Hidden Knights (Knights of the Realm #3) - Jennifer Anne Davis Page 0,25

horse toward town, a nervous energy filling her. Ackley had been there before, so he knew what he was getting himself into. Dexter, on the other hand, would probably think the place small and rundown compared to what he was used to in Axian. Regardless, this was where she’d spent countless days, and she couldn’t wait to share that part of her life with him.

When they reached the outskirts of town, Reid led the way to one of the three main streets where most of the businesses were located. At the apothecary’s, she dismounted, tying her horse to the post outside. Everyone followed suit.

Without waiting for her companions, Reid pushed the door open, rushing into the store.

Harlan sat at the table, grinding leaves in a small bowl. He glanced up. “Reid?” A huge smile spread across his face.

She ran around the table, throwing her arms around him as he tried to stand.

“It’s good to see you.” He chuckled at her enthusiasm. Holding her at arm’s length, he scanned her from head to toe. “You look about the same. How’s Axian?”

“Interesting.” Not knowing if anyone was in the back section of the shop, she kept her answer short, not wanting to go into details until she was sure they were alone.

Harlan stiffened as he peered over her shoulder, releasing her.

Dexter closed the door, turning to face Harlan and Reid while Ackley, Idina, and Gordon remained outside.

Grabbing Harlan’s arm, Reid dragged him around the side of the table. “I’d like for you to meet Dexter, my fiancé.” As a safety precaution, she chose not to use his formal title or last name.

Harlan wiped his hands on his pants before shaking Dexter’s hand.

“Nice to meet you,” Dexter replied, his voice oddly stiff and formal, as if he were nervous.

“What about you?” Reid asked, nudging Harlan. “Are you married?” He’d told Reid he was engaged to the apothecary’s eldest daughter, Sophie, but he hadn’t said when they were supposed to marry. Reid had hoped to make it back in time for the wedding.

“I am.” Harlan sat back on the chair, then resumed crushing the leaves in his bowl. “It’s good to see you. I’ve been worried.”

“We’re not sure how long we’ll be in town,” Dexter said. “But I would be honored if you’d come to Duke Ellington’s later today. I’d like to have a drink to celebrate your wedding.”

Harlan paused before peering at Dexter.

The prince cleared his throat. “I’d like to get to know Reid’s friends.”

Harlan nodded. “I’ll come by after work.” He set his bowl down. “If you don’t mind, I’d like a moment alone with Reid.”

Dexter nodded, then stepped outside.

“I’m glad he isn’t the hovering type.” Harlan rubbed his face. “Are you okay? I mean, really okay?”

“I am.” Reid perched on the edge of the table.

Harlan reached out, taking her hand. “You two aren’t married yet?”

She shook her head.

“Why are you in Ellington?”

“It’s a long story. I’ll explain later.”

“Is he…treating you right?”

Reid squeezed Harlan’s hand. She was about to say Dexter had been nothing but kind to her. However, that wasn’t true, and she didn’t want to lie to her friend. “We’ve grown to care for one another, and I consider him a friend.”

Relief shone on his face. “That’s good enough for me.”

“Will your wife be joining you this evening?” Over the years, Reid had seen the apothecary’s daughter a few times. However, she’d never spoken to the young woman.

“No. It’ll just be me. That way we can talk.”

Reid stood. “I’ve missed you.” While she’d made friends in Axian, no one knew her as well as Harlan.

“It’s not the same around here without you.”

After one last hug, she bid him goodbye and exited the store.

“It’s about time,” Ackley said. “Now where to?” He surveyed the street. “Shall we find that obnoxious, over-controlling friend of yours?”

“Do you mean Knox?” she asked.

He smiled. “Why do you think I call him obnoxious? It’s the only way I can remember his name.”

Rolling her eyes, Reid said, “Leave him alone. He means well.”

“I’m sure he does.” Ackley led the way to the watchtower, the fighting yard located adjacent to it. That was where Reid had seen Ackley for the first time.

Since the fenced-in training yard was empty, Reid instructed her friends to wait there. Entering the watchtower, she found Knox sitting at a desk. “Now isn’t this an interesting sight?” she said by way of greeting.

“I’ll be damned,” he said, jumping to his feet. “I didn’t think I’d see you back here any time soon.” He slapped