Shadow Knights

by Jennifer Anne Davis

  Reid rammed her elbow into his stomach, which only made him laugh. Gytha glared at them over her shoulder.

  “I guess we need to be quiet in case there are assassins lurking nearby,” he whispered in Reid’s ear.

  Why was Dexter acting as if he and Reid were good friends? Was it because of what they’d just been through? No, she was certain his kindness had started before then. She couldn’t pinpoint when exactly, but it had been before this trip.

  When they stopped to set up camp, Dexter led Gytha a few feet away, then spoke quietly with her. The soldiers began to unroll their bedrolls and prepare a meal. One female soldier offered her bedroll for Reid’s use, then unpacked it for her.

  Dexter approached with Gytha. “She is going to take you far enough away so no one can see you. Then, she’ll unwrap your bindings to check your rib and back.” He left no room for argument.

  Reid followed Gytha into the cover of the trees. “When you’re done helping me, I want you to have someone look at Prince Dexter’s shoulder to make sure infection hasn’t set in.”

  “Yes, Lady Reid.”

  Reid had never heard the woman agree so readily. Or take an order from Reid for that matter.

  Once they’d gone far enough, Reid removed her shirt and wrap.

  Gytha examined her. “It looks like two cracked ribs. How did this happen?”

  “An assassin punched me, then tossed me on the ground.”

  “Commander Dexter informed me that you saved his life by throwing your body in front of an arrow.”

  Clearly, the woman was fishing for information. Reid wanted to make sure she conveyed her loyalty. “Yes. I couldn’t let anything happen to him. He is too valuable to Axian.”

  “Let me see your back,” Gytha said, her voice soft and without its usual harshness. “It’s swollen, but it looks fine.” She rewrapped the fabric tightly around Reid. “I know this is uncomfortable, but it will help.”

  When they returned to camp, Reid felt off-kilter over this nicer version of Gytha.

  Late the following night, they reached the palace. All Reid wanted was a hot bath and a soft bed. A soldier had ridden ahead to let Prince Henrick know Prince Dexter and Lady Reid were about to arrive and both needed medical attention. When Dexter steered his horse into the stables, a dozen people Reid didn’t recognize waited for them.

  Dexter ignored them as he dismounted. Reaching up, he placed his firm hands on Reid’s waist, lifting her off the horse and setting her on solid ground. “Besides being seen by a healer, you don’t have to talk to anyone tonight,” he murmured. “They can all wait until tomorrow.” He took her hand, leading her toward the exit.

  Nara, Henrick, and Colbert entered the stables. When Nara threw her arms around her son for a hug, Reid wiggled her hand free.

  “I want Lady Reid seen by a healer,” Dexter said. “She has at least one broken or cracked rib.”

  Nara released Dexter, then scanned Reid from head to toe. “Then I won’t hug you. Come, I’ll help you to your room and see you’re taken care of.” Nara hooked her arm with Reid’s, leading her out of the stables and into the main portion of the palace.

  “Can you please make sure someone looks at Dexter’s shoulder?” Reid asked. She hadn’t seen any sign of infection. However, until a healer examined it, she would continue to worry.

  Nara ordered one of the soldiers they passed to fetch a healer for the prince. “The soldier who arrived before you only said there were injuries sustained. He didn’t say what happened.”

  “We were ambushed by assassins. Twice. Dexter was shot in his arm by an arrow. I was punched and thrown.” A short, succinct version of what happened. Dexter could fill Nara in on the details later.

  Entering her suite, Reid found the candles already lit. Joce had a hot bath waiting, too. Nara helped remove Reid’s leather armor, clothes, and the wrap around her torso. Then, both women assisted Reid into the bath. Reid would have protested if she had the strength. But the hot water seeped into her muscles, relaxing her. After washing, she got out of the bath and dressed.

  Nara asked Joce to fetch the healer. When the lady’s maid was gone, Nara helped Reid get into bed.

