Then how did he know love would make him a slave? “Have you been in love before?” Did something happen to make him this way?
“No. But I’ve experienced enough of the world. I’ve seen what love does to people. How it skews their reasoning and choices. What about you? Are you in love with someone?”
She shook her head.
“Given your upbringing, and what I’ve seen of you here, you seem a little naive when it comes to relationships.”
“Just because I’ve never been in love doesn’t mean I’m naive. It simply means I haven’t met a man worthy of my love.”
He smiled. “I like the fire inside you. I can see why my parents think you’re a good fit for me.”
Still trying to figure Dexter out, she set her plate down, clutching her hands together. “How do you see our marriage working?” The question was rather blunt, but she needed to know his answer since she had no idea what he was thinking.
“How do you see our marriage working?” he countered. “Why ask me first and give me the power to decide?”
“I asked how you see our marriage working, not how it will work. My question implied I’m curious to hear your thoughts. I am in no way giving you any power. And if I don’t like your answer, I’ll tell you. I’m not obliged to do whatever you say.”
Rubbing the nape of his neck, he said, “I guess I envision us each doing our own thing.”
“Yet, somehow working together to align our counties?” Did he not want companionship? Friendship? A partner?
“My father wants peace. My mother thinks there will be a war. All I can focus on right now is protecting Axian and my family.”
“I can help you. Ellington will be your ally.”
“Will your father provide soldiers if we need them?”
“I think so. Especially if I request them.”
“And if my father says not to fight? If he wants to hand over Axian to King Eldon, then what?” His eyes shone bright and intense. As if her answer made all the difference.
“That’s an intriguing question.” But how to respond since she didn’t know for certain? Should she—could she—stand by Dexter’s side if he went against the king? Because if she supported Dexter, that meant fighting Gordon, Ackley, and Idina. Choosing her words carefully, she replied, “Do you know there is unrest in northern Marsden? Are you aware some of the dukes are questioning the king?”
“Are you implying we may be able to rally others to stand with us?”
Reid noted he chose his words carefully as well. He never said rebel against the king or take over. “I am. And if we can put enough pressure on the king, we may avoid a war while maintaining control over Axian.”
“Are you siding with my father then?” he asked.
“No. I’m not saying we should be subservient or roll over like dogs to avoid a war. I’m saying we gain the necessary support to let the king know we’re prepared to go to war if needed.”
“And do you think Axian should remain a solitary county? Not trading with northern Marsden?”
“I don’t know. I like Axian the way it is, and I don’t want it to change or conform to the north’s rules and ways of life. However, I think open trade is a promising idea. I’d like to be able to visit Ellington to see my family.” And Axian was part of Marsden. “Unless…”
“Unless?” he asked.
“Unless Axian becomes its own kingdom.” Would that solve their problems?
“The king would still see us as a threat.”
Point taken. “I need to think more on the matter.” She rubbed her eyes. “It has been a long day. I’m going to bed.”
“Speaking of beds…”
Too shocked by the mention of beds to stand, she remained sitting. “Yes?” She had no idea where he was going with this.
“My mother is having a suite prepared for us. For after we marry. I requested we each have our own room. She insisted on an adjoining room between them, which will have a large bed for us to share if we ever so decide.”
“Oh.” Reid had no idea what to say to that. This was the part of the marriage she refused to think about.
“Since we’ll have separate rooms, we can maintain a platonic relationship.”
“Our marriage will be in name only?” she asked.
“Yes.”
Relief flooded her at the realization she wouldn’t have to give her body to this man she barely knew. “What about an heir?” Since Dexter wasn’t his father’s heir, would Henrick insist they have a child?
Dexter ran his hands through his hair. “My father made it clear he expects me to have a child. He thinks it will be good for the people of Axian.”
“Did he give you a timeframe?” Was it in their marriage contract?
He shook his head. “And who knows what’ll happen in the next few years.”
They had time to figure out their platonic, no-love marriage before they eventually had to produce a child. She rested her head on the armrest as she observed Dexter across from her, trying to envision what her life would be like ten years from now.
Reid awoke on the sofa, still wearing her dress. How long had she been asleep? When she sat up, she realized she wasn’t alone. Prince Henrick stood with his back to her, gazing out the window. The sky was a dull gray, the sun just starting to rise. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I didn’t mean to fall asleep here.”
Henrick turned to her. “It’s fine.”
Standing, she stretched before heading to the door.
“Lady Reid.”
“Yes?”
With his right hand, he absently touched his left wrist where his Knight mark was hidden below his sleeve. “You’ve been summoned,” he murmured. “A Knight is waiting in the stables to take you to our headquarters. There, you will meet the person in charge and spend a few days training.”
Shock rolled through Reid. Headquarters? She hadn’t known such a place existed. “Am I permitted to go?” Would there be enough time to make it there and back before the wedding?
“It’s only two days on horseback from here. All you have to do is change and head to the stables.”
