“Yes?”
Several people laughed. Apparently, she’d missed the conversation and what it had to do with her. Shoving a bite of carrots in her mouth, she hoped to divert everyone’s focus elsewhere. Idina was sitting to her left, Gordon across from her, Leigh next to her son, and the king and queen at either end. It felt odd to be eating with the royal family with no one else present. “Where’s Lady Dana?”
“Ackley is escorting her home,” Gordon said, suddenly interested in the food on his plate. He stabbed the same potato three times before it stayed on his fork.
“Lady Dana is returning home so she can prepare for the upcoming wedding,” Idina explained.
Before Reid could contemplate Gordon and Dana marrying, Leigh said, “Thank you for joining us for supper, Lady Reid.” Her voice had a sweet melodic tone to it. “Tell me, how do you like the City of Buckley? I hear you’ve managed to find time to explore it.” As she took a delicate bite of her chicken, she watched Reid from across the table, her eyes revealing a ruthless intelligence at odds with her voice and mannerisms.
“This city is much larger than any in Ellington, and I am enjoying myself immensely.” Reid was finally starting to understand how to behave as an elegant woman in society. Mundane, polite conversation seemed to be a key ingredient.
“I’m pleased one of Duke Ellington’s daughters finally managed to visit us. I was beginning to think none of you existed.” Smiling, Leigh took a sip of her wine.
Reid was certain Leigh’s words had a double meaning. Swallowing her anger, she replied, “I can see how you might mistakenly think that. However, all five of us do exist. We’ve just been so busy minding our own business in the county of Ellington. Besides, there has never been anything in the City of Buckley to tempt us enough to visit.”
Idina started coughing, grabbing at her cup of water and gulping huge mouthfuls.
Harlow said, “We usually have several ladies here vying for the princes’ attention.”
Reid had assumed that. Which was why she’d said what she had. Forcing her face to remain passive, she replied, “Is that so?”
“Why are you here, Lady Reid?” Leigh asked.
Reid had a feeling this had something to do with Eldon summoning her to his private chambers this morning. “My father boasted of your hospitality,” she said. “When Prince Gordon showed up requesting soldiers, my father begged him to take me along to the City of Buckley so I might have the privilege of meeting the royal family. Now that I’ve met you, I am eager to return home.”
Everyone was staring at Reid. She wanted to crawl under the table. No longer hungry, she set her fork down and stood. “Thank you for inviting me to supper. If you’ll excuse me, I have a few things to tend to.” She left before anyone could stop her. Once safely inside her room, she plopped on the bed. Leaving the City of Buckley was starting to sound like a good plan.
Originally, the idea of being a Knight had been enticing. However, it had only been a couple of days and she was starting to wonder if she’d made the right decision. She missed her home, she missed her family, and she missed the open air of the country. Too much commotion, too many odd smells, and way too many people filled the city.
An hour later, someone knocked on her door. Reid forced herself to get up and answer it.
“Come with me,” Idina ordered.
“I’m getting ready for bed.” Now that the assassination plot had been thwarted and security increased, it wasn’t necessary for Reid to watch over the princess at night.
“This isn’t a request. Let’s go.”
Reluctantly, Reid followed Idina downstairs and out the castle via a side door. They hurried across the lawn to the barracks. Inside, they turned left and entered the first door on the right. In the middle of the square room was a round table with papers strewn all over it. Gordon stood with his hands leaning on the table while reading a letter. Only two torches had been lit, casting the room in a soft glow.
Idina closed the door. “I received word there’s a gathering at one of the places we’re monitoring.” She stood beside her brother, pointing to a map. “It’s here where Duke Tucker, Lord Fesher, and Lord Drider are staying.”
“How many people are in attendance?” Gordon asked.
Reid went over to the table to examine the maps and correspondence, but she was unable to figure out their significance.
“At the time of the report, over fifty. Enough for you and Reid to blend in.”
“Excuse me?” Reid asked.
