Hidden Knights

by Jennifer Anne Davis

  “I don’t have my swords.” She’d left them inside her bedchamber.

  “If you’re disarmed, you need to be able to defend yourself.”

  “True.”

  “I’ve been training for years. I think it’s safe to say I could easily overpower you.”

  Where was he going with this?

  “I’d like to work with you.”

  “Okay.”

  They stood opposite one another. “I’m concerned about someone sneaking up on you,” he said. “If someone comes up behind you, what do you do?”

  Easy. “Flip them over my shoulder.”

  “What if you don’t know they intend to harm you?”

  Whenever she’d fought, it had always been with the assumption the person meant her harm. “I’m not sure.”

  Placing his large hands on her shoulders, he turned her until she faced away from him. “Let’s say I come up behind you. I hit your head, knocking you to the ground. What do you do?”

  She’d never practiced a situation like this one before. “I’d roll over to face my attacker.”

  “Then he knows you’re still conscious.”

  “So I should pretend I’m knocked out?”

  “Yes. And hope he moves on.” He instructed her to stretch out on the ground as if she’d just been hit. “Your attacker will probably kneel to check to see if you’re conscious.” He knelt next to her, feeling her neck. “When he does this, you make your move.”

  She twisted, grabbed his wrist, and pulled, applying pressure as if attempting to break his arm.

  “Excellent.” He helped her to her feet. “Another concern is someone snatching you to use against me or someone else who cares for you.” He turned her so her back was to his front, then he wrapped his arm around her body, pinning her arms down. “Pretend I have a knife pointed at your throat. What do you do?”

  A good question. It was hard to think logically so close to Dexter. With his arm around her body, her back pressed against him, all she could see and smell was him. Closing her eyes, she chided herself. She needed to focus. Opening her eyes, she attempted to think rationally. “If you were shorter, I’d throw my head back and hit your head.” The top of her head didn’t even come up to Dexter’s chin. What else could she do that would be effective? Well, he was a man. Reaching back, she patted his groin. “I could squeeze until you let me go.” She heard him suck in a quick breath.

  He released her, quickly retreating. “Yes, that will work.” He rubbed a hand over his face. “When your attacker lets go, you run like hell.”

  Chapter Eight

  For the second time in Reid’s life, she stood before a mirror, readying herself for her wedding. Hopefully, they’d get through the entire ceremony this time. If they did, she’d be married in a couple of hours.

  Ironically, the last dress she’d worn had also been a wedding dress. The one she wore now, Idina had confiscated from Kamden’s bedchamber. Even though it wasn’t made for this occasion, it suited Reid just fine. The light blue fabric covered her shoulders and arms, fitting snugly against her chest and hanging straight to the floor. It was simple, yet elegant, and it made her feel pretty.

  “I hope you don’t mind,” Idina said as she came into Reid’s room, “but I went into the field and picked some flowers.” She set a bundle of wildflowers, lavender, and ferns on the desk. “I can braid a couple into your hair, and you can carry the rest during the ceremony.”

  Reid smiled. This was starting to feel like a good-old country wedding.

  “It’s nice to see you happy,” Idina commented.

  “Having the ceremony with only a couple of people makes it feel more like a wedding and less like a merging of counties or a business deal.” It also made it more intimate, more personable, and more real.

  “Regardless, that element is there. Never forget that no matter what you feel for Dexter, you are a representative of Ellington, and you will be the queen of Marsden. That comes with a lot of responsibility.”

  Even though Reid knew she could handle the position, it was the social interactions she would have to get used to. Especially since Axian and northern Marsden were vastly different. She would need to find a way to merge the two, forging a new future for all involved. She just had to survive the next couple of weeks.

  Eldon had put out a kill order on all the Knights. If the king managed to capture Reid, he’d order someone to eliminate her. She rubbed her temples, thinking about the Knights. Hopefully, Ackley would be able to control the small contingent of Knights in northern Marsden. If Anna maintained control over the organization, who knew what havoc they’d cause. There were so many unknowns.

