Hidden Knights

by Jennifer Anne Davis

  Gordon went into the hallway, ordering two soldiers to retrieve the duchesses. “What about the dukes?” he asked when he came back into the sitting room.

  “They’re in the dungeon,” Colbert answered.

  “If you’ll show me where it is,” Ackley said, “I’ll fetch them.”

  Colbert nodded, and they exited the room.

  A few minutes later, a soldier led the duchesses into the room. Eldon started laughing when he saw them dressed in pants with leather vests for armor.

  While they waited, Reid explained to the duchesses what had transpired on the front steps of the palace.

  Colbert and Ackley returned with the dukes, along with Duchess Lyndr. The dukes went to their wives, many hugging one another despite the rancid smell from being locked in the dungeon for so long.

  Once the reunion was complete, the dukes glared at Eldon with hatred. A few even spat curses.

  “Dexter hasn’t arrived yet?” Colbert asked.

  “No. He’s still outside with the army,” Reid answered.

  “I’ll let him know we’re ready for him.” Colbert left the room.

  “This is a coup,” Eldon snarled. “You have no right to do this. I’m trying to protect this kingdom. You’re dooming us all!”

  Dexter entered the room with his brother at his side.

  Relieved to see him, Reid stepped forward, gaining everyone’s attention. Even though her body tingled with nervousness, she forced herself to be the leader the kingdom needed right now. “As you are aware, Eldon Winston is not the son of the late King Hudson Winston. I believe the line should revert to the late king’s brother, Prince Henrick. However, Prince Henrick died several weeks ago, murdered by his own son, Eldon. Prince Dexter Winston is the legal and declared heir of Henrick. Therefore, I vote to remove the false king, bestowing the title upon the true heir, Prince Dexter Winston. This can only be completed with a vote by our founding families—those in possession of the duke’s ring. All those in favor of stripping Eldon of the crown, raise your hand.”

  Every single duke and duchess raised his or her hand.

  “All those in favor of declaring Dexter Winston the new king, raise your hand.”

  Again, every single person complied.

  Gordon stepped forward. “Since the late King Hudson was my father, I will do the honor. Eldon Winston, my half-brother, I hereby strip you of the crown. I willingly give the title to my cousin, the rightful heir, Dexter Winston.”

  Eldon’s face turned red with anger as he said a few choice words, which everyone ignored.

  “Prince Dexter,” Gordon said. “When we get a binder, we will have you crowned before our court. However, for all intents and purposes,” he withdrew his sword, placing it on Dexter’s head, “I hereby declare you the rightful King of Marsden.”

  Everyone in the room dropped to one knee in subjugation.

  As Reid knelt there, pride swelled within her. She’d helped put the rightful heir on the throne.

  “I take this title very seriously,” Dexter said. “I promise to uphold Marsden’s laws and to work with all the dukes and duchesses.”

  Everyone stood, applauding and congratulating Dexter.

  “If you’ll excuse me, we have a lot of soldiers converging on the palace lawn. I need to announce myself as king to ensure we don’t have any skirmishes.” He bowed his head before exiting the room, Gordon hurrying after him.

  “What about Eldon?” Duke Ellington asked.

  “I suggest we throw him in the dungeon,” Duke Tucker said. Everyone whole-heartedly agreed.

  “I’ll escort him there,” Ackley offered. He came up behind his brother, forcing him to stand and walk in front of him.

  “I’ll go with you,” Reid said, not wanting Ackley to have to do this alone. “Colbert, if you could please see the dukes and duchesses receive the appropriate accommodations?”

  “Of course.”

  Ackley and Reid took Eldon out of the sitting room. Ackley ordered a handful of soldiers to accompany them. The group made their way through the hallways until they came to a lone door.

  “Does this lead to the dungeon?” she asked.

  “It does.”

  The door looked like any other door. She never would have guessed it led to cells for holding prisoners.

  Ackley ordered the soldiers to remain there. Stepping around Eldon, he opened the door, revealing a steep stairwell.

