Hidden Knights (Knights of the Realm #3) - Jennifer Anne Davis Page 0,102
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.