“Aren’t people going to wonder where I am?” And by people, she meant Dexter. He would notice her absence, and probably assume she was up to something nefarious.
“I will inform everyone you left with your second cousin to visit your grandparents for a few days. No one will suspect a thing.”
Her grandparents. As excited as she was to go to the Knights’ headquarters, she also wanted to meet her family. “Can I visit them as well?” Would there be enough time to do both?
“You can. However, it will have to be at a later date. Duty calls, so I suggest you get moving.”
Reid rushed from the room. After putting on a pair of pants and a traveling shirt, she quickly packed a few essentials. Hoisting her bag on her shoulder, she exited her room. On the first floor, she tried to remember how to get to the stables. Not having any time to waste, she checked the library and saw light coming from the back rooms. After rushing to Colbert’s office, she found him reading a book at his desk.
Finn jumped to his feet, throwing himself at Reid’s legs and licking her hand.
“Don’t you ever sleep?” she asked Colbert.
He glanced up from his book. “Occasionally.” He smiled. “Where are you off to at this early hour?”
“The stables. Can you tell me where they are?”
He quickly gave her directions. “Are you going for a ride?”
“My second cousin is taking me to meet my grandparents.”
“Right now?” He closed his book, setting it aside.
“He’s already at the stables waiting for me.” After giving Finn a kiss on his head, she exited the office.
“Reid,” Colbert called after her.
“I’ll see you when I get back!” She jogged to the stables.
A man in his late twenties already mounted on a horse asked, “Lady Reid?”
She nodded.
Pulling up his sleeve, he revealed his Knight mark. He looked at her, waiting.
Assuming he wanted verification, she yanked up her sleeve to show him her identical mark.
Seemingly satisfied, he said, “If anyone asks, I’m Victor, your second cousin.” Dark brown hair topped his pleasant face. “The horse in the stall to your right is saddled and ready for you. Let’s be off.”
Reid led the horse from the stall, then attached her bag to the animal. She mounted, nudging her horse to follow Victor out of the stables.
“Sorry to make you wake so early,” he said as they rode off the palace grounds and into the city. “I want to cover as much distance as possible today.”
“It’s no problem.” It felt good to be back in a saddle again.
They exited the city and went southwest, pushing the horses hard. They only stopped once for a quick meal. When it became too dark to travel, Victor found a cave for them to sleep in. He woke Reid before the sun rose, and they set out, traveling hard and fast the entire day.
Just when Reid was about to ask if he planned to stop for the night, they came to a mountain, Victor steering his horse directly toward it. At the base, he started ascending in a back-and-forth pattern.
“It’s almost dark,” Reid said. “Are we to take shelter in another cave for the night?” She thought Henrick had said it was only a two days’ journey from the palace.
“We only have a little bit farther to go.”
The higher they went, the steeper it became. Afraid her horse would lose its footing and fall, she suggested they stop for the night.
Victor agreed, steering his horse behind a large boulder. Reid did the same. On the other side, a passageway cut directly between the mountain. Since it was too narrow to ride side by side, she followed close behind him. After a quarter mile, they exited to a flat area sunken in the middle of a mountain. The area had to be at least a mile in diameter. In the center, a castle had been built from stones. The place looked ancient.
Victor headed straight toward the castle.
“Is this it?” Were they at the Knights’ headquarters? The deteriorating castle appeared abandoned.
He nodded.
An eerie sensation—like spiders crawling over her skin—unsettled her. “Victor,” she whispered. “Are we being watched?” While she didn’t see anyone, she could feel eyes tracking them. Were there unseen Knights following their movements?
He smiled over his shoulder at her.
Unease filled Reid, making her want to turn around and leave. However, she had no desire to descend the steep mountain since it was almost dark.
At the front of the castle, Victor dismounted, Reid doing the same. He went to the front door and opened it, waiting for her.
“Should I get my things?”
He waved her forward.
She glanced around, not seeing anyone but feeling like dozens of eyes were on her. Maybe she’d feel safer inside. She brushed past Victor to enter the castle. It was pitch black inside.
Victor placed his hand on her back, gently nudging her forward. “There is someone here who is dying to meet you.”
The door slammed shut, startling her.
“I have Lady Reid Ellington,” Victor said. “Just as you requested.”
“You may pass.”
Victor prodded Reid forward. “There’s a curtain in front of you. Push it aside.”
Reid did as instructed. Stepping past the curtain, she entered a brightly lit hallway. On her left, two open doors led to a sitting room.
Victor stepped around Reid and entered the room. There were two sofas and four chairs arranged around a low table. An enormous fireplace was situated along one wall, a desk and a bookshelf along another. A woman who had to be in her late forties stood near one of the chairs. She wore black pants and a black tunic, her brown hair in a single braid. Victor plopped on a sofa, then groaned in exhaustion.
“Please have a seat,” the woman said.
Fatigued, Reid sat, taking note there weren’t any windows in the room.
The woman smiled. “Lady Reid, I’d like to welcome you to the headquarters for the Knights of the Realm.”