  Idina tied several of the flowers together, making a crown for Reid. She set it atop Reid’s head. Placing her hands on Reid’s shoulders, she looked into her eyes and said, “Tonight is about you and Dexter. But come tomorrow, you two need to focus on what’s ahead of us. Understand?”

  “Yes.” And since it was just them, she decided to ask, “Did you tell your mother we plan to assassinate Eldon?”

  “I did.”

  “How did she take it?”

  “After he attempted to strangle her, she realized her son had changed and is a danger to the entire kingdom. My mother supports us, and she will do what needs to be done to secure peace in Marsden. Dexter is part of our family—and, very shortly, you will be, too.”

  Someone knocked on Reid’s door. Idina answered it, talking to whoever was on the other side. When she shut it, she smiled. “It’s time.”

  Reid took one last look in the mirror. The flower crown added a nice touch. She picked up the remaining flowers, tying a ribbon around the stems to hold them together.

  As they exited Reid’s room, Idina said, “I hope you don’t mind, but we rearranged the great hall for tonight.”

  Reid wasn’t sure what they could move other than the table. “I’m sure whatever you did is fine.”

  Idina glanced over her shoulder, smiling at Reid. “Don’t look over the mezzanine and ruin it.”

  Keeping her focus on Idina, Reid descended the stone stairs to the first floor, wondering what they could have done.

  Idina stopped. “Wait here until the music starts.”

  “Music?” Where’d they get music?

  A sly smirk spread across Idina’s face before she turned the corner and disappeared from sight.

  Rolling her shoulders back, Reid tried to calm her excitement as she waited for her wedding ceremony to start. She was moments away from marrying Dexter in an intimate setting in her own home. The only thing that could make this more perfect would be if her family were there. She banished that thought since they’d be in attendance for her formal wedding in Axian.

  A lute started playing a melodic tune. Reid assumed that was her cue, so she rounded the corner. Her father stood in the hallway dressed in his formal tunic with the Ellington family crest on the front.

  “What are you doing here?” she asked, shocked.

  “When I heard my baby was getting married, I rushed home.” He took hold of her upper arms, giving her a squeeze before kissing her forehead. “You look beautiful.” Tears filled his eyes.

  “You rushed back just for me?”

  “Of course.” He released her, then held out his arm. “Are you ready?”

  “Yes.” Although, if he’d asked that question a few weeks ago, she would have given a vastly different answer.

  “I think Dexter is a good man, and you two are well suited for each other.”

  She took her father’s arm, and they continued to the entrance of the great hall.

  The table had been moved off to the side. Candles lined a path from where Reid stood to the other side of the room where the marriage binder waited, Dexter on his left. Leigh, Idina, Ackley, Gordon, and Harlan were all there, smiling encouragingly at Reid. One of her father’s soldiers stood in a corner, playing the lute.

  Duke Ellington patted his daughter’s hand, and they walked down the candlelit a
isle. Growing up, Reid had never envisioned how her wedding day would be—she’d never even given it a thought. In Axian, the almost-wedding ceremony had been more of a show for the people. However, as she moved toward Dexter, all she could think about was how perfect the candles, music, and having her friends there was. And Dexter—his eyes were alight with excitement as he waited for her, dressed in solid black. This ceremony was for them alone, which made it even more special. When she reached the marriage binder, Duke Ellington handed Reid over to Dexter.

  His large hand took hers. “You look beautiful,” he whispered before they faced the binder.

  The musician stopped playing, and the binder thanked everyone for coming. With a warm smile, he started talking about the importance of marriage and joining two families together to make a new one. “And, of course, part of creating that new family is procreation.”

  Dexter had the nerve to squeeze Reid’s hand. She tried not to elbow him. After all, her father was only a few feet away from them.

  “And now, we will begin the vows. Please face one another.”

