Hidden Knights

by Jennifer Anne Davis

  After fifteen minutes, his eyes fluttered open. “Am I dreaming?” he croaked out.

  “Thank goodness you’re awake. How do you feel?”

  “Terrible.” He winced. “But I guess pain is good. That means I’m alive.” He squeezed her hand. “Is there any word on my mother and sister?”

  “No, not yet.” They wouldn’t know if Seb foiled the assassination attempt for a couple of days. “I can’t believe you stepped in front of that blade for Dexter.”

  “I didn’t do it for him.”

  She rolled her eyes. “For your king then.”

  Adamantly, he shook his head. “I did it for you, Reid.”

  Her brows drew together in confusion. “What do you mean—for me?”

  “I’m sorry.” He averted his gaze. “I didn’t mean to confess anything or make you uncomfortable.”

  She shook her head. “But you’ve never thought of me that way.” They were like brother and sister, weren’t they?

  “I didn’t realize I loved you until you were kidnapped. By then, it was too late. You’d just married Dexter that day.” He sighed. “That’s why I volunteered to go to Melenia. I can’t stay here and watch you with Dexter. It’s too painful. Besides, I told Idina she should marry Owen. It’s a smart match she’ll benefit from. Now I can keep an eye on her, too. I’m sorry. I don’t know what Harlan gave me. He had me drink some tonic that apparently makes me pour out my deepest secrets.”

  She squeezed his hand. “Your secrets are safe with me.”

  Someone knocked on the door. “Can I come in?” Gytha asked.

  “Of course.” Wiping the tears from her eyes, Reid stood.

  “How’s he doing?”

  “He’ll live.”

  “Do you mind if I sit with him?” Gytha asked.

  “Not at all. I’ll go help outside since I know Ackley is in good hands.” Forcing a smile, Reid walked out of the bedchamber, not looking back. She didn’t want to see the expression on Ackley’s face.

  Out in the hallway, she slid to the floor, burying her face in her hands. So much had happened tonight. She didn’t know what to think or feel.

  A wet nose nudged her arm, and she looked into Finn’s excited eyes. He licked her face, making her laugh.

  “One of these days, Reid,” Colbert said as he strolled down the hallway toward her, “you’ll need to take my advice.”

  “And what advice would that be?” she asked, wiping her eyes yet again.

  “All of it.” Colbert reached down, placing his hand on Reid’s head. “I told you about Ackley a long time ago.”

  She didn’t want to talk about it.

  “Are you okay?”

  She shrugged.

  “Dex had all the dukes and duchesses locked in the great hall as a precautionary measure tonight. I was in there with them. Your father has been worried sick about you. I think you should go see him.”

  She nodded, then stood. The pair headed along the hallway, Finn running in circles around them.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Reid stood in front of the mirror, observing her dress. The ivory fabric hugged her chest and arms, flowing freely to the floor. When she turned, it swished like water. A simple necklace her father had given her accentuated the scooped neck.

  “You look beautiful,” Kamden said.

  Reid turned to face her sisters. Ainsley, Bailey, Emerson, and Kamden, all together in Axian for Reid’s public wedding and official coronation.

  “I can’t believe you’re going to be the queen of Marsden in a couple of hours,” Kamden said, sighing. “It’s so romantic.”

  “I don’t know about that,” Reid replied.

  “Only Kamden would think it romantic,” Ainsley said. “Being the queen won’t be an easy task. You’re going to have your hands full with people wanting something from you. It will be hard to maintain your sense of self and make time for your family.”

  Reid rolled her eyes. Ainsley always had to be overly practical.

  “Since no one else is bringing it up,” Bailey said, “I will. Do you have any questions about what’s expected of you on your wedding night?”

  “She’s already married,” Kamden reminded her.

  “But they’ve been in separate bedchambers,” Emerson pointed out.