Gordon peered up at her. “We’re going on a mission.”
“Our informant said every notable family in the city is there,” Idina explained. “Including Duke Tucker. I want to know what’s going on.”
“A Knight provided this information,” Gordon said. “However, he couldn’t get inside because he didn’t have a reputable name.”
“So you and Gordon are going,” Idina said.
“As ourselves? Or undercover?” Reid asked.
“You’re going as yourself, and Gordon is going undercover.”
“Won’t he be recognized?”
“The dukes in attendance have only seen Gordon a handful of times, and he’d been dressed as a prince. If we style his hair differently and have him wear merchant clothing, he should be fine. Besides, you’re the one who’s invited.”
“I am?” When had this happened? Who’d invited her? Why hadn’t she heard about it before now?
“An invitation arrived for you earlier today. I’m assuming Duke Lyndr spread the word you’re staying at the castle.”
“Even though you didn’t accept the invitation, you’re going to attend,” Gordon said. “And I will be your nobody escort. I’m sure they’ll be thrilled when you arrive.”
“I have clothes for you to change into,” Idina said, pulling Reid over to one of the corners. Opening the door, Idina gently shoved Reid inside a small closet where a simple, yet elegant dress hung on a hook. Reid hurried to change.
Idina cinched the tie. “It looks pretty on you,” she said as she took a step back to examine Reid.
The rose-colored dress was tight around Reid’s torso, accentuating her curves—something she wasn’t used to seeing. The bottom half flowed straight to the floor, the material light enough for her to easily move in.
“Put your hair down,” Idina said. “It looks too severe pulled back like that.”
Reid unclipped her hair, letting it cascade around her shoulders in soft waves. Running her fingers through the tangles, she smoothed them out. Idina handed her a simple band to place around the crown of her head. Satisfied with her appearance, Reid stepped out of the closet.
Gordon had changed as well. No longer wearing his usual fitted pants, he had on sturdy trousers similar to what most merchants wore. He’d replaced his tunic with a simple long-sleeved shirt. However, the biggest difference was his hair. He’d managed to pull his wavy, scattered locks into a tie at the base of his neck.
“Shave,” Idina commanded.
Gordon sighed and left the room.
“When you arrive at the party, give them this.” Idina handed Reid her invitation. “I want you to act smitten with my brother. Play the part of a duke’s naïve daughter. Give them what they expect.”
“Got it.”
A clean-shaven Gordon reappeared. His smooth cheeks toned his rough exterior down, making him appear a few years younger. As much as Reid didn’t want to admit it, he was handsome. Needing to distract herself from all thoughts concerning Gordon’s appealing physique, she asked, “What do you want me to discover while I’m there?” She’d never been to a party before, so acting the naïve daughter of a duke shouldn’t be too hard. Hopefully, she wouldn’t do something to embarrass herself.
Idina glanced at Gordon.
“I’ll tell you what you need to know on our way,” he said. “Let’s go.”
They exited the room. Idina wished them good luck as she left through the front door of the barracks. Instead of doing the
same, Gordon and Reid went out the back. Gordon led the way through a small gate in the wall used only by the soldiers.
The sun had long since set. Thick clouds hung in the dark sky, promising rain. Reid shivered.
“Time to play the part,” Gordon mumbled as they neared the first set of buildings. He wrapped his arm around Reid, startling her. “Relax,” he whispered. “We’re supposed to be courting.”
While she understood that, playing the part was another matter. A man had never put his arm around her and been aware she was a woman. No one had ever shown any interest in her that way. “Wait,” she said, stopping near the side of a building and twisting so Gordon’s arm no longer touched her.
“What’s the matter?”
It was hard to focus. She just needed a moment to come to terms with what she was doing and what needed to be done. Bending at the waist, she breathed heavily.
“Reid?”
She glanced up at Gordon, feeling like a small child. She was out of her league in so many ways. “I’m sorry. I don’t think I can do this.”
“Are you not feeling well?” he asked, gently rubbing her back.