  Eldon went first, limping as he made his way down. Ackley followed his brother. Reid went last, being careful not to slip on the slick stone steps. Torches lined the narrow path, providing enough light to see. At the bottom, a single corridor extended before them with a dozen doors on either side. The thick air smelled of human excrement, making Reid gag.

  “I’m surprised it’s so small.” Reid thought it would be larger, especially given the size of the palace and surrounding city.

  “From what I understand,” Ackley replied, “this is supposed to be a temporary facility. Prisoners are housed elsewhere.”

  Reid would have to ask Dexter. Maybe the military compound had a larger dungeon below it.

  Ackley reached around Eldon, swinging a door open and shoving his brother inside.

  Eldon laughed as he stumbled over to the flimsy cot. His wound had bled through the makeshift bandage, soaking it with blood. Shaking his head, he said, “You’re no better than Henrick.”

  Ackley simply shrugged.

  “He betrayed his own brother,” Eldon spat. “And now you betray me.”

  “You’re alive,” Ackley said. “Just remember that.” He closed the door, locking it.

  Chapter Twenty

  The last time Reid stood in her suite had been on her first wedding day. Little had she known at the time Eldon was about to declare Henrick dead, stop Reid and Dexter from marrying, and order Ackley’s execution. So much had changed since then.

  Gytha knocked on the open door, gaining Reid’s attention. “King Dexter asked me to check on you.”

  Reid waved her into the room.

  “Is everything okay?” Gytha asked, joining Reid at the window overlooking the palace lawn.

  “Everything is fine.” She just wished she could crawl into bed for a few hours. However, too much had to be done. She’d only ducked in here to change and freshen up. “Any word on when Idina, Nara, and Leigh will be here?”

  “King Dexter sent a messenger north to their camp. The soldiers with them are to accompany them here immediately.”

  The sun had just crested the land in the distance, casting the area in a soft glow. Melenia soldiers camped on the front lawn. Owen wanted his soldiers to pack up in the next day or two, reconvening east of the city, where the rest of his forces were currently stationed. Then, once everyone had been accounted for, they would travel together to the port where the war ships were supposed to dock.

  “Has Dexter decided how many men will be accompanying Owen?”

  “There are only so many ships. I think he said about seven hundred can be transported to Melenia. He’s asking for volunteers.”

  “I assume you’re staying?” She couldn’t imagine not having Gytha nearby.

  “Axian is my home. I don’t intend to leave.” The warrior woman nudged Reid’s shoulder.

  “I’m glad.”

  A dog bounded into the room, jumping on Reid. She knelt on the floor, allowing Finn to assault her with his kisses. She laughed while scratching him behind his ears.

  Colbert stuck his head in the room. “I see some things never change.” He absently played with the door handle.

  She stood. “Is everything all right?”

  “Dex wants you to join him downstairs. He’s going to speak with the ruling families in thirty minutes.”

  “Do you know what it’s about?”

  “We’re just trying to make sure everyone is accounted for and adequate security is in place. We don’t know what all Eldon has done since we’ve been gone.”

  Reid assumed Dexter would want
every room, corridor, and passageway checked. He wouldn’t be able to rest until he knew—without a doubt—he had total and complete control of the palace again.

  “I’ll be right there.” She still needed to change out of her traveling clothes. Not only did she smell, but she also didn’t present the image of a queen. Even though she hadn’t been crowned yet—her coronation would take place directly after her public wedding ceremony to Dexter—she needed to start presenting the appropriate persona now.

  After Reid quickly bathed and put on a dress, Gytha escorted her to the great hall located on the first floor. Dozens of people already filled the room. Reid recognized the dukes and duchesses, who’d all managed to bathe and change since they’d last parted, along with a few other people she assumed to be the ruling families from Axian. She suddenly felt like an incompetent child. How could she go before these powerful people and speak? How could she presume to know what was best for this kingdom when she’d experienced so little of it?

  “Breathe in and out,” Gytha mumbled. “Otherwise, you will faint.”

