand, hoping he understood how much she valued his friendship.
A bell tolled in the distance.
“What’s that?” Harlan asked.
The last time Reid had heard that bell was when the princes arrived. “Someone of importance must be here.” She jumped off the window seat. “Let’s go.” She took off running through the castle, Harlan at her heels.
She headed to the front doors, where she met Nara and Leigh. Neither knew what was going on. Throwing the doors open, Reid stepped onto the front steps. Gordon emerged from the barracks, joining them.
“What flag has been raised?” Leigh asked. Her red-rimmed eyes were bloodshot as if she had been crying and hadn’t slept in days.
“It’s hard to see in the rain,” Gordon said, squinting. “I think it’s Ackley’s flag.”
“Does Idina have one?” Reid demanded.
“No,” Leigh responded.
“What does this mean?” Harlan asked.
“I don’t know.” She had no idea if Ackley returned on his own or with the princess.
A stable hand brought a saddled horse over to Gordon, handing him the reins.
“I’ll go see.” Gordon mounted, then steered his horse toward the city.
Dexter joined them on the steps. “Do we know who arrived?”
“We think it’s Ackley.” They stood there, no one talking, as they waited to see if Ackley was alone or not. What if Idina had been killed? What if Ackley couldn’t find her? The wait was excruciating.
After what felt like forever, the castle gates swung open to reveal four riders. Gordon and Ackley were in front, Owen and Idina behind them. Leigh let out an odd noise, then swayed. Nara wrapped her arm around Leigh, steadying her. Gordon and Ackley were conversing back and forth. Ackley appeared to be fine, no obvious injuries in sight. When they neared the castle, Reid noticed Idina riding with her back straight and head held high. Like Ackley, Idina didn’t have any visible injuries. Owen said something to Idina. The princess’s eyes widened, and she glared.
They dismounted at the front steps. Leigh threw her arms around her daughter.
Owen came before Dexter. “One princess delivered safe and sound. I’ve fulfilled my end. Now it’s your turn.”
Leigh released her daughter. “I’m so glad you’re home.”
“It’s good to be home. The journey was trying.”
“Everyone inside out of the rain,” Leigh ordered. “I’ll have a feast prepared for supper to celebrate my daughter’s return.”
Idina twisted to address Owen. “Thank you for your services,” she said, her voice formal and haughty. “You may return to your men.” She gave a curt nod before gliding inside the castle.
Ackley chuckled. “At some point, Owen, you’ll need to tell her you’re staying with us.”
“Oh, it’s much more fun this way. I can’t wait for supper to see the shock on that beautiful face of hers.” Smiling, he sauntered into the castle with Ackley.
“Well, that was unexpected,” Nara said.
“I’m glad she’s back,” Dexter said. “I didn’t think they’d find her so quickly.”
“I was referring to Owen and Idina fancying one another,” his mother replied.
“I don’t think she likes him,” Reid said.
“She does. Trust me. She has the same look about her that you did when you first came to live with us.”
Reid stiffened. She hadn’t been in love with Dexter at first. Sure, she might have thought him handsome and admired his dedication, but she hadn’t been in love with him.
Dexter kissed Reid’s cheek, surprising her.
“What was that for?” she asked.
“No reason.” He took her hand. “Let’s head inside.”
After supper, in which Idina and Owen argued mercilessly, Dexter met with Owen in the study. When Reid went to join them, Dexter blocked the doorway.
“What are you doing?” Reid asked, confused.
“I want to speak with him alone.”
“Why?”
“I need you to trust me on this,” he mumbled. “I’ll be along shortly.” He closed the door, effectively dismissing her.
Idina strode along the hallway, coming toward Reid. “I don’t know why Owen is still here.”
“We told you over supper, he helped rescue you, so we’re going to help him reclaim his kingdom.”
Idina’s face paled. “I still feel awful about that.”
Reid joined the princess. They walked side by side. “I’m fairly certain Anna is to blame, not you.”
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
When they reached the princess’s bedchamber, Idina invited Reid inside. While the princess changed into her nightclothes, Reid knelt on the hearth, stoking the fire back to life.
Idina crawled into bed. “I’m fine, Reid. Exhausted, but unharmed.”
“I didn’t ask.” Although she wanted to know everything that had happened to the princess.
“Then stop hovering.”
Reid sighed, sitting on the edge of the bed. “I’m relieved you’re okay. We were all so worried about you.”
“It was a trying ordeal to be sure. Those two idiots tied me up so I couldn’t fight. I’m going to have Gordon show me how to get out of that situation during our next training session.”
“Where were you taken?”
“South. That was not how I envisioned my first adventure into Axian going. I was tossed on a boat, then taken to Axian where we met up with a group of Melenia soldiers. There was some confusion about me being the wrong person. The next thing I know, Prince Owen shows up, demanding they release me. Once they do, he instructs them to tell the army to be prepared to turn on King Eldon and fight with Prince Dexter. Then he and Ackley brought me home.” She laid down, pulling the blankets up.
