Hidden Knights (Knights of the Realm #3) - Jennifer Anne Davis Page 0,26

her on the shoulder, almost knocking her over. “Got tired of that entitled prick of a prince in Axian?”

“Not exactly.”

He folded his arms. “What are you doing here?”

It struck Reid as odd no one knew the king was on the verge of overthrowing the dukes and taking complete control of Marsden. Taking a deep breath, she shoved those thoughts aside and focused on Knox. “I’m here to spar with my friend.”

He nodded as if expecting that. Through the years, how many times had she come here to spar with him? Too many to count.

Reaching under his desk, he pulled out his sword. “Listen, Reid, I want to apologize.”

“No need.” She knew his personality. Knox would always see her as someone weaker than him who should be protected. It had been ingrained in him since childhood. Harlan was one of the few people who saw her for the person she was on the inside.

“I should have stayed with you instead of going home. When you needed me, I wasn’t there for you. I’m sorry.” He ducked his head.

She’d never heard him apologize before. “You’re forgiven.” Ironically, Harlan—the least skilled of her friends when it came to fighting—was the only one who had stayed with her. “Now, are we going to just stand here and gossip? Or are we going to get to work?”

Smiling, he sheathed his sword in the scabbard strapped to his waist. He opened the door, ushering Reid outside. When Knox saw Ackley and Gordon, he stopped. “What are they doing here?” he muttered.

“I’m not sure why my father hasn’t told you anything, but the king is trying to take over the kingdom.”

“In case you haven’t heard, the king is in charge of the kingdom.”

She shook her head. “He’s either going to overthrow the dukes or kill them so he has complete control.”

“And you think you’re going to stop him?”

“Not quite. We’re just here to regroup. Come on.”

When they reached the training yard, Reid quickly introduced Knox to everyone. “He’s the one who taught me to fight.” She patted him on the shoulder.

“That explains why your skills are lacking,” Ackley drawled.

Reid was going to whack Ackley on the back of his head. However, Dexter beat her to it.

“When will I learn to defend myself?” Idina asked.

“I can show you some basics,” Knox offered.

“Not a chance in hell,” Ackley said.

Reid wondered if Ackley’s objection was due to Knox’s lack of skill or the fact he was an unmarried man.

“I’ll work with you,” Gordon said. He led Idina across the muddy training yard, off to the side and out of everyone’s way. Gordon proceeded to show Idina what to do if someone came at her with a knife. It surprised Reid that neither Gordon nor Ackley had thought to show Idina some basic self-defense moves before now. They must never have thought it necessary.

“I’ll take the big guy,” Ackley said, pointing at Dexter with a wicked gleam in his eye.

That left Reid with Knox for a partner. She pulled her swords free from their scabbards, reveling in the sounds the blades made as she unsheathed them. It had been far too long.

“You look nervous,” Knox commented with a low chuckle.

“I’m rusty.” She swung her arms, trying to loosen up. Knox never went easy on her.

“Are you gonna complain about it?”

“The only one complaining is you.”

A smile spread across his face. “I forgot how much I enjoy your banter.”

She adjusted her hands on the hilts of her swords, preparing for his attack.

Knox removed his shirt, tossing it on the fence.

“Is that necessary?” she asked. While it had stopped raining, heavy clouds still covered the sky, making the air chilly.

He shrugged. “I always fight without a shirt.”

She’d assumed that since he was now aware of her womanhood, he’d keep his shirt on for proprietary reasons.

“What? Am I too distracting?” He winked.

“You wish.” Instead of letting Knox strike first, she swung her right sword, knowing he’d shut up and block it.

And just like that, they fell into their old routine. Reid had feared she’d be slower since she hadn’t used her swords in so long. However, the movements came back to her as naturally as breathing. If anything, Knox felt a little sluggish to her. “Maybe you’re the one who hasn’t practiced,” she teased.

“I’ve maintained my daily drills,” he said, a huff to his voice she wasn’t familiar with. “It’s you who has improved.”

“I’m not sure how that’s possible since I haven’t been training regularly.” She spun, missing his attack. Since his sword was