Shadow Knights

by Jennifer Anne Davis

  Wiping the tears from her eyes, Reid decided there was nothing she could do to change the past. It was over. She could only focus on the future, though she was tired of others dictating her life. In Ackley’s letter, he’d apologized for putting Reid in this situation. When he’d placed that queen chess piece in the box—presumably stealing the letters—he’d set a series of events into action. He had to be the mastermind behind everything. She wasn’t sure if she admired his ability to think so far ahead, or if she truly hated the man. It could go either way. Love and hate—two powerful emotions—similar, yet so contradictory.

  With her crying fit now over, Reid decided to stop feeling sorry for herself. She wouldn’t let anyone take advantage of her again. However, what she could use right now was a friend—one she trusted. She rose, brushed herself off, and headed back to the palace. There was someone she wanted to see.

  When Reid stepped into Colbert’s bedchamber, she spotted him in a chair next to the window. “It’s good to see you out of bed,” she said by way of greeting.

  The corners of his lips rose. “It’s good to be out of bed.” In loose pants and an untied robe that revealed most of his chest, he looked disheveled.

  Reid imagined it would be considered improper for her to be alone with him in here, especially in his state of undress, but she didn’t care. “Does your tattoo mean anything?”

  He smiled. “Why do you ask?”

  “I’ve never seen anything like it before.”

  Colbert rubbed the nape of his neck. “I spent a year traveling.”

  She sat on the chair next to him, waiting to see if he’d elaborate.

  “The tattoo came from one of the kingdoms I visited. It means Strength in mind and spirit.”

  Reid hadn’t been sure the marks were even letters. The ink covered his entire collarbone and circled around the back of his neck.

  “So, Lady Reid, what brings you to my humble abode?”

  The first word that came to mind was desperation. Desperation for kindness, compassion, and companionship. She leaned back, about to answer. Instead, she winced.

  “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine.” She sat slightly forward, keeping the sore part of her head from touching the chair. Rubbing her temples, she asked, “How are you doing?”

  “Don’t change the subject,” he said quietly. “We’re talking about you. What happened?”

  “It’s nothing.” She didn’t need to cry to Colbert about Gytha besting her. Reid was a big girl who could take care of herself.

  “You’re dressed in training gear.”

  “I am.”

  “You appear to be in some sort of pain.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Fine. I hit my head.”

  His brows drew together. “Has a healer checked it to make sure you’re okay?”

  Chuckling, she said, “That’s funny coming from you.” She pointedly looked at his wound.

  “I suppose you’re right.” He crossed his legs. “Will you at least tell me how it happened?”

  “I’ll tell you on one condition.”

  He waved his hand, indicating she should state her case.

  “You won’t say a word about it to anyone else.”

  “Why?”

  Instead of responding, she stared at him, waiting for him to agree.

  He tapped his hand on his thigh. “Fine. I promise not to say anything.”

  Satisfied, she proceeded to tell him about her incident with Gytha.

  When she finished, he said, “That doesn’t surprise me seeing as how she doesn’t like to lose.”

  “Gytha is far more experienced with a sword than I am.” Reid had been no match for the warrior woman.

  Colbert grinned, seemingly amused. “Sometimes, Reid, your youthful age and naïveté shows.”

  She frowned, not liking the sound of that.

  “I am referring to Dexter,” he clarified. “Gytha always assumed she’d be his wife one day.”

  “Why didn’t they marry?” Why had they carried on a relationship for so long without taking it to the next level?

  “That’s a good question. Clearly, she loves him and wants to get married. I know Dexter likes her, cares for her even. He’s attracted to the fact she’s a fierce fighter, a warrior like no other, and loyal. I’m not sure he’s actually in love with her, though. He considers her a great friend to be sure, but beyond that, I don’t know.”