  Dexter entered the room, his commanding presence drawing Reid’s attention. He strode over to her, offering her his arm. Taking hold, she clutched it as he led her to the dais at the front of the room.

  “Ready?” Dexter whispered.

  “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.”

  “We’re doing this together.” He squeezed her hand as they turned to face everyone. “Thank you for joining me,” he said, his loud voice garnering everyone’s rapt attention.

  Off to the side, Reid noticed Dana and Harlow standing side by side.

  “As many of you may have heard by now, I struck a deal with Melenia’s new king, Owen. He is a good man who is going to peacefully leave Marsden, taking his soldiers home with him. His kingdom has been overrun by a neighboring one, and I have agreed to send some of our soldiers to aid him in retaking his kingdom. I will not force anyone to go. Instead, I am seeking volunteers.”

  “I, for one,” Duke Bridger said, “am pleased you managed to get them to relinquish control of our mines.”

  “And, I,” Ackley said, raising his hand, “have volunteered to accompany King Owen. I will oversee our Marsden soldiers.”

  Shock jolted through Reid. Ackley had decided to leave? What if something happened to him? Why hadn’t he said anything to her ahead of time?

  “Since the ruling families are all here,” Dexter said, “I want everyone to discuss our kingdom, the future, and any changes you want made to trade, taxes, or anything else. I invite you each to stay here in my home while we tackle these issues over the upcoming weeks. Lady Reid and I had a small, private wedding ceremony at her home in Ellington. However, I plan to hold a public ceremony for all to witness, along with our joint coronations immediately following our vows. I invite you all to stay for these important ceremonies.”

  The doors banged open. A guard entered, a sheen of sweat on his forehead. “Your Highness,” he said, sprinting down the aisle toward Dexter. “Eldon Winston is dead.”

  A wave of dizziness washed through Reid. The last time she’d been in this room, they’d announced Prince Henrick’s death.

  “Are you certain he’s dead?” Dexter asked, mirroring Reid’s own question. “His leg wound wasn’t serious—I had a healer treat it.”

  The guard nodded. “I went into the dungeon to deliver some bread for his breakfast. When I slid it in, I noticed his head hanging off the side of the cot, so I examined him closer. A white substance dripped from the corner of his mouth, and he wasn’t breathing.”

  Although he didn’t say it, the implication was clear—someone had poisoned Eldon.

  “Who went to see him in the dungeon?” Reid demanded.

  “This guard and I accompanied the healer,” Dexter said.

  “Besides that,” the guard replied, “no one.”

  Reid cringed. Everyone in this room expected Dexter to lead them through this trying time. If he couldn’t even keep a prisoner safe in his own dungeon, how would he effectively rule the kingdom?

  Ackley stepped forward. “Did you say a white substance dripped from his mouth?”

  “Yes.”

  “What about his eyes? Anything unusual?”

  “They were open,” the guard answered. “And a little red. Come to think of it, his skin had a few red blotches too.”

  “Thank you,” Ackley said. “See that the cell remains secure. Don’t move the body until I examine it.”

  “Yes, Your Highness.” With a nod, he pivoted and hurried from the room.

  “Harlan?” Ackley said.

  Harlan pushed away from the wall. “Yes?”

  “I need your help.” Ackley stepped closer to Reid and Dexter. “My father and grandfather were found in a similar fashion. Be on guard.”

  “Do you think Anna poisoned him?” Reid whispered.

  “Someone did.” He strode from the room, Harlan following.

  “Thank you for your time,” Dexter said. “I will be available tomorrow if anyone needs to speak with me.” He and Reid exited the side door leading to the antechamber.

  “What are we going to do with Harlow?” Reid asked. With Harlow no longer the queen, what would her position and title be?

  He rubbed his face. “I haven’t had a chance to speak with her.” He put his hands on his hips. “Come to think of it, I haven’t even seen her.”

  “She was in the great hall listening to you speak.”

  “She shouldn’t have learned about her husband’s death that way.” Dexter wrapped Reid in a hug, placing his chin on her head. “We need to talk to her to make sure she’s okay.”

