“Tell me,” he said, lowering his voice, “what does your father think of our new king?”
They were on dangerous, treasonous grounds. She needed to answer carefully. “I imagine he feels as you do.”
He smiled. “I suppose you’re right. We must wait and see what kind of man the king will be. It’s too soon to tell. Hopefully, he follows in his father’s footsteps. I have no desire to go to war.”
“Neither do we,” Reid answered.
“It’s a shame the king is asking for the dukes to call our soldiers to arms. Such actions usually precede a war. We’ve managed to live with Prince Henrick controlling Axian for twenty-five years. Why not let things continue as they are? Why invade Axian?”
This was the first Reid was hearing about northern Marsden invading Axian. She’d been told it was the other way around. That the king was taking preventative measures—not aggressive actions. The expression on Tucker’s face was more contemplative than anything else, which meant he’d asked his questions for a reason.
The duchess said, “Did you know King Eldon invited Prince Henrick to the castle for the coronation?”
“No, I didn’t. I’m assuming Prince Henrick did not attend?” As far as Reid knew, Henrick hadn’t stepped foot out of Axian since his father’s death twenty-five years ago.
“He did not,” the duchess replied.
“Which means he did not swear fealty to our new king,” Tucker stated.
“My father didn’t attend the ceremony, either,” Reid said, the thought just occurring to her. How had she not realized this before?
“We are aware,” Tucker said. “I believe your father had some sort of injury that prevented him from traveling?”
Reid nodded, wondering if that was the primary reason Gordon and Ackley had shown up at her father’s castle to recruit soldiers. Were they checking on Duke Ellington? Making sure his story was true and testing his willingness to follow the new king?
Gordon appeared beside Reid, sliding his hand around her waist and kissing her cheek. “There you are,” he said, his voice deep and throaty, sending a shiver through her. “You’re not over here talking politics, are you?”
Tucker laughed. “Sorry for monopolizing Lady Reid.”
“This is supposed to be a party,” Gordon purred. “Come with me.” He took her hand, then led her to the other side of the room where a man played a lute and a few couples danced. Gordon pulled Reid into his arms. They swayed together to the music.
Even though Reid had never danced with a man before, she had no trouble with Gordon. It seemed natural to be in his arms. She rested her cheek against his shoulder, his hands tightening on her back.
“Did you discover anything interesting?” Gordon whispered near Reid’s ear, making her shiver.
She’d learned several things tonight. Mainly, there was much more going on than she was privy to. For the first time in her life, she realized she didn’t know her father as well as she thought she did. He’d kept a great many things from her.
“Are you all right?” Gordon asked, leaning back so he could see her face.
“I’m fine.”
He fought a smile. “I have a sister. Whenever she says she’s fine, it means something is wrong.”
Unable and unwilling to talk about her doubts, she rested her head on his shoulder again so she wouldn’t have to look into his eyes. Thankfully, he didn’t press the matter. He simply sighed and cradled the back of her head, holding her close.
Another truth she learned that night—she liked being in Gordon’s arms.
Chapter Thirteen
Walking hand in hand, Reid and Gordon passed through the small gate in the wall used by soldiers. A sliver of the moon shone in the dark sky. Gazing up at the stars, Reid guessed it was well past midnight. “I think we can stop pretending.” She squeezed her hand free from Gordon’s.
They entered the barracks, and Gordon led the way back to the room they’d started their mission in. He closed the door and untied his hair, letting out an exhausted sigh.
Reid headed toward the closet to change into her own clothes.
“Wait,” Gordon said. “We need to talk.”
“What is it?” She’d didn’t want to discuss her conversation with Duke Tucker and his wife.
He sat on the stone floor and leaned against the wall, patting the spot next to him.
Reid looked at that spot, not wanting to comply since her emotions were all over the place. However, exhaustion consumed her, and she could barely stand. Once her conversation with Gordon was over, she could crawl into bed. After hesitating a brief moment, she slid to the floor beside him, waiting for him to continue.
“Thank you for coming tonight,” he said.
She hadn’t expected that. After all, it was her job.
“I need to ask you a favor.”
She tensed, afraid of what he might ask. Would it be something she couldn’t answer? Didn’t want to answer? “What is it?”
“I’d like for you to keep tonight between the two of us.”
“What do you mean?”
“I don’t want anyone besides Idina knowing what we did.”
Tilting her head, she studied Gordon, trying to figure him out. They’d gone tonight to help the king, so why keep it a secret? And what about Ackley? He was the one in charge of the Knights.
“I’m afraid Eldon will jump to the wrong conclusions and make a rash decision,” he explained.
“I don’t know him that well, but he seems pretty level-headed.” It was one of the traits she admired most about him. He always appeared calm and in control. Besides, they hadn’t learned anything particularly upsetting at the party. Yes, there was some unrest and the dukes didn’t want to go to war, but that was expected given the circumstances. The part about Henrick sending letters to the dukes was concerning. However, she wasn’t sure if that was true or not.
