“She is still my daughter.”
“Is she?” Ackley said. “Because no one seems to know that. Not even the records. You do not have a daughter named Reid. Only a son.”
“I’m not saying she won’t go with you,” Duke Ellington ground out. “It’s simply too late to travel, especially in this weather. Please stay here. In the morning, you can speak with Reid. She told me she intends to go to the City of Buckley tomorrow.”
“I suppose that’s acceptable,” Ackley said. “You can show us to our rooms.”
Reid ran up the stairs, then dashed into her bedchamber. Unable to sleep, she stared at the ceiling. What were Ackley and Gordon doing here? What did they want? She’d only been home a couple of days. There was no way they could have traveled from the king’s castle to Ellington that quickly.
Throwing off her covers, she went over to the window and peered outside. The rain had softened to a light mist. A light shone from near the front of the castle. It started moving, heading toward the stables. Reid strained to get a better look, but it was too dark to see who was carrying the lantern. It disappeared inside the stables. She stilled, watching intensely. A few minutes later, the stable door opened, revealing two figures—one person carrying a lantern and another leading a horse out. The one with the horse mounted and took off toward town. The other carried the lantern back to the castle. At the front door, the person turned. The light from the lantern revealed the face of her father—Duke Ellington.
Chapter Nineteen
Reid stood in front of her mirror. Wearing traditional men’s clothing, she no longer felt like herself. Her father was right—she’d been miserable since she returned. She yearned for the freedom to wear what she wanted and behave as she wished.
Ackley and Gordon’s voices drifted up from the great hall. The first time she’d met them, she’d tried so hard to make them believe she was a man. Now that they knew the truth, she didn’t bother pulling her hair back and covering it.
She went downstairs. As she neared the great hall, she heard the princes arguing with her father. When she stepped into the doorway, everyone fell silent. “Prince Ackley, if I could have a word with you in private.” Not waiting for a response, she strode out of the house. Heading over to the garden on the west side of the property, Reid stepped around the squash and sat on the stone bench.
“You’ve gotten bold,” Ackley said as he joined her on the bench. “I’m not used to being ordered around.”
She could hear the smile in his voice. But she wasn’t here to tease or be friends with the prince. “Why are you here?”
“To fetch you.” He extended his long legs out before him, crossing his ankles.
Peering at Ackley, she wondered if he was there to fetch her for the king? Or for himself? And why was Gordon with him? “How’d you know I was here?”
“I have my ways.” He winked.
“Do you still want me as a Knight?”
His head jerked back in surprise. “Of course. Why would you even ask that?”
“I thought you might be mad I did an errand for the king.”
Instead of answering, he said, “I noticed you have a game of chess going on in your bedchamber.”
“You went into my room?” That was highly inappropriate.
His lips curled into a smile. “I may have taken a turn. Moved a pawn.” He shrugged.
It had been so long since she’d last looked at the pieces, she probably wouldn’t even notice what he’d done. She should just start another game.
“When do we leave?” she asked. The sooner she delivered the box to the king, the sooner she could procure her father’s pardon and deed.
“As soon as you’re ready.” He nudged Reid with his shoulder. “What’s the matter? Are you upset about Gordon?”
“Gordon?” Had he done something she wasn’t aware of?
“I thought maybe you were upset he’d gotten married while you were gone. It was quite the wedding.”
Gordon was married? Shock rolled through Reid. While she’d known he was engaged, she hadn’t thought the marriage would take place so soon for some reason. Not that it mattered. “I had no idea.”
“If it’s not my brother you’re upset about, then what is it?”
“I just have a lot on my mind,” she said, sitting up straighter. “And why do you think I’d be upset over Gordon? I’m happy for him.”
He raised his eyebrows. “Whatever you say.”
“You promised if I went with you all those weeks ago, you’d make sure my father was pardoned and he’d be granted the right to bequeath his estate to a female heir.” Between Ackley’s pledge and Eldon’s bargain with her, there shouldn’t be any issue in obtaining both items.
“Didn’t my brother already take care of it? He assured me he would.”
“Not yet. Why do you think I’m dressed like this?”
Ackley shrugged. “Maybe you like it.”
“Ackley,” she said with a groan.
“I’ll talk to him when we return to the castle.” He kicked a small rock. “Maybe it just slipped his mind.”
He was too smart to believe that. Which meant he was feeding her a lie. She abruptly stood. “Are you ready to leave?”
Peering up at her, he studied her for a moment before nodding. “Are you?”
“I need to pack a few things. I’ll be ready within the hour.” She needed to say goodbye to her father and sister. That wouldn’t take long. And Harlan. At this time of day, he would already be in town working.
Going around the back of the castle, Reid kept her focus on the muddy ground, trying not to slip, when she collided with someone. Strong hands gripped her upper arms, steadying her. She looked up into Gordon’s intense eyes.
Reid wanted to apologize for smashing into him. However, his eyes held so much emotion the words stuck in her throat.
He released her, retreating a step back. “Forgive me,” he said, his deep voice slightly hoarse.
“I was on my way to finish packing,” she explained. This was the first man she’d felt attracted to. And now he was married. “I hear congratulations are in order.”