  Gytha entered the antechamber. “Markis wants to go over a few security measures with you.”

  Dexter sighed, moving his lips to Reid’s right ear and whispering, “Tonight, I don’t care how much needs to be done, you’re mine.”

  A smile spread across her face. “Deal.”

  After Dexter left, Gytha eyed Reid. “You look like you’re about to fall over. You haven’t slept since yesterday. Why don’t you lie down for a few hours?”

  “There’s so much to be done.”

  “And you need to be coherent to do everything.”

  Reid yawned, exhaustion consuming her. “Okay. But I only want to rest for a little bit.”

  Now that the Axian army had returned to the City of Radella, Dexter had stationed soldiers throughout the palace. As Reid passed them, she asked if anyone had seen Harlow. No one recalled seeing her.

  When Reid entered her suite, she went straight to her bed and sprawled across it, not even bothering to remove her shoes.

  “I want it done tonight,” a voice whispered. “Sneak into Owen’s tent and kill him. Make sure you use an Axian weapon—that way, his soldiers will attack. I want as many dead as possible.”

  “Consider it done,” another voice murmured.

  Reid blinked. Darkness filled her room, and she couldn’t see anything.

  “Nice job with Eldon.”

  “That one was fun.”

  “It’s time to eliminate the rest of the Winston family. When the fighting breaks out, make sure to take care of Ackley and Gordon. I’ll see to Dexter myself. I already sent someone to deal with Idina, Leigh, and Nara. Come this time tomorrow, I’ll finally have my revenge.”

  “You can count on me.”

  A shuffling noise came from the corner of the room, then it went quiet. Afraid to move, Reid remained there, going over everything she’d heard. Had the person whispering been her mother? Maybe it had simply been a dream.

  Reid’s bed dipped as someone sat next to her. The silence became deafening. She couldn’t move. Squeezing her eyes shut, she pretended to be asleep, all the while praying her mother didn’t stab her in the back, killing her. Anna had said she wanted the Winston family dead. Reid was now married to one, so did that include her? Her name hadn’t been on the list of people to assassinate. But maybe that was the purpose for her mother’s visit. />
  “I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you growing up,” Anna said, her voice low and soothing.

  Not knowing what to do, Reid forced herself to take slow, even breaths.

  “But I’m here now. We can finally get to know one another. I can be a mother to you.” Anna gently stroked Reid’s head. “When the time comes, I know you won’t disappoint me. You’re my daughter. You are strong, fierce, and loyal. You will do what needs to be done to right the wrongs of the past.” The bed shifted as Anna stood.

  Why had Anna said all that to Reid now when Reid didn’t want to hear it? It was too late. Or had Anna done it knowing Reid was awake?

  Reid remained frozen. She had no idea what time of day it was. But one thing she knew for certain—she had to stop whomever Anna had been talking to from killing Owen, subsequently starting a war between Melenia and Marsden.

  It felt like an hour had passed, but it had probably only been a couple of minutes. She needed to find Dexter to tell him what she’d overheard.

  The door to her bedchamber creaked open. “Reid?” Gytha said. “It’s time to wake up. Commander, I mean, King Dexter needs you.” She marched forward, pushing the curtains open.

  A dull light filtered into the room, revealing the sun setting in the distance. It had to be close to supper. “You let me sleep longer than I wanted.”

  “I lost track of time. I was busy trying to find Harlow, then I had to run a few errands for the king.”

  “Did you find her?”

  “I did. She was in her room, packing her things. She said she wanted to return to Bridger with her parents.”

  Reid absently nodded as she stood and stretched. “Are there guards outside my room?”

  “Of course. Now that you are about to be the queen, you will be guarded at all times. Why?”

  Reid didn’t want to say anything in case Anna lurked nearby. “Come with me.” She exited her suite, absently noticing the two posted guards. A lot of good they did with the secret passageways compromised. Out in the hallway, she started running. Down a flight of stairs and along a corridor before entering a room at random.