  “You don’t need to stay with me. I can manage on my own.” Now that Reid was in bed, her eyelids became heavy. She was certain Nara had better things to do than tend to her—like making sure Dexter was okay.

  Nara laughed. “I’m happy you’re home. Helping you gives me something to do while allowing me to express my gratitude.”

  The word home still applied to Reid’s castle in Ellington—not this grand palace in Axian. Tears filled Reid’s eyes, but she blinked them away. She could miss her father and sisters when she was alone. Now, she needed to remain strong and in control.

  Nara reached out, pushing stray tendrils of hair away from Reid’s face and gently stroking her cheeks. “I always wanted a daughter.”

  Instead of responding, Reid closed her eyes and willed her tears away. She would not cry.

  The healer entered. “I’ve been summoned by multiple people to check on Lady Reid.” She sat on the bed beside Reid, flashing a kind smile. “I hear you may have broken ribs?”

  Reid nodded, lifting her nightshirt so the woman could examine her.

  “It feels like one cracked rib to me,” the healer replied. “I’ll put a salve on it for swelling and wrap your torso. That’s all that can be done.”

  While she worked, Nara stood at the window, staring out into the night.

  “There,” the healer said as she finished, pulling Reid’s shirt back down. “If the pain becomes too uncomfortable, send for me. I’ll bring some medicine.”

  Nara showed the healer from the room, then moved around the perimeter of the bedchamber, snuffing out the candles. When she finished, she pulled the blankets over Reid, adjusting them.

  Having grown up without a mother, Reid had never had someone fuss over her like this. The only reason she had tears in her eyes—again—was due to her injury and exhaustion. Nothing else.

  Nara perched on the edge of the bed. “I want to thank you.”

  “It’s not a big deal,” Reid mumbled. “Anyone would have done the same.” She closed her eyes, sleep threatening to take over. “And my mother’s leather armor saved me, so it all worked out.”

  “The armor saved you?” Nara asked.

  “Yes, from the arrow I took in the back for Dexter.”

  “You didn’t tell me about that.”

  “Then what are you thanking me for?” Confused, Reid opened her eyes to survey the princess.

  Nara squeezed Reid’s shoulder. “I was thanking you for bringing my son some joy.”

  That seemed like an odd thing to say considering what Reid and Dexter had just been through.

  “Dexter closes himself off to other people. He doesn’t have many in his inner circle. Even those closest to him, he keeps at a distance. Tonight, when I saw how protective he was of you, when I saw him holding your hand, I knew you’d finally broken through his barriers.”

  “I don’t know about that. We’ve just been through a trying experience is all.”

  Smiling, Nara stood. “You don’t give yourself enough credit. The first time I met you, I knew the two of you would be good together.”

  “Please tell me you didn’t send the assassins after us in order to bring us closer together.”

  Nara barked out a laugh. “Although that’s an intriguing idea, I would never do that. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go check on my son. We’ll talk more in the morning.” She paused in the doorway. “I’m glad you’re home safe and sound, Lady Reid. Right where you belong.”

  The following morning, Reid woke up to find Nara in her bedchamber, a tray filled with food in hand. “Oh good, you’re awake. I brought breakfast.” Nara placed the tray next to Reid, then sat beside her. “I need you to meet with the seamstress today so she can finish making your wedding dress.” She bit the tip of her thumb while eyeing Reid.

  “W
hat is it?” Reid asked, pushing to a sitting position.

  “I sent messengers to personally invite guests to the wedding. Some of the responses we expected. For instance, your father, your sisters, your grandparents, and all the dukes.”

  “Really? I’m surprised the dukes would want to travel so far.” Reid took a bite of oatmeal. Would Harlan attend the wedding? Maybe he’d come with his new bride. What about Knox? Reid couldn’t envision Knox there.

  “I assume the dukes want to see Axian for themselves,” Nara said.

  Which made sense since trade and travel had stopped between Axian and northern Marsden for the last two decades. Reid took a sip of her tea, the hot liquid sliding down her throat and warming her.