“About that,” he said. “You understand the king arranged the marriage, don’t you?”
She did.
“It’s simply a political match.”
But a match, nonetheless. He was a married man. She went to step around him.
He grabbed her elbow. “Wait,” he whispered.
“There will be plenty of time to talk as we travel to the City of Buckley.”
“I want to speak to you alone,” he clarified.
“I’m sure whatever you have to say can be said in front of your brother.”
“Please.”
Sooner or later, she was going to have to learn how to be around this man without letting her emotions get in the way. She might as well start now. “I can spare a moment for a friend,” she said, forcing a smile on her lips. The act felt awkward and fake.
“I…” Gordon took a deep breath, his shoulders rising and falling. “I wish things were different.” He finally released her arm.
It was better he was attached. Then she couldn’t entertain ideas about the two of them being together.
“What’s going on?” Ackley asked, coming up behind Reid.
“Nothing,” she replied. “I was simply congratulating your brother.” Ducking around Gordon, she ran inside.
After shoving some clothes in a bag, Reid went over to her bookshelf and pulled out the box. She thought she heard it rattle, but she must have been mistaken. Letters didn’t make a sound like that. She wrapped a shirt around it, then hid it in the middle of her bag. Satisfied, she put the strap over her head and around her shoulders, then went to the stables. Since Ackley and Gordon were nowhere in sight, she mounted Mirage, steering him out of the stables and to the nearby town.
It was so hard being here after seeing the wealth and prosperity of Axian. Not that Ellington wasn’t doing well, but its buildings wer
en’t made from stone, the streets weren’t paved, and everything just seemed smaller. Less grandiose.
Outside the apothecary’s shop, Reid tied Mirage to a post and headed inside.
Harlan was sitting at a table, smashing leaves with a rock. He glanced up at her. “You’re leaving again, aren’t you?”
“I am.” She patted her bag.
Wiping his hands off, he stood and came around to the other side of the table near Reid. “Are you sure you’re making the right choice?” He leaned against the table.
“I am going to make sure my family is taken care of.”
Harlan chuckled. “Ironic, isn’t it? You acting like a man after all.”
She whacked his shoulder. “It has nothing to do with being a man or woman. I’m doing what must be done to ensure my father is pardoned and our land remains in the family.”
“I know.”
“I don’t know when I’ll be back.”
“I know.”
“I’m going to miss you.”
He sighed. “I know.”
“Well, I guess this is it.” She wished her friend could come with her.
He pushed off the table. “Reid.”
“Yes?”
“Since I don’t know when I’ll see you again, I want you to know I value your friendship. You’re the one person who always treats me with respect. Thank you.”
She hesitated, then lunged forward to hug him.
“Be careful,” he whispered, hugging her back. “Did you know Knox was sent on a secret mission shortly after midnight last night?”
This was the first she was hearing about it.
“I don’t know what’s going on, but your father sent him somewhere.”
A chill slid down her spine. Last night, she saw her father at the stables and then someone leaving for town. Had her father sent Royce to deliver a message to Knox? It had to be in response to the arrival of the princes. But why and to what end? “How do you know?” She released him.
He took a step back. “Knox came to see me before he left.”
The apothecary entered the room. “Lord Reid,” he said, eyeing her. “Everything all right?”
Before she could answer, a woman entered with a child on her hip. The toddler’s face was red, her hair a tangled mess, and thick snot ran from her nose. The apothecary ordered Harlan into the back to make an elixir for the young child. Reid used the distraction to leave the shop. Mounting Mirage, she steered her horse home. She refused to look back at the town. She would return one day. Her entire family was here. Her sisters, nieces, and her father.
When she reached the stables, Gordon was leaning against the side of it in the shade.
Ackley was pacing back and forth. “Where have you been?” he demanded.
“Saying goodbye to my friend.” She pulled Mirage to a stop. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’m going to bid my father and sister farewell.” Without waiting for him to respond, she dismounted and headed inside.
Duke Ellington stood in the great hall near the hearth. Kamden sat on a chair reading a book.
“It’s time for me to go,” Reid announced.
Kamden closed her book, then jumped to her feet. “I’m going to miss you. It’s so boring around here without you.” She threw her arms around Reid, squeezing her tightly.
“I’m going to miss you, too.” Reid kissed her sister’s cheek and released her. “Watch over Father.”
Kamden nodded, tears in her eyes. “Promise me you’ll return when I marry.”
“You’re not even engaged,” Reid pointed out.
“I know. But I will be soon.”
Not wanting to argue about there being more to life than marriage, Reid simply told her sister she’d be back for her wedding. Whenever that was.
Duke Ellington reached in his pocket, then pulled something out. “I’ll miss you.” He handed it to Reid.
“What’s this?” she asked, examining the sterling silver ring he’d placed on her palm. Inscribed on the signet was the Ellington family crest, which consisted of two wolf heads, a banner with three stars, and a knight’s helmet. Around the crest was a swirly art design.