  Reid handed Idina her bouquet, then turned to Dexter, their hands joined. While she hadn’t known him that long, she couldn’t believe how much had changed between them. Reid recalled the first time they’d encountered one another in his parents’ bedchamber in Axian. She’d broken into the palace in an attempt to steal the box Eldon needed. Dexter had caught her, and they’d briefly fought before she’d been apprehended. Dexter had intimidated and scared her during that encounter. Then, at the beginning of their engagement, he’d wanted nothing to do with her. Now, everything was different. Everything had changed.

  Once Reid got around Dexter’s rough exterior and saw the man underneath, her heart had started to fall for him. She admired the man he was, understanding his loyalty to his family, his people, and his kingdom. Marriage to him would be a true partnership. They would work side by side to not only make Marsden a better place, but to support one another as well.

  “Prince Dexter Winston, do you take Lady Reid Ellington to be your wife?”

  “I do.” His deep voice echoed in the room, confident and loud.

  A surge of happiness swept through Reid at hearing Dexter say those words.

  “Do you promise to be true to her, to love and respect her?”

  “I do,” Dexter answered, his eyes focused on Reid, as if trying to convey the enormity of what he promised.

  “And do you, Lady Reid Ellington, take Prince Dexter Winston to be your husband?”

  “I do.” As the reality of what was happening hit her, she smiled. She was actually marrying the man before her.

  “Do you promise to be true to him, to love and respect him?”

  “I do.” While the uncertain road ahead would be difficult at times, she would honor her marriage vows every day of her life.

  The binder pulled out two silver rings. Reid took the larger one, sliding it onto Dexter’s finger. He, in turn, took the other and slid it onto her finger.

  “I now pronounce you husband and wife.”

  Dexter leaned down, pressing his lips to hers in what was supposed to be a chaste kiss. However, a surge of desire swelled inside her. She wanted to show him how much she cared for and loved him. Deepening the kiss, she slid her hands around his neck, pulling him toward her.

  He chuckled, the sound deep and throaty. “There’ll be plenty of time for that later,” he murmured in her ear.

  Dexter laced his hand with Reid’s, and they turned to face their family. And just like that, Reid was a married woman.

  “I officially present Prince Dexter Winston and his wife, Lady Reid Winston.” When they held the ceremony in Axian for all to see, she would be crowned at that time.

  Everyone applauded. Duke Ellington hurried forward. He shook Dexter’s hand, then hugged Reid.

  Two Ellington soldiers entered, and Idina directed them to move the table back to the center of the room. Harlan ran around placing candles along the perimeter. Once the room was back in order, the soldiers returned with several plates of food. They set the plates on the table before congratulating the happy couple.

  “If everyone will please take a seat,” Leigh said. “We have a special meal prepared to celebrate.”

  As everyone sat, Reid scanned the faces of those present. She wanted to remember this moment for the rest of her life. Duke Ellington sat tall and straight, his chest puffed out a little more than she’d seen as of late, pride radiating from him. Gordon, on the other hand, sat slightly slouched, his face blank with indifference. Leigh had never been particularly warm toward Reid, and now was no exception. Her being involved and helping had to do with the fact Dexter was her nephew and Henrick’s son. Idina kept glancing at Reid with smug satisfaction, as if she knew a secret. Reid sincerely hoped it didn’t have to do with what came after dinner. However, knowing Idina, she’d probably done something in regard to a marital suite for the night. Reid shoved all thoughts about that aside. For now, she wanted to enjoy the moment. Harlan smiled warmly from where he sat beside her, seeming genuinely happy for his friend. When she looked at Ackley, his brows drew together and his forehead wrinkled in confusion. His attention remained on his spoon as he tapped it against the table, lost in thought.

  Dexter rubbed her back. “Are you okay?” he mumbled so only she would hear.

  “Perfect.” When she turned toward him, her breath caught. This man was her husband. And he was watching her as if she were the most important thing to him. Leaning in, she placed a soft kiss on his cheek.

  His lips curved into a smile. “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to that.”