Chapter Eleven
Reid couldn’t believe she was in the Knights of the Realm’s headquarters. And that it was in Axian. Leaning forward, she rubbed her face. “What about you?” she asked the stranger who hadn’t divulged her name.
“What about me?” Her voice was smooth and level, not revealing any emotion.
“Are you a Knight?”
Still standing, the woman gripped the back of the chair. “No. I am not officially a Knight.”
“Who are you?”
“It’s a long story.”
“I have time.”
“As do I.” The woman’s smile softened her face. “However, it’s late. I’m tired, and you must be as well. We will discuss everything tomorrow.” To Victor, she said, “Thank you for bringing her. You may leave.” Then to Reid, she said, “I’ll show you to your quarters.”
Reid followed the woman from the room.
“Thank you for coming. I’ve been wanting to meet you.”
Dozens of questions swirled in Reid’s mind. However, she was too exhausted to voice any as they traveled along a seemingly endless corridor. When they came to a steep, spiral staircase, they climbed two flights, then traversed another long hallway, doors lining either side at evenly spaced intervals.
The woman stopped before the sixth door on the left. “You may sleep in here. In the morning, we’ll talk.”
Entering the room, Reid found a single lit candle, which revealed a narrow bed on one wall, a writing desk on another, and a tall dresser shoved in the corner. No window, no fireplace. She shivered. While the room was neat and clean, it felt cold and sterile. Reid spotted her bag at the end of the bed. She opened it, pulling her nightgown out. After changing, she climbed under the rough sheets.
The unnatural quiet gave the castle a haunted feeling. Who was the woman she’d spoken to? The exhaustion from traveling all day consumed her, and she quickly fell asleep.
Since there weren’t any windows in the room, Reid had no idea if it was morning yet. Feeling rested, she stretched and climbed out of bed. When her feet hit the stone floor, she yelped at the frigid temperature.
After quickly dressing in pants and a tunic, she tied her hair back and exited the room. She headed downstairs where she found the woman from last night sitting at a desk writing.
“Good morning,” Reid said, hoping not to startle her. “At least I think it’s morning. I honestly don’t know.”
“It’s after sunrise.” The woman folded a piece of paper in half before sliding it in the top drawer. “Let’s get something to eat while we talk.”
“You still haven’t told me your name.”
“I’m Anna.” She led the way to a rectangular dining room, where a table already loaded with food waited.
Reid sat, taking a plate and piling it with food. She’d barely had anything to eat over the past two days. “This is the Knights’ headquarters?” From the little she’d seen, the facility seemed remote and secure.
“It is.”
“But you’re not a Knight?”
“No. I train the Knights. However, I’ve never taken the oath.”
“Why not?”
“I’m married.”
“So is Prince Henrick,” Reid pointed out.
“He’s no longer an active Knight, though he does help out when needed. For example, when we requested your presence, he made the arrangements to get you here.” Her plate held only a piece of bread covered with raspberry jam.
Reid took a bite of her eggs. “Ackley told me there are twenty-five Knights?”
“You are the twenty-sixth active Knight. There are another twenty-five who are retired.”
“What’s going to happen once I marry Prince Dexter?” she asked, cutting into her fried tomato.
“You will no longer be a Knight.”
Tha
t didn’t seem fair. “Aren’t the Knights trying to bring Axian’s way of life into northern Marsden?”
“Why do you say that?”
Because people were treated fairly in Axian, which made Axian better than the other counties. Instead of saying that, she voiced another concern. “Don’t you think Henrick is a more effective leader than Eldon?”
Pushing her plate forward, Anna folded her hands and rested them on the table. “What I think is irrelevant. The purpose of the Knights is to serve the kingdom. And right now, that means ensuring peace.”
She sounded like Henrick. “Are you telling me the Knights support King Eldon?”
“No, I’m telling you the Knights support the people.”
“The people in northern Marsden should have the same rights and liberties as those in Axian.”
“That is your opinion—one I happen to agree with. However, we must look at the larger picture. Do you think those freedoms are worth the loss of thousands of lives? The destruction of farms, homes, people’s livelihoods? Those are the questions we need to ask ourselves before we start talking about ousting a king.”
Reid hadn’t thought about it that way before. She took her last bite of eggs before shoving her plate away. “Since I’m to marry Prince Dexter in one month, I’m not going to be a Knight much longer.”
“If you remained a Knight after you married, how would you feel about withholding information from your husband? How do you think your husband would feel about you not being honest with him? You’d have to lie, sneak around behind his back, and keep a part of yourself hidden. That’s not a marriage.”
No, it wasn’t. But neither was what she was going to have with Dexter. “The prince and I will be married in name only.”
Anna drummed her fingers on the table. “That may change as you become better acquainted. Regardless, the Knights’ laws are absolute. A great many people have made sacrifices through the years to keep it so.”
“Then why did you even bother to make me a Knight if I could only be one for a few months?”
“We need you to serve a specific role that no one else can.”
Shadow Knights Page 12