  “Only to make this day more special,” Reid explained. Originally, Nara had designed a suite where they’d each have a private room connected by a joined room. However, Reid and Dexter decided they no longer wanted that arrangement. A new suite had to be made—one containing a single bed for them to share. Their new suite hadn’t been ready until today.

  Seeming scandalized, Bailey’s eyes went wide. “Do you mean you’ve already had relations with your husband?”

  Kamden snorted. “Have you seen her husband? Of course she’s shared his bed. She’d be stupid not to.”

  Ainsley stepped forward, putting her hands on Reid’s shoulders. “Now that you’ve been with a man, is there anything you’d like to talk about?”

  Shocked her sisters wanted to discuss something so personal, Reid shook her head.

  Ainsley sighed. “Try not to look so horrified at the prospect of sharing something with us.”

  “I’m sorry,” Reid muttered. “It’s just…”

  “We know,” Emerson said. “You hate to talk about anything personal.”

  Kamden laughed. “Oh, Reid, we love you dearly. But you should try to lighten up. If you can’t talk with us about these things, who are you going to talk to?”

  Someone knocked on the door. “Come in,” Reid called, glad this conversation was at an end.

  Gytha entered. “Are you ready?” She wore her captain’s uniform.

  “I am.”

  “I’ve been sent to escort you all to the great hall where the ceremony will take place.”

  The five sisters followed Gytha from the suite to the first floor of the palace. They stopped outside the great hall where Duke Ellington waited.

  “Look at my beautiful daughters.” He smiled, taking them all in.

  “Come,” Gytha said. “The four of you are sitting in the first row.” She led Reid’s sisters into the hall.

  Alone with her father, Reid said, “Thank you for raising me with love and compassion. Thank you for teaching me to not only read and write, but also to be a good person. Thank you for trusting me to be your heir. Most of all, I want to thank you for being my father.”

  “I’m so proud of the person you’ve become.” His eyes filled with tears. “You’ll make an excellent queen.”

  The doors opened wide, revealing a packed room. Reid took her father’s arm, allowing him to escort her down the aisle. Walking tall and proud, she welcomed the responsibility about to be bestowed upon her. She smiled as she passed so many familiar faces. Joce, her lady’s maid. Rick and Ava, the couple who aided Reid and Dexter when assassins ambushed them. All the dukes and duchesses, including Reid’s grandparents. Lord Robert and Reid’s second cousin, Victor. Seb, Markis, and Harlan. Her sisters, along with their families. Nara, Leigh, Colbert, and Ackley. Dana clutched Gordon’s arm, her stomach showing she was indeed with child. Idina sat next to Owen. The pair had spent the past couple of weeks getting to know one another.

  So many familiar faces, so many people Reid had come to know and care for, all there to support her and Dexter.

  Duke Ellington stopped in front of Dexter, handing his daughter over to him. Reid slid her hand into Dexter’s, a smile lighting her face. He wore a dashing uniform befitting of a commander and a king.

  The binder started the ceremony with a speech about love, commitment, family, and duty. Then he moved on to their vows. Reid and Dexter faced one another, reaffirming their marriage vows. When the binder pronounced Reid and Dexter husband and wife—again—Dexter leaned down and gently but firmly kissed Reid’s lips. His eyes twinkled, promising more later. Reid couldn’t help but smile. It seemed as if she did that a lot lately.

  “And now,” the binder announced,
“it is time to crown Marsden’s new king and queen.”

  Cushions were placed on the floor for Dexter and Reid to kneel upon.

  The binder briefly discussed the formation of Marsden hundreds of years ago. Then he proceeded to talk about how the founding families divided the land, each family ruling a county, with one family overseeing it all. He explained the importance of this balance of power, and the duty Dexter and Reid had to maintain it.

  Crowns were placed on their heads. After, they each repeated the words the binder said, swearing to watch over their subjects, work in conjunction with the dukes, and to put Marsden’s interests above their own.

  “Please stand.”

  Dexter and Reid stood, joining hands.

  “Face your subjects.”

  They turned toward those present in the great hall.