“That’s not it.” Straightening, she massaged her forehead.
“Then you better explain it to me quickly. We need to be at that party, and we’re wasting time.”
She’d never been physically attracted to a man before. Every time she looked at Gordon, a knot tightened in her stomach. “You’re right. I’ll be fine. Let’s go.”
He shook his head. “I’m not walking in there unless I know, without a doubt, that you can pull this off. Otherwise, our lives are in jeopardy. There’s too much at risk.” Folding his arms, he waited for her to explain.
No one else was nearby. Reid ran her shaky hands over her dress, summoning her courage. “I’ve never played this part before.”
Gordon’s eyebrows drew together with confusion.
She just needed to say it as simply as possible so he understood. “I’ve pretended to be a boy my entire life. And now here I am, acting like a lady in love.” Her face flushed with the admission.
His features immediately softened. “I didn’t realize I was making you uncomfortable when I touched you.”
If another man acted the part—Knox, Harlan, or even Ackley—would she still feel this way? Or was it simply Gordon who sparked these emotions? And it wasn’t that he was making her uncomfortable. She almost wished he were. Every time he touched her, heat seared through her body. And she had no idea what to do with that knowledge.
“Since the moment I met you,” Gordon said, his low voice rumbling in the space between them, “you’ve adapted to any situation thrown at you. I assumed you could play whatever role we needed you to with ease.”
Reid blinked, not knowing how to respond. Maybe she just needed some time to get into character.
Placing his hands on her shoulders, Gordon forced her to look into his eyes. “I don’t want to make you uncomfortable, but we don’t have a lot of time and we need to pull this off.”
She nodded.
“You’re Duke Ellington’s daughter. You’re a strong, beautiful woman. Stand tall and hold your head high. I am your doting escort who is smitten with you.”
She glanced away.
“Reid.”
Peering up into his eyes, she wasn’t sure she could pretend to be courting this handsome man before her. Why did he have to be so attractive? He was already engaged to someone else, and she had no desire to be attached to a man right now.
He reached up, cupping her face. “When I put my hands on your waist or place a kiss on your forehead, you will smile and pretend to enjoy it. I can’t have you jump and blow our cover.” Gordon’s thumbs moved over Reid’s cheeks, making her breath catch.
There was no way she could do this. Not with Gordon. If it were anyone else, she could pull it off. But not him.
“We need to be on our way,” he said, sliding his hands to her shoulders and squeezing them. “Ready?”
Mustering every ounce of courage she had, she nodded again. She could do this. It was just another part to play. Gordon wrapped his arm around her shoulders, and they resumed walking. To distract herself from the overwhelming smell of the man beside her, of the feel of his strong arms holding her, she asked what the point of this mission was.
“Since my brother took the throne, my uncle, Prince Henrick, has been threatening to invade us. Many of the dukes have expressed their concern to King Eldon. One of those dukes is going to be at this party, and I want to hear what he’s saying. Is he upset Eldon is calling soldiers to the border? Does he fear Prince Henrick?”
They continued in silence for a few minutes. “Have you personally spoken to any of the dukes?” Reid asked.
“Of course. I’ve been to a couple of the counties to gather soldiers.” They changed direction, making a left down the street. “What are you really asking?”
“When you went to request soldiers, did you ask for any of the dukes’ opinions on how to handle a possible invasion and whether they agree with sending soldiers to the border?” Were the dukes united in fighting Henrick? When Gordon came to Ellington, he’d demanded soldiers instead of discussing the matter with her father.
“That’s not how it works,” he replied. “The king gives orders, and I follow them.”
“I understand the king’s sovereignty. But look at it from the dukes’ perspective. The king is new and young. He hasn’t proven himself yet. Asking for the opinion of someone older, wiser, and more experienced shows true leadership.”
“It would make him look weak.”