  Colbert had no reason to lie. So why had he told Reid this? Was he trying to help her understand Dexter better? She supposed friends discussed this sort of thing. They also told each other the truth. “I’ve never been in love,” she admitted. “And I’m scared to marry your brother. Especially since we’re not even friends.” She clasped her hands together, waiting for his reaction.

  He nodded in understanding. “That doesn’t surprise me, given your upbringing. Honestly, I’d feel the same way if I were you.” He shifted in his seat, then winced and cradled his side.

  “Are you all right?”

  “Yes, I just twisted too quickly. I’m sure I’ll be better in no time.”

  “How did you hurt yourself?” She tried to sound nonchalant instead of like she was fishing for information—even though she was.

  “I was doing something I shouldn’t have been. Which is why I don’t want my parents or anyone else to know I’m injured. I feel bad enough—I don’t need them hounding me.”

  “I can understand that.” Reid chuckled. “Are you going to be able to attend the engagement party tomorrow?”

  “Everyone expects me to be there.”

  “I don’t want you to injure yourself any further.”

  “I’ll be careful. Maybe I’ll walk a little slower than normal and refrain from dancing, but I will be there.”

  She reached for his hand, squeezing it gently before releasing it. “I’m glad I will have at least one friend in attendance.”

  Reid tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Tomorrow, her engagement to Dexter would be formally announced to the people of Axian. Nara had pulled Reid aside after supper earlier to explain a small, private party would follow the event. The princess kindly reminded Reid that the newly engaged couple needed to dazzle everyone. Reid and Dexter were to be the champions everyone rallied behind. Quite frankly, Reid couldn’t imagine Dexter being anything other than the commander of the army. The notion of him formally dressed, dancing and speaking cordially with other people, seemed like a foreign concept.

  Reid flew upright in bed. Not only did she have to wear a lavishly fancy dress, but she would also have to dance. The last time she danced was with Gordon. When her face warmed, she immediately banished all thoughts of him—he was in her past.

  Instead, she tried to picture what songs she’d have to dance to. Thankfully, her sisters had taught her all the important steps. Granted, Reid had always taken the man’s part. But how hard could it be to switch over to the woman’s? What would it be like to dance with Dexter? Would everyone watch them, expecting to see two people in love? And how would Dexter treat her? In the training area, when he’d grabbed her waist to keep her from falling, his hands had been strong and steady. The thought of being held in Dexter’s arms as they danced sent a wave of anxiousness spiraling through Reid. She didn’t understand why she was suddenly so nervous.

  After slipping out of bed, she tiptoed over to the window, then lifted the curtain to glance outside. In the sky, a sliver of the moon shone. Most buildings in the city were dark, everyone tucked safe inside their own homes. Everything seemed so quiet and still. Except for the man who strode across the front lawn, his black cape billowing behind him. Reid squinted, trying to get a better look, but the hood concealed his face. His shoulders were wide, his gait long. It could be a soldier heading home after his shift, but Reid didn’t think so.

  When she’d scouted the palace, the sentries had been aware of her presence. She didn’t think much happened around here that Dexter wasn’t privy to. It was doubtful a guard would be cross
ing the lawn at this hour. Her gut told her it was Dexter. And that the sentries were aware of his movements. So where was he going this late and alone?

  Ackley had given Reid an assignment—discover where the prince goes at night. Dexter’s midnight stroll had to be what Ackley referred to.

  She considered changing, then running after him. However, Dexter had too far of a head start. She’d never be able to catch up. Not only that, but he would also know if someone followed him. Even if he somehow didn’t, the guards would spot her.

  The Knights knew Dexter sometimes went somewhere at night, but they hadn’t been successful in finding out where. And if a trained spy couldn’t follow Dexter, Reid stood no chance. She’d have to get creative.

  When Ackley tested Reid before making her a Knight, he’d sent her on a job no other Knight had been able to accomplish. She’d been successful because she’d used her ability to play the part of a man or a woman. Adapting to the circumstances, thinking quickly, and being able to talk her way out of any situation had allowed Reid to succeed.

