Hidden Knights (Knights of the Realm #3) - Jennifer Anne Davis Page 0,1

bloomed in her chest.

“I’d be hurt, too.” He reached out, wiping her tears away.

She rolled onto her side to face him, studying the man she’d feared only a few weeks ago.

His right hand cupped her left cheek. “Have you considered the possibility that Ackley first came to Ellington to seek you out for a specific reason?”

The room went unnaturally quiet. “What do you mean?”

“Maybe he didn’t stumble upon you as you’d thought. Maybe your mother sent him to recruit you as a Knight.” Dexter’s hand slid over Reid’s shoulder and down her arm, taking hold of her fingers.

She hadn’t considered that.

“Reid.” Dexter licked his lips, his eyes darkening as intensity shone through.

Her breath caught, and she leaned forward.

“I hardly think now’s the time to be cuddling in bed,” Ackley said as he sauntered into the room, not even bothering to knock.

Reid flew upright. “What are you doing in here?”

Gordon entered behind Ackley, shutting the door. “We need to talk.” Gordon scanned the room, looking everywhere but at Reid.

Dexter sat up, propping himself against the headboard. “While I do agree we need to talk, I wanted a couple of minutes alone with Reid.”

“Just a couple?” Ackley smirked as he leaned against the wash basin, folding his arms.

“Reid just discovered her mother is alive,” Dexter stated. “I hardly think now is the time for snide comments. Wouldn’t you agree, cousin?” He cocked his head, watching Ackley.

Ackley glanced between Dexter and Reid. “You know you’re not married yet, don’t you?”

“Shut it, Ackley,” Gordon murmured. “We need to talk while we have the chance.” He paced at the end of the bed. “We have to get the Melenia soldiers out of Marsden. Then I can set things right.”

“What do you mean by that?” Reid asked, folding her legs under her.

Gordon stopped pacing, eyeing her.

“He thinks we can control Eldon,” Ackley explained. “That we can convince Eldon to want the same things we do. Well, in case you haven’t realized it yet Gordon, we no longer hold any loyalty to our half-brother. After he killed our father, he went and killed his own.”

Reid glanced at Dexter, who seemed to be handling the loss of his father remarkably well. It was probably too soon for him to have processed everything that had happened over the past forty-eight hours. She’d been so shocked by her mother being alive that she hadn’t even asked Dexter how he was doing.

Someone knocked on the door. “Everyone in there?” Colbert said from the hallway.

Ackley opened the door. “We’re plotting my brother’s demise.”

“As interesting as that sounds,” Colbert replied, “supper is ready. I’ve been asked to escort everyone to the dining room.” He peered inside, studying Reid. “Are you okay?”

She nodded. “I’m fine.” Then to Dexter, she whispered, “Do you need a moment alone with your brother?” She wasn’t sure if anyone had informed Colbert of his father’s passing.

“I do need to talk to him,” Dexter said. “But I’m famished. We’ll talk after we eat.” He stood, pulling Reid up with him.

When Reid stepped into the hallway, Finn jumped on her, knocking her against the wall. She laughed as he licked her chin.

“Don’t let him jump on you,” Colbert said before ordering Finn to heel.

“I don’t mind.” Reid straightened her tunic.

“I didn’t ask you if you minded.” Colbert shook his head. “I don’t want him jumping on people.”

Markis exited one of the rooms, joining them in the hallway. “Where’s Gytha?”

“She’s still at the palace,” Dexter answered.

Markis rubbed the nape of his neck. “Who accompanied your group here?”

“No one,” Dexter replied. “We’re the only ones who made it out.”

“I’m sure Gytha will be fine,” Markis said as he made his way down the steps, everyone following him. “I’m going to do a perimeter run.” He exited the manor.

Reid also worried about Nara. Thankfully, the princess was a fighter and could defend herself. However, with Henrick’s death, Reid didn’t know what state of mind Nara would be in.

The group made their way toward the dining room. At the threshold, Reid froze, unable to cross. She stepped to the side, leaning against the wall as Ackley, Gordon, and Colbert entered. Sucking in a deep breath, she blew it out, trying to calm her racing heart. Her parents were in there.

“Are you okay?” Dexter asked, his deep voice rumbling through her.

She nodded, unable to speak. What would she say to her mother? Where would she begin the conversation? How are you alive? And what about Reid’s father? He was the one person she depended on and