  “I now present to you King Dexter Winston and Queen Reid Winston.”

  A thunderous applause erupted in the hall. Bells started tolling, indicating the end of the ceremonies.

  Dexter led Reid down the aisle, past their family and friends, through the palace, and to the front doors. Hundreds of people had crammed together on the front lawn. When the couple exited the palace, the crowd started cheering.

  Dexter and Reid raised their joined hands. Those present started chanting for their new monarchs. Leaning down, Dexter kissed Reid.

  The happy couple went back inside for their reception. There was food to be eaten, toasts to be made, and dancing to be done. When Reid was too exhausted to remain on her feet, Dexter gladly swooped her into his arms, carrying her to their room.

  The following day, Dexter and Reid went to their private sitting room to bid Owen, Idina, and Ackley farewell. The Melenia army had already left for the Axian port, where the ships docked to transport them and several hundred of Marsden’s soldiers across the Wendan Ocean to Melenia. Earlier that morning, Gytha had requested permission to accompany Idina as her personal guard. Dexter had granted it. Reid suspected Gytha wanted to make sure Ackley had an ally in the foreign kingdom.

  While Dexter went over last-minute details with Owen, Reid hugged Idina. “Are you sure you want to do this?” Reid asked.

  “My answer is the same as the last twenty times you asked,” Idina replied.

  Reid released her. “I just want to make sure.” She’d feel awful if Idina married Owen out of obligation and not desire.

  “Don’t worry,” Idina said. “I’m sure. I’ve always wanted to travel and see the world. This will allow me to experience more than I ever could staying here.”

  “It’s time to get going,” Ackley announced.

  “My men will remain in Melenia until the Russek army has withdrawn and you’ve regained control,” Dexter said. “If there’s anything else we can do to help, send word.”

  “I will,” Owen replied. “Once I’ve reestablished control, the Russek king will pay for slaughtering my family.”

  Reid turned to Gytha. “I’m going to miss you.” That was something she never would have thought possible the first time she’d met the warrior woman.

  “And I will miss you, Queen Reid.” Gytha chuckled. “That still doesn’t sound right to me. You will always be Lady Reid to me.”

  “I hope to see you again.”

  “You’re not getting rid of me forever,” Gytha assured her. “Just for a little bit.”

  Sucking in a breath, Reid faced Ackley. “I was hoping you’d stay to head up the Knights.” Now that Anna was dead, the organization needed a new leader.

  “There’s already someone in charge,” he replied.

  “Who?” It was probably one of the twelve Knights who’d worked with him as a unit in Gordon’s army.

  “I can’t tell you,” he said. “And don’t even try to figure it out. The Knights must be independent of the monarchy.”

  While Reid agreed, she couldn’t help but be curious.

  “Now that you’re married,” he reminded her, “you’re no longer a Knight. So you are not privy to that information.” He nudged her with his shoulder. “Stop trying to figure it out.”

  Dexter chuckled. “It’s going to drive her mad not knowing.”

  “I know.” Ackley smiled, though it seemed tinged with sadness. “And that makes it all the sweeter.”

  Dexter wrapped his arm around Reid, and they watched their friends exit the room.

  “I’m going to miss them,” Reid said.

  “So am I.”

  Kamden entered. “Father is ready to leave.”

  The duke had chosen to return to Ellington with his four daughters and their families today.

  “Why is everyone leaving all at once?” Reid complained.

  Kamden chuckled. “Because you two need some time alone. The kingdom eagerly awaits a new heir.”

  Reid’s face flushed with embarrassment. “I’ll see you to the stables,” she mumbled, wanting to change the topic of conversation. “I hope you’ll come back to visit me.”

  “Of course. Especially now I know I have grandparents here in Axian.”

  At the stables, there was a flurry of activity as Duke Ellington prepared to depart. Reid bid each of her sisters farewell, begging them to visit when they had a chance.

  Duke Ellington wrapped Reid in a hug. “I’m going to miss you.”