“Eldon can have quite the temper when things don’t go his way.” Gordon rested his head against the wall, staring up at the ceiling. “That’s how I ended up engaged to Dana.”
“I’m not following you.” She thought Gordon and Dana’s engagement was a political match, nothing more.
“I probably shouldn’t tell you this.” He stretched his legs out before him. “My brother is intimidated by strong-willed women. He thinks women should be quiet and subservient to men.”
That explained the king’s attraction to his demure wife. “I’m surprised the king tolerates your sister.” Although, now that Reid considered the matter, she realized Idina was talkative and voiced her opinions openly with Ackley and Gordon. However, around Eldon, Idina remained quiet.
“He and my sister have a love-hate relationship. Through the years, they’ve learned how to handle one another.”
“What does this have to do with you?”
“I’m attracted to women who are more outspoken.” He looked sidelong at her. “My brother knows this. Shortly after Father’s death, some of the dukes started hounding Eldon to name his heir since he hasn’t produced a child yet. Typically, the line of succession goes to the next sibling. However, since Uncle Henrick is alive, the title can pass from Eldon to either Henrick or myself. To make matters worse, I think Harlow became pregnant and lost the baby. You can understand the stress Eldon is facing. He officially chose me to be his heir. Several of the dukes questioned his decision since I am unmarried. They claim Henrick is a better choice because he has two sons of his own. That made Eldon furious. Duke Ryder was one of the few who openly supported Eldon. The next thing I know, I’m engaged to Duke Ryder’s daughter, Dana.” Gordon reached out, slipping his hand into Reid’s.
“I can see why your brother would make the political match.”
Gordon shook his head. “Duke Ryder has two sons who are older than Dana. They are outspoken, and Idina gets along well with them both.”
And either would have made a better match with Idina than Gordon and Dana. “You control the king’s army and have quite a l
ot of power,” Reid said carefully as the pieces started to come together.
He nodded.
“If you were to marry someone outspoken like your sister, this could create problems for your brother. Especially if she didn’t agree with the king’s policies.”
“Yes.”
So Eldon not only needed Gordon married to someone who benefitted the kingdom, but who was also quiet and supported the king. Furthermore, Eldon needed Gordon to produce a son as soon as possible so the dukes wouldn’t question his decision.
No wonder Eldon hadn’t told his siblings he wasn’t the legitimate heir. Until Eldon had a son and officially named him as his successor, if anyone discovered Eldon wasn’t the late King Hudson’s son, the line of succession would shift. If Hudson declared his firstborn son as the heir, then the title would pass to Gordon. If Hudson simply named Eldon as his heir, then that would be considered null and void and the line would shift to Henrick.
Gordon rubbed his thumb over the back of Reid’s hand. “Ackley told me Eldon is sending you on a mission.”
She had the feeling he wanted her to confide in him. However, she’d been sworn to secrecy.
“I want you to be careful,” Gordon continued. “You are an unmarried woman and your father is a duke.”
“Are you afraid your brother will marry me off?” she teased. Now that she was a Knight, she didn’t have to worry about that. Part of being a Knight was promising not to marry.
“Yes.” Releasing her hand, he placed his palm on her cheek. “I’m afraid Eldon will use you as a political weapon.” He brushed his thumb over her lips, sending a jolt of pleasure through her.
“How would he do that?” Her voice came out breathless.
“He doesn’t know you’re a Knight. He only sees what you can potentially do for him.”
“It’s my father’s place to arrange my marriage.”
“Like I said before, Eldon is used to getting what he wants. When he doesn’t, he can make rash decisions. It is best you stay out of his way.” Gordon leaned his forehead against Reid’s.
What was he doing? He was too close, he smelled so good, and his hands were cradling her face, making her head spin.
“Reid,” he whispered. “I want to kiss you.”
The feeling was mutual. Closing her eyes, she tried to think rationally. He was engaged. To another woman. Reaching up, she gently pried his hands off her. “You can’t.” She stood, eager to be away from this man who made her feel strange things. Without bothering to change, she hurried from the room.
Dressed in pants and a tunic, with a cap covering her hair, Reid made her way through the city. She no longer resented playing the part of a man. Not only did she enjoy the freedom it brought her, but she also appreciated the safety it provided. She didn’t have to worry about men trying to kiss her while dressed like this.
She still couldn’t believe Gordon had almost kissed her last night. If he wasn’t engaged, she would have let him. That realization scared her since she had no desire to tie herself down.
When she reached the inn where her friends were staying, she hurried down the hall until she came to their room. As she reached for the handle, the door flew open.
Harlan stood there with wide eyes. “I didn’t expect to see you here. I’m going to the tavern downstairs. Want to join me?”
She peered around him. “Where’s Knox?”
Harlan pulled on his earlobe. “Um, he sort of went home with a woman last night. I haven’t seen him since.”
“Are the two of you packed and ready to go?” While Reid didn’t care what Knox did in his free time, she didn’t like the idea of not knowing where he was. What if she had to leave quickly? How would she find him?