“I see.” Reid decided to tease Idina to see if there was any truth to what Nara said earlier. “So Owen rescued you?”
Idina rolled her eyes. “My brother rescued me.”
“Prince Owen is handsome to be sure. And he’s now the king of Melenia. I can see why you’re taken with him.”
Idina’s eyes narrowed. “Of all people to say something, I didn’t expect it to be you.”
Reid started laughing. “Admit it. You like him.”
“I will do no such thing.”
“I saw the way he watched you. He fancies you, too.”
“Reid Ellington—”
&nb
sp; “It’s Reid Winston now,” she reminded her.
Idina raised a single eyebrow. “Oh, I see.”
Reid stood to go.
“You and Dexter finally did the deed.”
It was Reid’s turn to be embarrassed.
“I’m right, aren’t I?” Idina got on her knees. “Look at you blush! Tell me all about it.”
“I will do no such thing.” Reid headed to the door.
“Did you enjoy it?”
Reid exited the room without answering, coming face to face with Gytha. “Where have you been?” She hadn’t seen the warrior woman all day.
Gytha smiled. “Doing an errand for Prince Dexter.”
“Well, Idina is in bed. I’ll see you tomorrow.” She thought it was a good idea for Gytha to guard Idina in case someone snuck into the castle again.
“I’m here for you, not for her.”
Reid groaned. She’d forgotten Gytha had been assigned as her protection.
Once they reached the bedchamber Reid had been staying in, Gytha searched the room before bidding Reid goodnight. Then Gytha leaned against the wall in the hallway next to the door.
“You’re not going to remain out there all night, are you?” Reid asked.
“Why?” Gytha smiled wickedly. “Afraid I’ll hear something?”
“What is with everyone teasing me?” Reid snapped.
“Sorry,” Gytha said, not sounding sorry at all. “I’m only here until Dexter retires for the evening. Then there will be two guards stationed here for the duration of the night. There are also two men outside your window.”
Reid supposed she’d have to get used to this if she were going to be crowned queen.
“Are you okay?” Gytha asked. “You seem off. Considering the princess is home, I thought you’d be happier.”
“Until Eldon and my mother are dealt with, I will continue to worry.”
“I understand. But know I will do everything in my power to keep you safe.”
Reid stood there, staring at Gytha. What had she done to earn such loyalty? Or was Gytha simply extending her loyalty to Reid out of respect for Dexter? Reid wasn’t sure. However, she appreciated having Gytha on her side. They’d come a long way since the first time they’d met.
“Thank you.”
“For what?” Gytha asked.
“For being you. And for being my friend.”
“Friend is a strong word, Lady Reid.” Gytha chuckled. “But I do consider you my friend.”
Chapter Eighteen
Reid peeled her eyelids open, blinking at the bright morning sun shining between the curtains.
“You’re awake,” Dexter murmured, curled beside her.
She hadn’t even heard him come in last night. She stretched, and he slid his hand over her stomach. “What did you talk to Owen about?”
He propped himself up on his elbow, then kissed the tip of her nose. “Plans for the future.” He kissed her cheek.
“Are you trying to distract me?” If so, it was certainly working.
“I’m not the distracting one.” He kissed her other cheek.
“Dexter, I’m serious.” She wanted to know what he’d discussed with Owen.
Sighing, he laid on his back. “We talked about how to eliminate Eldon. I also wanted his thoughts on how to best handle our armies.”
“Why couldn’t I be there for that?”
“Because I also asked him about Idina.”
“What about?”
“I needed to make sure no harm came to her. She is my cousin.”
Reid had forgotten about that.
“I also wanted to make sure the Melenia ships off our northern coast won’t pose a threat.”
“How so?”
“I can’t move our entire army south knowing there are war ships up north—even if not many soldiers are on board.”
“What did he agree to?”
“Owen dispatched men to each port in order to communicate with the ships. The ships are to sail east, then dock at one of the larger ports in Axian.” He sat up. “We also discussed ways of uniting our kingdoms.” Standing, he raised his arms in the air, stretching his torso.
Reid yawned. “It must be too early because I’m not following you.” Why did they have to bother uniting their kingdoms? Couldn’t Owen just take his soldiers and return home? Once he regained control of Melenia, then the Marsden soldiers who accompanied him would come back to Marsden. Then, they’d leave each other the hell alone.
Dexter pushed the curtains aside, staring outside. “Owen wants to marry Idina.”
Sitting upright, Reid blinked. “Really?” While she thought there was some sort of attraction between the pair, she hadn’t suspected Owen would want to marry Idina.
“Strategically, it makes sense. For both kingdoms.” He came over, then sat on the edge of the bed, next to Reid.