  “Which brings me to those we did not expect to attend the wedding.”

  Setting her teacup on the tray, she waited for Nara to continue, an ominous feeling starting to rise.

  “The king is coming.”

  “That’s unfortunate.” Reid had hoped to never see the man again.

  “I agree.” Nara stood and went to the window, pushing the curtains aside to let in the bright morning sunlight. “Which means we have a lot to do to prepare for his arrival.”

  “I’ll get dressed so I can help.”

  “No, my dear. You need to rest today. Otherwise, my son will have a fit.”

  Reid wasn’t sure she could remain in bed all day long. Besides, staying busy would keep her mind off the fact Eldon was coming.

  “Up for visitors?” Colbert asked from the doorway.

  “Come in.” Reid smiled, glad to see him.

  “I’ll leave you two to chat,” Nara said. “I need to attend a meeting on security.”

  “Why does it seem like one of us is always injured?” Colbert said as he came into the room, folding his arms.

  “Maybe it’s a sign for us to be more careful.”

  He grinned. “Well, there’s someone who’s dying to see you if you’re up for visitors.”

  When she nodded, he whistled. Finn bounded into the room, Colbert yelling at him not to jump on the bed and hurt Aunt Reid. She laughed, loving the nickname he’d bestowed upon her.

  “How are things around here?” she asked, petting Finn’s head. He licked her hand.

  “Since we found out the king is coming, Mother and Father have been in endless meetings.”

  It looked like he wanted to say more, but he refrained from doing so.

  “Is something the matter?”

  Arms still crossed, he studied her before saying, “No, Lady Reid, there’s nothing the matter. But I need to go. I have a meeting of my own I must attend.” Finn ran after him, wagging his tail.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Reid spent the day lounging in bed. The only time she got up was when the seamstress came to take her measurements. After the sun set and darkness blanketed the city, Reid became antsy, no longer able to handle her confinement. Sliding out of bed, she went over to the window, gazing out at the city. Colbert’s words kept replaying in her mind. Who was he meeting with? What exactly did Colbert do in the library all day?

  On a whim, she decided to snoop. After dressing in pants and a tunic, she pulled her hair back and grabbed a dagger. Not that she needed a weapon in the palace. However, she felt better having one in case another assassin showed up.

  She eased out her door, then crept along the dark hallway. At the top of the staircase, she encountered two soldiers.

  “Can we escort you somewhere, Lady Reid?” the one on the right whispered.

  “No. I’m just going to get something to eat.” Thankfully, they didn’t insist on accompanying her. She slowly made her way down the steps, her ribs not nearly as painful as yesterday.

  On the first floor, she headed to the library. With none of the hallway candles lit, odd shadows filled the corridors. Someone had propped the library doors open. Pressing against the wall, Reid listened but didn’t hear anything, so she peered around the corner. Two figures headed right toward her. She hid behind the door, hoping neither had spotted her. Were they sentries on patrol? Or could it be Dexter and Colbert?

  The pair exited the library and turned left, walking away from Reid’s hiding place. She poked her head around the door, watching them retreat. Based upon their heights and body shapes, she believed it was Dexter and Colbert. At the end of the hallway, they made a left. Reid hurried after them, unable to run because her torso hurt too badly. At the corner, she peeked around the edge, watching as they exited the palace.

  Taking a deep breath, she considered her options. Follow them or go back to bed?

  She smacked her head against the wall. The Knights had tasked her with discovering where Dexter went at night. This was her chance. So why was she hesitating? Well, for one, her ribs hurt. Two, the last time she’d tried spying, it hadn’t worked out so well. She could just ask Dexter about his nightly escapades, but he probably wouldn’t tell her what he was doing. And did it matter whether she got the information the Knights requested? Was she truly loyal to them above all else? Especially when she was only going to continue being a Knight for a short time? Most importantly—to her, at least—did it matter to Reid if Dexter was the leader to a group of revolutionaries seeking to make Axian its own kingdom?

