“Before we get to your plan,” Dexter said, addressing Anna, “please explain how you’re alive.”
“Agreed,” Gordon said, not bothering to eat.
Anna glanced at Reid. “Delivering my fifth child was difficult. The midwife who came to help with the delivery thought I’d died since there was so much blood. After she left, I told Tatum I couldn’t stay in Ellington any longer. I had to use the opportunity given to me—it was the perfect cover. Tatum agreed, so he announced my death. He had my body transported to Axian, where I was to be buried.”
Anna’s response lacked emotion, remorse, or reason. Dexter clenched Reid’s hand. She remained quiet, not sure what to ask since her thoughts were jumbled.
“Once you returned to Axian, what did you do?” Dexter inquired.
Anna’s focus zeroed in on Dexter. There was something about her eyes that made Reid squirm. It almost seemed as if malice or contempt filled them.
“Please,” Reid said. “I’d like to know.” And she wanted Anna’s attention off Dexter.
Anna glanced at her parents, the duke and duchess of Axian, before answering. “The Axian family has been in charge of the Knights for generations. Normally, the eldest son inherited the dukedom while the second-born son took over the Knights. Since there was no way for me to inherit the title and land, I decided to take control of the Knights.”
Shock rolled through Reid. Her mother had chosen running the Knights over raising her five children? Tears filled her eyes.
“Your mother wasn’t happy with us,” Duke Ellington explained to Reid. “When she almost died, I realized I had to set her free. That’s why I helped her get to Axian. After that, I had no contact with her. All these years, I hoped she was alive and well. I assumed she was running the Knights, but I never knew for sure.”
Reid didn’t want to hear another word from either of her parents right now. She was about to stand when Ackley reached across her to grab a bowl of vegetables.
“Stay,” he whispered. “I know you’re upset, but we have more important things to deal with right now.” He spooned a serving of green beans onto his plate.
Of course he was right. Reid couldn’t let her family drama distract her from saving the kingdom.
“You abandoned your five daughters,” Dexter said. Laced with fury, his deep voice cut across the room.
“For a greater cause,” Anna replied, as if it should be obvious. “The Knights were in need of a leader.”
“Who was in charge of it before you?” Reid inquired. “Grandfather’s brother?” She realized Duke Gregor had to have a brother since she’d met Victor, her second cousin. Where was he now? What had happened to him?
“As fun as this family reunion is,” Ackley drawled, “we have more pressing matters to discuss.” He tapped his finger on the table, impatient as always.
“I agree,” Anna replied. “We need to focus on what’s important.”
How could this heartless woman be Reid’s mother? She’d always assumed a mother was nurturing, kind, and protected her children. Anna didn’t seem to possess any of those traits.
“A group of Marsden soldiers will travel to the palace,” Anna stated. “Once they arrive, they will attack the Melenia soldiers, causing the chaos we need.”
“Chaos for what?” Colbert asked.
“For the Knights to kill the king.”
Ackley pursed his lips. “And once the king is eliminated?”
“Now that Prince Henrick is dead,” Anna stated, “Dexter and Reid will rule.”
Reid rubbed her throbbing head, wondering why no one was arguing with Anna’s asinine plan. They couldn’t sacrifice soldiers to create a distraction in order to murder the king. This was madness.
“You’re assuming the Marsden soldiers will kill enough of the Melenia soldiers that they won’t be a threat any longer, I take it?” Colbert asked.
“Yes.”
They couldn’t possibly be considering Anna’s plan, could they? Reid had thought Ackley, Gordon, Colbert, and Dexter were smarter than that.
The queen’s warning came back to her—in order to circumvent someone’s plans, Reid had to know what his or her end goal was. Anna’s appeared to be killing the king, which was what Reid hoped to accomplish as well. So what was she missing? Something didn’t feel right.
“Gordon will return to the City of Buckley, where the majority of his soldiers are stationed.” Anna folded her hands, leaning her elbows on the table as she continued to explain. “He will then lead them to the City of Radella.”
Reid narrowed her eyes. Anna wanted Gordon to lead the fight, effectively ensuring his demise. Which happened to be rather convenient since Gordon was the only person who could contest the throne since Ackley’s title had been stripped.
“Very well,” Gordon replied. “I’ll leave tomorrow.” He stood, then exited the room.
“I hope you keep him on as the commander of your army,” Henrick said to Dexter. “You’ll need someone like him at the helm.”
Reid glanced at Henrick. “You intend to remain dead?” Even after they finished this, he didn’t want to return to his family?
“Yes.” Henrick took a sip of his water. “I think it’s time someone younger inherits the throne. Dexter is ready. He should be king.”
While Reid agreed, there was one major problem—she didn’t want to be queen. “Ackley, you have no objections to this plan? You’re okay with Dexter inheriting the throne?”
“I’m on board on one condition.”
“Which is?” Anna asked.
“I’m the one who kills Eldon.”
Chapter Two
“Why must you always be so difficult?” Anna asked Ackley.
He simply smiled.
“You can be the one to kill Eldon so long as you don’t hesitate because he’s your brother. It needs to be a clean, quick kill.”
“Consider it done.” He shoved his chair back, extending his legs and crossing them at the ankles.
Dexter stood. “If you’ll excuse us. It has been a long day.” He held his hand out to Reid.
She slid her hand into his and rose. They headed for the door.
“Are you retiring for the night?” Ackley asked, his voice holding a hint of mischief. He laced his fingers behind his head, peering at them.
“We are.” Dexter started walking faster.
“Well, now. If I remember correctly, you two aren’t actually married.” Ackley smiled at Reid.
“You told me you were,” Duke Ellington huffed.
Reid froze at the doorway. “We were in the middle of the ceremony when Eldon announced Prince Henrick’s death and the Melenia army stormed the palace.”
“So you’re not wed?” Anna asked.
“No,” Reid answered.
“We can’t move forward with our plans until you are,” Anna stated, briefly glancing at the ceiling as she tried to mask her irritation. In that moment, she reminded Reid of Kamden.
“Tell me, Reid, do you still want to marry my son?” Henrick inquired.