“Did you talk to Idina about it?”
He rubbed the side of his jaw. “Not yet.”
Relief filled Reid. She would have been furious if Dexter had made the union without speaking to Idina about it first.
“Do you think she’ll agree?” he asked.
“I have no idea.” Reid didn’t know how the princess would feel about leaving Marsden. “Do you want me to speak to her about it?”
Dexter chuckled. “No, definitely not.”
“Why is that funny?”
“Because it is.” He shook his head. “I’ll discuss the matter with Ackley to see how he thinks we should handle it.” Reaching out, Dexter tucked a stray strand of hair behind Reid’s ear. “You’re adorable when you’re mad.”
“I’m not mad.” And she most certainly wasn’t adorable. Her eyes narrowed. No one had ever accused her of being adorable before.
Dexter chuckled. “Want to get a round of sparring in before breakfast?”
Was that even a question? “Of course.”
Dexter stood on the front steps of the castle. Dressed in a black tunic with the Winston family crest embroidered on the front—compliments of Gordon—he appeared commanding and regal. They all agreed ahead of time Dexter would remain on the top step alone while the rest of the royal family stood on the lower steps, facing him and offering their support. At the end of his speech, they would join him.
Reid stood next to Idina and Nara. She’d decided to wear a dress, not wanting to alienate the citizens of Marsden. Change would come slowly. The duchesses stood behind the royal family. Then behind them were the soldiers and people of the city. They’d opened the gates in the wall surrounding the castle, allowing everyone in to hear the announcement. Dexter had insisted the castle not be cordoned off.
After briefly introducing himself, Dexter thanked everyone for coming. He outlined his plan, and Prince Gordon, Prince Ackley, and all the duchesses publicly supported it. Dexter explained Eldon was not the rightful heir since he was not Hudson’s son. Since Hudson didn’t declare Gordon his heir, the line shifted back to Henrick. Upon Henrick’s death, the title passed to Dexter, Henrick’s declared heir. At this point, the royal family, along with the duchesses, came up behind Dexter, emphasizing their full support. Dexter then went on to say Eldon was in Axian holding the dukes hostage in an attempt to lure the Marsden army there. Eldon intended to execute the dukes to take complete and total control of Marsden.
“I promise not to let this happen,” Dexter bellowed. “Marsden was founded hundreds of years ago by eleven families. They divided this land into ten counties, one family in charge of each. The last family was declared sovereign and without land. That will not change! I will take up the crown as your king with my wife, Lady Reid Ellington-Winston, at my side. Together, we will uphold the rules and traditions of this great kingdom!”
Everyone burst into applause. Reid stepped forward so she stood next to Dexter. She wondered about these antiquated rules and traditions he’d just promised to uphold that she wanted to change.
“Eldon brought a foreign kingdom here promising them control of our mines in ex
change for their help. I have renegotiated the terms, and Melenia has ceased all control of the mines. The mines have been rightly restored to the Bridger family. Melenia will be returning to the mainland, and we will move forward with peace between our kingdoms.”
Again, cheering erupted.
“My fellow Marsdens,” Dexter said, immediately reclaiming everyone’s attention. “It is time to go into Axian to right the wrongs. Together, we will insist Eldon step down, and I will take his place.” Dexter clutched Reid’s fingers, raising their clasped hands in the air. “For Marsden!”
The soldiers started chanting, “Marsden!”
Dexter and Reid went into the castle, the duchesses and royal family following. Inside, Dexter thanked everyone for being there. “I also want to say how proud I am that each of you has been brave enough to use your ring to ensure we remain a great kingdom.”
“The duchesses and I have been talking,” Duchess Tucker said. “We want to join you as you march south into Axian.”
“There may be fighting,” he informed them.
“We understand. And we will make sure to stay out of the way. However, we want to see the City of Radella, we want to see the false king removed, and we are eager to be reunited with our loved ones.”
“Very well,” Dexter said. “Ready yourselves. We leave within the hour.”
Reid couldn’t help but think about when she and Harlan had traveled into Axian on their own. It had been much simpler than this. Dressed in thick leather armor, sitting atop her horse with Dexter at her side, she headed south toward Lake Folme. Owen, Gordon, and Ackley were riding toward the front of the procession, Dexter and Reid were with Leigh, Nara, and Idina in the middle, and the duchesses were riding toward the back with Harlan and Gytha.
With only a hundred or so men remaining behind at the castle, the rest of the army, which consisted of five thousand men from the combined counties, now marched under the Marsden banner. Word had been sent to Colbert to send the Axian soldiers north. Dexter hoped to box Eldon in, forcing him to surrender.
Traveling with so many soldiers proved to be a lengthy process, especially since most were walking. Reid hadn’t considered the logistics of getting that many men across the Gast River. Thankfully, Gordon had already thought of it. He’d been sending supplies along with men across Lake Folme over the past week.
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