  “I’m going to miss you, too.” She removed the ring her father had given her all those months ago. “Now that I’m queen, I can’t be your heir as well. Make sure you give this to one of my sisters.”

  He took the ring, sliding it back on his finger. “I will.” After kissing her, he mounted his horse.

  “Don’t worry about Father,” Kamden said. “I’ll keep an eye on him.”

  Kamden took the reins to her horse, about to mount. Reid reached out, grabbing her sister’s forearm. Kamden hissed.

  “Are you okay?” Reid asked.

  “I’m fine,” Kamden said. “I just have a small cut on my arm. Nothing to concern yourself with.” She mounted. “I’ll write to you once we’re home!” She steered her horse out of the stables, Duke Ellington following. The rest of Reid’s family was situated in horse-drawn carriages. The carriages lurched forward, following the duke.

  “What’s the matter?” Dexter asked.

  Reid touched her forearm—the location of her Knight’s tattoo. Her eyes widened.

  “Do I even want to know?”

  She shook her head.

  Markis and Colbert strolled into the stables, Finn with them. “We’re headed over to the military compound,” Markis said. “Do you two want to join us for a friendly sparring match?”

  “As fun as that sounds,” Dexter replied, “you two go on without us. Reid and I are going to take the rest of the day off.”

  Colbert snorted before shaking his head and exiting the stables.

  “What are we going to do for the rest of the day?” Reid asked, dozens of possibilities coming to mind.

  Dexter took her hand, pulling her from the stables and into the palace. “I have something to show you.”

  She had no idea what it could be.

  He stopped before a door. “Ready?”

  “For what?”

  “We’re going to play a game.”

  “A game?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’m very competitive.”

  “I know.” He smirked. “And I am demanding a rematch.” He opened the door, revealing a pub.

  It looked exactly like the pub near her grandparents’ manor. It even had the same dartboard hanging on the wall.

  “Shall we?” Dexter sat at one of the tables.

  Reid took a seat across from him. Two mugs had been placed on the table, along with a handful of coins. She burst out laughing. “Once wasn’t enough?” Picking up a coin, she positioned it under her finger and flicked it, hitting Dexter’s forehead.

  “With you, once is never enough.” He winked.

  * * *

  THE END

  Want more political intrigue and r
omance?

  * * *

  The Key

  Seventeen-year-old Rema lives in a brutal kingdom where travel between regions is forbidden, people are starving, and looking at someone the wrong way can mean death. Nineteen-year-old Darmik is the king’s son and Commander of the King’s Army. He spends his days roaming the island, doing his father’s bidding and trying to maintain control over the people.

  * * *

  When a chance encounter throws Rema and Darmik together, they share an instantaneous connection, but any sort of relationship between them is strictly forbidden. Darmik’s brother, the Crown Prince, notices Darmik’s interest in Rema and, in a calculated, political move, blackmails her. Faced with an impossible choice, Rema is forced to sacrifice her heart in order to save her family.

  * * *

  As Rema is taken to the palace with the Crown Prince, Darmik confronts the growing rumor that a legitimate blood heir to the throne exists and is trying to overthrow Darmik’s family. In Darmik’s quest to hunt down and kill the threat, he discovers that nothing is as it seems. Locked in the king’s castle, Rema finds herself a key player in a massive power struggle. When Darmik shows up, she’s not sure if she can trust him. The line between friends, enemies, and loyalty becomes blurred. As truths are unlocked, Rema understands that she just might be the key to finding the rightful heir and restoring peace to the kingdom . . . if she can manage to stay alive long enough.

  Cage of Deceit

  * * *

  Unlock the secrets within…

  Sixteen-year-old Allyssa appears to be the ideal princess of Emperion--she's beautiful, elegant, and refined. She spends her days locked in a suffocating cage, otherwise known as the royal court. But at night, Allyssa uses her secret persona--that of a vigilante--to hunt down criminals and help her people firsthand.