“He doesn’t have to do what they suggest. I’m simply saying he should consult with the dukes. At least pretend he cares about their opinions.” Because Gordon and Ackley’s behavior had upset her father. He’d been furious the princes had shown up and demanded soldiers. A lot of the other dukes probably felt the same way.
“We don’t have time to argue,” Gordon said. “And we are off topic.”
“Agreed.” The word came out harsher than she’d intended. “Just tell me what you want me to do at the party.”
“Mingle.” After a cart passed, they crossed the street. “If you can steer the conversation to the king, do so. I want to know how people feel about Eldon and whether they support him or not.”
“And if they don’t?” she asked. “What then?”
“I don’t know. Eldon is my brother and my king. I will help him in any way I can.” They turned another corner, making their way down a street jam-packed with tall apartment buildings. “If the dukes stand with the king, then the people will as well.”
Up until now, Reid had only considered the threat from Axian. The thought of people uprising from other counties hadn’t occurred to her. If Eldon didn’t have the dukes’ support, he wouldn’t have an army. Each duke was responsible for providing anywhere between one to two thousand soldiers when called upon, depending on the county’s population and size. The kingdom of Marsden consisted of ten counties. If the dukes chose to revolt against the king, they could. Reid now realized the importance of this party.
“Here we are.” Once they entered a nondescript building, they climbed three flights of stairs. Outside the door, Gordon looked at Reid. “Ready?”
With a decisive nod, she knocked on the door. When it opened, she rested her head against Gordon’s shoulder. “I hope we’re not too late,” she cooed in a singsong voice. “I’m Lady Reid Ellington. This is my escort, Royce Bayer.”
“Welcome.” The man opened the door wider to wave them in. “We’ve already eaten, but everyone is still here. I’m Sir Gilbert.” He led them into a spacious sitting room where dozens of people were conversing. “Can I get either of you anything?”
“No, but thank you,” Reid replied. “However, my father asked I give his regards to the esteemed Duke Tucker.”
Sir Gilbert smiled. “Your father is a good man. Come with me.” Reid followed him around the room as he introduced her to the m
erchants in attendance. Gordon had managed to slip away at some point. He was now walking along the perimeter of the room, a drink in hand, presumably listening in on conversations.
“This is Duke Harmon Tucker and his beautiful wife, Duchess Lyne Tucker,” Sir Gilbert said. “Now if you’ll excuse me, another guest has just arrived.” He strode away.
Reid smiled at the duke and his wife. They both appeared to be in their forties. The duke had short brown hair and a stocky build. He wore black pants and a black tunic, no family crest or anything hinting at his status as a duke. The duchess wore an elegant blue dress, which indicated wealth. However, no jewelry was visible. She’d pulled her blonde hair into a single braid.
“You know who we are,” the duke said. “But we don’t know your name. It seems Sir Gilbert failed to deliver a proper introduction.”
“I’m Lady Reid Ellington.” She started to reach her hand out, but she caught her error and folded her hands together in the hope no one noticed. Only men shook hands.
“It’s nice to meet you. Your father is a friend of mine.” He smiled kindly at her.
She racked her brain, trying to think of a tidbit of information about the duke. “He told me the two of you met when he visited Tucker in his younger days.”
The duke chuckled. “Yes, before either of us inherited the title. We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into back them. Tell me, did your father get a letter from Prince Henrick?” He took a sip of his drink.
Keeping her face neutral, she answered, “He did.” Although she wasn’t aware of a letter, that didn’t mean one hadn’t arrived. Her father could have withheld that information from her.
“We were surprised by its contents,” Tucker replied.
“So were we. Where do you stand?” Reid hoped her question was neutral enough to garner a revealing answer.
“I’m pleased Prince Henrick has no intention of invading northern Marsden,” Tucker said. “I believe him when he says he’s content with Axian and wishes to be left alone. I will admit to being a little surprised by what he proposed.”
Reid was about to point out her father had soldiers along the Gast River to combat groups of Axian men coming into their county. But before she had a chance to respond, Tucker took a step closer to her.
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