  Duke Ellington stood, capturing everyone’s attention. “Thank you all for being here tonight to celebrate my daughter’s marriage to Dexter. I’m honored to gain such a worthy son-in-law. When I look at my youngest daughter and see how her face lights up when Dexter walks in the room…well, I can tell you that, as a father, I can’t ask for anything more than my daughter’s happiness.” He raised his cup. “Dexter, thank you for being Reid’s partner in life.”

  “Here, here,” Gordon said, raising his cup.

  Everyone took a drink, then started eating. Her father reminisced about his wedding day. Leigh shared a story about the day she married Hudson. Harlan even joined in to offer a few things about the day he married Sophie.

  “It is getting late,” Gordon said, “and I am departing before the sun rises. Mother, Idina, I assume you are packed and ready to go with me?”

  “We are.” Idina sighed. “I suppose I should retire for the night.” She stood, then exited the room.

  “Come, Harlan,” Reid said. “I’ll walk you out.”

  He thanked everyone for including him, then followed Reid to the front door. “I’m glad you’re happy,” he said. “I was afraid Dexter would have stifled you. Or resented you. Clearly, I was wrong. If anything, he’s helped bring you out of your shell.”

  Reid hugged her dear friend. “I’m glad you’ll be coming with us. I’ve missed you.” She wanted to hear more about his life with his new bride, how things were going at the apothecary’s, and what else he’d been up to since Reid had been in Axian. The journey to the City of Buckley would afford them plenty of time to catch up.

  “Me too.” He released her before trying the door. Only, it wouldn’t budge.

  “That’s strange. Is it locked?”

  “It doesn’t appear to be.”

  Maybe it was just stuck. “Let’s try another door.”

  They headed past the great hall toward the servants’ quarters where the back door was located.

  “Do you smell that?” Harlan asked, pulling Reid to a halt. “It smells like damp dirt or the ground after a heavy rain.”

  She took a deep breath. “I smell smoke.”

  “It’s valerian root. I’m certain of it.” He ran his hands through his red hair while pacing back and forth. Stopping, he sniffed. “Is someone burning it? It only works as a sedative if it’s ingested, n
ot burned.”

  “Sedative?”

  Harlan headed toward the kitchen, sniffing as he went.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Trying to find the source of the smell.”

  “The smoke is probably from all the candles being blown out. I’m sure everything is fine.”

  “Even so, what about the valerian?” As he pushed the kitchen door open, they were greeted by flames—the entire kitchen engulfed.

  The sheer heat pushed Reid back. “Idina!” she screamed. Idina’s bedchamber was located right above the kitchen. Turning, Reid took off running up the stairs to warn her friend. She found Idina coming out of her room.

  “What’s going on?”

  “There’s a fire in the kitchen.” Reid grabbed Idina’s arm, dragging her downstairs. Thick black smoke poured out from under the kitchen door, filling the hallway.

  Dexter stood at the bottom of the stairs, waving them on. “Everyone’s in the great hall.”

  “All the doors are jammed,” Gordon said as Dexter, Reid, and Idina entered the room.

  Ackley cursed. “Let’s bust a window. We can get out that way.” Picking up a chair, he banged it against one of the windows, shattering it. After setting the chair down, he broke a leg off and used it to clear the shards away. “Gordon, go first. Organize the soldiers. We need buckets of water. Get lines going.”

  Gordon rushed over to the opening as smoke started filling the room. The fire was quickly spreading to other parts of the castle.

  “Wait,” Harlan said. “I still smell valerian. Something is wrong.”

  “I smell it, too,” Ackley said, leaning against the wall next to the window.

  “We need to get out of here before the fire reaches this room,” Gordon said. “The smoke is getting bad.” He moved to put his leg through the opening to climb out.

  An arrow shot into his calf. He crumbled backward, falling to the floor. “Everyone down,” he ordered.

  Reid slid to the floor. Were they under attack? How could that be when there were hundreds of soldiers outside? Who would be attacking them and why?

  Gordon slid across the room, propping against the wall near Reid.