“We are. We have supplies and food to last about two weeks. You just say where and when to meet you, and we’ll be there.” He closed the door behind him. “Come on.”
They headed downstairs to the tavern located below the inn. The place was small and crowded. They found an empty table shoved up against the wall.
“You look like you need a drink,” Harlan said, flagging down a serving wench and ordering two ales.
When the drinks arrived, Reid took several gulps.
“Do you want to talk about it?” Harlan asked.
Setting her cup on the table, she twisted it between her hands, trying to organize her thoughts. There was no way she could discuss her feelings for Gordon, especially with Harlan. However, there was another issue bothering her that she could mention. “I can’t decide how I feel about being a woman.”
Harlan snorted. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
How to explain it so he would understand? Especially when she didn’t fully understand it herself? “I didn’t realize I would lose part of myself.”
He scratched the side of his face. “I’m not following you.”
“Never mind.” When she pretended to be a man, she garnered respect. As a woman, others considered her weaker and less intelligent.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” he asked.
“You should dress as a woman for a day to see how differently we’re treated.”
“No, I’m good.” He took a sip, trying to hide his smile. “Did I tell you I’m engaged?”
She almost spit out her drink. “When did this happen?” And how come she was just now hearing about it?
“The day before we left.” He put his elbows on the table, rubbing his face. “You know I apprentice for the apothecary.”
“Yes.” What did that have to do with anything?
“The apothecary doesn’t have a son. He will lose his store unless one of his three daughters marries someone capable of taking it over.”
“So you’re going to marry one of them just so you can own the store?”
He shook his head. “Sometimes, you don’t understand. I’m not doing this for me. I’m doing this for the man who took me in, gave me a job, and helped me when no one else would. When he asked if I would marry his eldest daughter, Sophie, I agreed. He feared he would lose everything, and his daughters would end up destitute.”
Reid took another sip of her drink, trying to sort through everything Harlan had revealed. “Do you even like her?”
He shrugged. “She’s nice.”
So Reid wasn’t the only one in a precarious situation. All these years, she thought that when Harlan lost both his parents to the fever, he’d been lucky the apothecary took him in. For some reason, she’d assumed he would open his own store when his apprenticeship was complete. But he had no money and no connections to do so. She wasn’t sure if she should say congratulations or I’m sorry. Maybe both. Instead of saying either, she kept her mouth shut.
Glancing around the room, Reid noticed the tavern was packed, every table taken. Near the entrance, a man was staring at Reid. She blinked, realizing she knew who it was. A string of curse words flew from her mouth.
“What is it?” Harlan asked, following her line of sight.
She finished off her drink. “I have to go.”
“Is that who I think it is?”
“Yes.”
Gordon leaned against the wall, arms folded across his chest, his eyes shooting daggers at Reid.
Harlan reached out, taking Reid’s hand as she stood. “Does he hold some claim over you?”
She shook her head. “Just be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.”
“You got it. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it, Reid.”
She squeezed his hand in thanks before letting it go.
“I’m not saying this because you’re a woman who needs a man to watch over her, but because you are my friend.”
Warmth surged through Reid as she regarded one of her best friends. She’d known Harlan since before she could even walk. “Thank you.” The words didn’t seem adequate, but it was all she had to offer him.
She headed toward Gordon, who looked like someone had just murdered his favorite dog. Instead of acknowledging him, she wa
lked right past him and exited the building. Outside, the cool evening air felt refreshing after the stale air of the tavern. At the corner, she stopped and waited for Gordon to catch up.
“What is he doing here?” Gordon demanded, his voice shaking with fury. He stood in front of Reid, towering over her.
“Funny, I was about to ask you the same thing.” Putting her hands on her hips, she leaned into Gordon’s personal space, refusing to back down.
“I ordered him to stay with the soldiers back in Ellington.”
“And when my father arrived at the border, he ordered Harlan to come here to check on me.” Not wanting to argue with him, she darted around Gordon. Maybe he was snippy from not getting enough sleep.
He stomped after her. “He didn’t follow you here?”
“No. Like I already said, my father ordered him here.”
Gordon grabbed her elbow, pulling her to a stop. “Why didn’t he come to the castle? Why were you meeting with him privately?”
She couldn’t help but laugh. This was absurd. “He did come to the castle. Then he left. He’s staying at the inn above the tavern.” She pointed back at the building.
“Reid.”
“What?” The word came out harsher than she’d intended.
“You were alone with a man.” The fury evaporated from his face, replaced with something raw she didn’t recognize or understand. He almost looked hurt.
“I’m dressed as a man so it shouldn’t be an issue.” She yanked her arm out of his grip.
He took a deep breath before asking, “Is there something going on between you two?”
“Harlan is my friend. Nothing more.”
“Why are you dressed like that?”
Wasn’t it obvious? “I wanted to have a drink with my friend. I couldn’t do that as a woman. You are aware women can’t walk around the city unescorted, right?”
He nodded. “It’s safer if there’s someone with you.”
“Are you trying to tell me the City of Buckley, the place where the king lives, is dangerous?” She folded her arms.
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