  She released the curtain, the fabric sliding shut. Once she’d climbed back into bed, she tried to figure out how to solve the mystery.

  Chapter Eight

  Upon entering the family’s private dining room for breakfast, Reid found Dexter and Colbert seated at the table. “Should you be up and about?” Reid asked Colbert as she sat across from the brothers.

  Colbert raised his eyebrows. “Not you, too.”

  “Excuse me?”

  He chuckled. “I just got that very same lecture from Dex.” When Colbert nudged his brother, Dexter only rolled his eyes and took a big bite of his oatmeal.

  Reid plucked a slice of bread and placed it on her plate, then poured a cup of tea.

  Dexter’s leg jerked against the table, almost as if he’d been pinched. Colbert covered his mouth, muttering to his brother so softly Reid couldn’t hear a word. Curious, she took a sip of her tea, wondering if she’d find out what was going on.

  A moment later, Dexter cleared his throat. “How’s your head?”

  Reid blinked, studying him. Curling her fingers around the warm mug, she said, “I have a large lump, which is rather sore, but I’m fine. Thank you for your concern.”

  He inclined his head, then resumed eating without a word.

  Colbert shook his head, clearly exasperated with Dexter for some reason.

  Nara entered the room. “Lady Reid, I need a moment of your time.”

  Longingly, Reid stared at her untouched plate of food before rising. “Of course, Your Highness.” She followed Nara to a quaint sitting room.

  “We need to talk about tonight.” Nara closed the door, then sat on a sofa, patting the spot next to her.

  As Reid took a seat, her stomach growled. Instead of acknowledging her hunger, she waited for the princess to speak.

  “I’m not familiar with how things are done in Ellington, but, in Axian, the county is divided into six regions,” Nara began. “A family is in charge of overseeing each region. These families then report to Prince Henrick, who oversees the entirety of Axian.”

  Reid nodded to show her understanding. Ellington was run very similarly.

  “As soon as Henrick signed the marriage contract for you and Dexter, he sent word to each family, asking them to send a representative to hear a special announcement.”

  “So what you’re saying is the most important families from Axian will be in attendance tonight?”

  “Yes.” Nara smiled. “That is exactly what I’m trying to convey.”

  Reid fidgeted with the end of her sleeve. “I’ve only attended one formal function as a woman, and it was rather small.” Even as a man, she hadn’t been to many grand events. Her father tended to avoid lavish parties.

  Nara patted Reid’s thigh. “You’ll be fine.” She pursed her lips. “But there is something you need to know.”

  “What is it?”

  Nara scrunched her forehead, clutching her hands together. “I’m not sure how to say this, but one of those families is your family. Your mother’s side. In other words, your grandparents are in charge of an Axian region.”

  Acute silence fell as Reid processed the information. Her father had recently informed Reid her mother was from Axian. For some reason, Reid had never considered the possibility her grandparents could still be alive. Since her father’s parents were dead, she’d assumed her mother’s were as well.

  Abruptly, Reid leaned forward, putting her elbows on her knees and resting her head against her hands. She breathed heavily. “I’m going to meet my grandparents tonight?”

  “No. Neither will be in attendance tonight. However, I expect them to be at the wedding.”

  Reid kept breathing through her mouth, striving for more air.

  “Your grandfather sent his nephew’s son as the family’s representative. You’ll meet your second cousin this evening.”

  “What if my grandparents hate me for killing their daughter?” Reid felt sick.

  “You didn’t kill your mother. She died in childbirth. It was not your fault.” Nara rubbed Reid’s back, the simple action soothing her.

  “I wish I had known.” Stupidity for not considering the possibility she had grandparents filled her.

  “Since northern Marsden’s relations are so strained with Axian, you wouldn’t have had the opportunity to visit anyway, so knowing wouldn’t have made a difference.”

  “My father should have told me.”