“Whoever wears that ring has not only the rights of my heir, but also my rights,” the duke explained. “If any harm comes to you, I will seek retribution. That includes if a prince…or a king…lays a hand on you.”
A chill ran over Reid’s body. This ring was from hundreds of years ago, from the time the kingdom of Marsden was formed. Each of the powerful ruling families had been given a ring along with a dukedom. The rings were meant to keep the royal family in check. If the king harmed any of the dukes, the bearer of the ring had the right to call upon the other dukes to overthrow the king. In the hundreds of years Marsden existed, not a single duke had ever used his ring for that purpose.
“Put it on,” Duke Ellington demanded.
Reid’s fingers shook as she slid the ring on her pointer finger. “When the king sees this on my hand…”
“He’ll know exactly what it means. And that’s the point. Never take it off.”
She wasn’t sure if anyone other than a duke had ever worn the ring. “I love you,” Reid said, hugging her father.
He kissed the top of her head. “Be smart.”
She nodded. With her bag still strapped over her shoulder, she left the room. Each step weighed heavily on her. The moment she left this castle, everything would change. Reaching up, she removed her cap, letting her hair spill around her shoulders. From now on, she was Lady Reid Ellington. Holding her head high, she walked to the stables and mounted Mirage. Once situated, she allowed herself to look at the brothers.
Gordon narrowed his eyes, his lips pursed.
A sly smile slid across Ackley’s face. “Lady Reid,” he drawled, “you are a rare find. I look forward to working with you.”
The three of them set out for the City of Buckley.
Chapter Twenty
The journey to the City of Buckley took a fortnight. Ackley remained friendly and chatty the entire time. Gordon, on the other hand, barely spoke. As they got closer to their destination, the more nervous Reid became. Especially with the ring on her finger. It was a glaring beacon to anyone who saw it. Neither brother asked her about it. However, every once in a while, Reid would notice Ackley look at it and chuckle.
They entered the City of Buckley and made their way along the streets. It felt like a lifetime since she’d been here even though it had only been a couple of months. During her first visit, she couldn’t get over the coloring and splendid design of the city. Now, after seeing the City of Radella, everything here seemed plain, bland, and dirty. Almost watered down. It didn’t have the vibrant prosperity of the south. Instead, people slept in the alleyways, malnourished children begged for food, and people’s clothes were haggard.
After dismounting, Reid followed Gordon and Ackley inside the castle. Unlike last time, no one was there to greet them, which made sense since Gordon had told the city sentries not to ring the bell announcing their presence.
“I need to speak with the king,” Gordon mumbled before striding away.
Ackley shook his head. “I’ll walk you to your room. You’re staying in the same one as last time. Only, I’m sure my sister has filled it with clothes befitting of your station. I want you to change and make yourself presentable.”
“Is that really necessary?” She just wanted to crawl into bed and sleep.
“The king will expect to see you. Put a dress on and make yourself pretty. I’ll meet you in the great hall for supper.” He opened the door to her room, ushering her inside.
Reid bid him goodbye and surveyed the room, needing to find a place to hide the box until she met with the king. Not wanting to hide it any obvious place, she dumped her bag on the bed, shaking out its contents. Keeping the box wrapped in a shirt, she shoved it between the two mattresses, pushing it toward the middle as much as possible. She took a step back to observe the bed. No one would be able to tell there was so
mething hidden there.
Exhaustion consumed her. Crawling on top of the bed, she laid down next to her clothes. She couldn’t even feel a lump from the box. Her eyes fluttered shut. She just needed to rest for a few minutes.
Her door flew open, banging against the wall. “Reid.”
Reid sat upright, blinking. “What?”
Idina stood in the doorway, her hands on her hips. “Ackley told me you were here.”
“Sorry. I must have fallen asleep.” Idina was just as beautiful as Reid remembered. Her red hair shone brightly against her teal dress. Reid rubbed her eyes. “Am I late for supper?”
“No.” Idina shut the door. “Has something happened? All three of my brothers are sequestered in the study.”
“Not that I know of.” Reid felt bad the princess was so frequently excluded from things simply because she was a woman.
“Is that what I think it is?” Idina asked, pointing at Reid’s hand.
“Oh.” She looked at the ring, not sure how to respond.
“No wonder my brothers are in a tizzy.” Idina sat on the edge of Reid’s bed. “Did your father give you that?”
Reid nodded.
“Why?” Idina’s blunt tone surprised Reid.
“I don’t know.” Playing dumb was probably the safest route to take right now.
Idina’s eyes narrowed. “You seem…different.”
“I’m not sure what you mean.” Reid went over to the armoire, then opened it up. Sure enough, dresses filled it. Glancing at Idina, Reid raised her eyebrows in question.
“Guilty,” Idina said. She stood and came over to Reid. “Wear this one. It’s Gordon’s favorite color.” She pulled out a dark red dress—the color of blood.
“Why would I wear Gordon’s favorite color?”
Idina smirked. “To upset that wife of his.”
“I have no desire to do that.”
“Sometimes I forget you were raised as a man.” Idina put her hands on her hips, staring at Reid as if she were a foreign object she didn’t know what to do with.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Reid set the dress on the bed.
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