and come back to me one day. I stayed true to her all these years.”
Sadness filled Reid. Her father had sacrificed companionship on the slim chance he’d be reunited with his first love—a woman who had never and would never return that love. And when they’d finally been reunited, it hadn’t ended up as her father hoped it would. Anna had been cold, uncaring, and ambivalent to his feelings.
Boots crunched on dirt as Gordon emerged from the trees. “I didn’t see anyone nearby,” he said, sitting beside Reid. “You two okay?”
Reid nodded, lost in thought. There had to be a way to oust the Melenia army, dethrone Eldon, and crown Dexter king, all while ensuring minimal loss of life. And Reid needed to make sure Anna didn’t double cross them. As much as Reid didn’t want to admit it, she saw the way Anna had looked at Dexter and Colbert—as if they were filth beneath her feet. Reid didn’t trust her mother for one second. She had a feeling once she was crowned queen, Anna would find a way to kill both Dexter and Colbert.
While Reid continued to ponder how to rid the kingdom of the Melenia soldiers and Eldon, Gordon spoke with Duke Ellington about the number of soldiers in Ellington, where they were stationed, and how to call them to arms quickly.
About an hour later, Dexter and Ackley returned.
“We didn’t see any evidence of Melenia soldiers,” Dexter announced.
“Although, there are a few Axian soldiers,” Ackley said as he plopped on the ground.
“You don’t think they’d report your whereabouts to the king, do you?” Reid asked.
“No, I don’t.” Dexter sat next to her. “They are loyal to me. It’s safe for us to travel through the town, but I want to make sure we don’t attract any attention. If the king sends someone here, I don’t want any of the citizens to mention they saw us traveling north.”
Reid nodded in understanding. She knew she’d have to pretend to be a man when they reached Ellington. It made no difference to her if she had to don the persona a little earlier than expected. If someone was on the lookout for three men and one woman, they wouldn’t think twice when seeing their traveling party—especially since there were five of them.
“What about rallying your men?” Gordon asked Dexter. “How many do you have spread throughout the county?”
“In each of the major towns, I have fifty men stationed.”
“Are the majority in the City of Radella?” Gordon rubbed his jaw.
“They are,” Dexter replied. “And to answer your previous question, when Captain Gytha put the military compound on lockdown, a few things happened. Not only did we evacuate the city, but half my soldiers also left as well. They are supposed to meet at Camp Lival about five miles outside the city. The rest of my men are awaiting orders in the compound.”
Hopefully, since the military compound resembled every other building in the city, Eldon would have no idea the soldiers were there.
“I’ve been meaning to ask,” Duke Ellington said. “Your father mentioned a man named Seb. Was he referring to Sebastian Rutter?”
Dexter nodded. “The one and only.”
“Do you know him?” Reid recalled Seb had only agreed to make the weapons for Dexter after he’d learned the prince was marrying her. Seb had also been the commander under King Broc.
“Funny you should ask,” the duke said. “Seb’s nephew is Becket.”
Shock rolled through Reid. “Ainsley’s husband?”
“Yes. Seb’s sister, Sara, married a wealthy landholder who resided in Ellington before trade and travel ceased with Axian.”
Reid couldn’t believe her eldest sister was married to Seb’s nephew. She whacked Dexter’s arm. “Did you know?”
“I knew Seb’s sister had moved to Ellington and married well. During negotiations, I used your father’s name to persuade Seb to work with me. But I had no idea how intimately he was connected to your family.”
“As entertaining as this is,” Ackley said, “I’d like to get through the town before dark, so we have time to set up camp.” He jumped to his feet.
Reid clambered to hers, too. “I’m worried Anna is planning more than she told us.” Reid went over to her horse, untying it from the tree.
“Oh, I’m certain she is,” Ackley said as he tightened the girth straps on his horse. “That’s why it’s imperative I reach the City of Buckley to speak to the Knights in the army.”
“Do you think they’ll side with you over her? After all, Anna is their leader.”
“I’ve been working with them for years.