  “Speaking of your father, this arrived for you.” Nara pulled a letter out of her pocket, holding it out to Reid. “You can open it in private later.”

  Reid took the letter, running her finger over her father’s seal.

  “Now that you understand we are hosting the most important and powerful families tonight, families whose support we need, I am going to ask a few things of you.”

  “Of course,” Reid answered automatically, too overwhelmed with the notion she had grandparents to focus. Clinging to the envelope from her father, she stared at Nara, hoping the princess would finish in a hurry so Reid could read her letter.

  “It’s imperative Axian remain strong. To do that, we need money, resources, and the support of the military. As of now, the only thing looming before us is an uncertain future.”

  Reid understood what Nara had implied. Even though Henrick hoped for peace, Nara planned to prepare for war—just in case.

  “Tonight,” Nara continued, “you will dress as the fine lady you are. People will expect you to be meek and docile. However, you will be the strong, confident woman I know you are. You will exhibit this through the words you use, the wisdom you convey, and the way your carry and present yourself.”

  “I can do that,” Reid said, the lie rolling off her tongue. She had no idea if she could act and behave in such a way. However, if her doing so was what Nara needed, Reid would do everything she could not to let the princess down—even if it meant putting on a show. The letter still clutched in her hand, Reid rose to leave. Hesitantly, she asked, “What do you think the king is going to do to me?”

  “Whatever do you mean?”

  “King Eldon expects me to procure those letters between Henrick and Leigh. However, someone stole them.”

  “The only other person who has a key is Leigh,” Nara stated.

  Could Leigh have given Ackley the key? And if so, why? “The king will be furious with me when I don’t produce the letters.”

  Nara stood, settling a hand on each of Reid’s shoulders in a show of comfort. “You’re going to be part of this family. We’ll protect you.” Her strong words rang true.

  “Thank you.”

  “I have a few things to tend to before tonight.” Nara released her. “People will be pleased when they see their future princess looks like one should. And when they find out you’re also a warrior, they’ll know what a real gem you are.”

  The word gem reminded Reid of something. “I think we need to investigate what’s going on in the Bridg
er mines.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “I saw two groups of men who looked like miners from Bridger. Both tried to assassinate Ackley, Gordon, and Idina—but not the king.” Then there was the fact at least one ship sailed from Bridger to Melenia to barter precious stones and gems.

  “Have you shared this concern with anyone?”

  “No.”

  “I’m glad you said something to me. I’ll have my sons look into it.”

  Standing before the full-length mirror, Reid shook her head. “I can’t.” She’d never seen a dress like this in her life, much less wore one. “It’s not appropriate.”

  “I beg to differ,” Nara said, coming to stand beside her. “It’s perfect.”

  Reid barely recognized herself. The midnight-blue dress left her shoulders bare, going straight across her bosom to fit snuggly along her torso. At her waist, the fabric loosened, flowing in soft, silky waves around her feet. A mixture of braids and soft curls, her hair had been gathered atop her head, then adorned with a circlet. When she moved, the tiny diamonds all over her dress transformed it into a night sky glittering with stars. Even Reid’s makeup complemented her attire, the pale shimmery colors making her appear almost fairy-like.

  “Don’t you think it’s a little too revealing? I’ve never seen anyone wear something like this before.”

  “It is revealing,” Nara admitted.

  “Shouldn’t I wear something…like your dress?” The princess wore a deep green dress that covered her from neck to toe. Tan thread formed a pattern of intricate leaves on her tight sleeves and bodice. Although elegant, it managed to convey Nara’s fierce side.

  Nara rested a hand on Reid’s shoulder. “You look like a woman, you look like a princess, and you look desirable. That, my dear, is what you must convey. We are announcing your engagement to my son. He is the most sought-after man in Axian. He is not only a prince, but also the commander of the army here. You must rise to the occasion and match him.” She released Reid. “Let’s go.”