  Cursing, she exited the palace and hurried across the lawn in the same direction the brothers had gone. Looking at the situation objectively, if she’d been on her way to the kitchen for food and saw Dexter leave the palace in the middle of the night, she would have followed him out of curiosity. So, in actuality, she was doing this for herself and not the Knights.

  When she reached the first set of buildings, she peered down the main street, searching for the brothers. Only a handful of people were out at this late hour. The streetlamps were dim, the city fairly dark. A few windows in the surrounding buildings were illuminated. In order for this to work, she needed to make sure she behaved normally, not like a spy snooping around. She straightened, rolling her shoulders back and trying not to wince.

  Strolling around the corner, she acted like she had somewhere to be. Even though she didn’t see Dexter or Colbert anywhere, she refused to stop or deviate from her current course. She walked with purpose while scanning the doorways and side streets. A thought suddenly occurred to her—how would she get back in the palace if the doors were locked? Would she be forced to knock? The entry and exit points had to be monitored. Last time she’d been here with Harlan and tried her hand at spying, she’d assumed security to be lax because she hadn’t seen any sentries. How wrong she’d been. The same was probably true tonight. Someone had to see her leave. Would they report her absence to Dexter? This had been a terrible idea. She should have thought this through before she’d left the palace. Why had Ackley ever made her a Knight? She suspected it was simply because she could act like a man when needed since she was the worst spy ever.

  Leaning against the nearest building, she closed her eyes. She should be in bed, not traipsing around the city on a stupid endeavor. Returning to the palace and pretending this night never happened was her best bet. She’d just tell the Knights she’d failed.

  “Care to explain what you’re doing here?” Dexter asked, his voice low and calm.

  Reid’s eyes flew open, her heart pounding. Both Dexter and Colbert stood in front of her.

  “Are you following us?” Colbert asked, folding his arms across his chest.

  Glancing between the two brothers, Reid felt as if she’d violated their trust. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I know I shouldn’t be here. I was just about to return to the palace.”

  “We were actually wondering how long it would take you to follow us,” Colbert said.

  “The first day you arrived at the palace, we made a bet,” Dexter explained. “You lasted longer than either of us thought.”

  They didn’t sound furious, nor had they attempted to drag her back to the palace. “Is it safe for you two to be out here like this? Especially seeing as someone tried to assassinate you
not too long ago?”

  “Are you concerned about our well-being?” Colbert asked, his eyes alight with mischief.

  “Of course I am. Are you at least armed?”

  “Are you?” Dexter chuckled. “Don’t answer that—I’m sure you are.” He took a step closer, invading her personal space. “You’re not the first person who has tried, and failed, to follow us. Let’s go.”

  “That’s the wrong way.” He was headed away from the palace, not toward it.

  “Aren’t you curious?” Dexter asked.

  About what the brothers were up to? “Yes, but you don’t have to tell me. I don’t want to impose on whatever it is you are doing.”

  “You’re not imposing,” Colbert assured her. “I’ve been wanting to tell you. It’s your fiancé who’s been on the fence. Seems he’s finally decided to trust you.”

  Trust. That was a big, important, and loaded word. Suddenly, Reid wasn’t sure she wanted to be included. Whatever they were up to, the Knights wanted to know about it for a reason. “Wait.” If she didn’t discover their secret, she’d never have to worry about violating their trust.

  “What is it?” Dexter asked.

  “I’ll go back to the palace. You don’t need to include me.”

  “Are you sure?” Dexter asked.

  “I’m sure.”

  He eyed her. “Sometimes I can’t figure you out.”

  “The feeling is mutual.”

  “All right. Follow me.” Dexter led the way into a narrow alley.

  Reid thought he was returning her to the palace in a roundabout way. However, he stopped before the door to a tall, narrow building. He unlocked it, then ushered her and Colbert inside.

  A long hallway stretched out before them. Dexter opened a door on the right, and they descended a steep staircase. At the bottom, a single torch revealed a plain, empty room that had to be underground. There was a door on the wall opposite the stairs.