here from Melenia, and how they—the women of the kingdom—had the power to save it. She not only called on the power the ring invoked, but she also called on each duchess, each woman, personally, encouraging her to raise her army to fight the king and the invading foreign army. When she finished, she dipped her ring in ink, pressing it to each letter to verify she possessed the ring and had the authority to call upon them. Then she closed the letters with her father’s wax seal.
“Give these to Gordon. See that each one makes it to the correct duchess.”
With a nod, Idina took the letters.
“Make sure the soldiers remain along the northern coastline watching Melenia’s ships. If we’re sending our troops south, we don’t want to be caught unaware in the north.”
“I’ll speak to Gordon on the matter.”
After Idina left, Reid exited her father’s office and headed to the great hall. She found Dexter and Harlan at the table, each with a drink in hand.
“Everything all right?” Reid inquired.
“Yes.” Dexter patted Harlan on the back. “I’m just trying to get to know your friend.”
“Spill it,” Reid said, taking a seat across from them. “Don’t look at me like you don’t know what I’m talking about, Harlan. Tell me what’s wrong.” She’d grown up with him. She knew something was bothering him by his hunched shoulders and the way he kept glancing at Dexter while chewing on his bottom lip.
He shrugged. “I’m worried about how you’re faring in Axian.”
“I’ve been trying to assure him you’re fine.” Dexter rubbed the nape of his neck. “Probably would have been more convincing if I left out the assassination attempt.”
“You know,” Harlan said as he twisted his cup in his hands, “I almost went to Axian to save you. But then I realized you didn’t need me—or anyone else—to do that.”
Reid reached across the table, taking Harlan’s hand. “I should have written to let you know I was doing okay. I’m sorry.” She’d taken the time to write her father, and she should have done the same with Harlan and her sisters. However, she’d never been good with correspondence of that nature.
He finished off his drink. “I’ll be honest, Reid. I didn’t expect you to want to marry Prince Dexter.”
To Reid, Dexter said, “I filled Harlan in on everything.” Then, to Harlan, “Please, there’s no need for titles and formalities.”
Harlan nodded. “When I saw Reid earlier at the apothecary’s shop, I was worried Axian would have changed her. But she’s still Reid. And for that, I’m glad.”
Dexter drummed his fingers on the table. “How well versed are you with antidotes to commonly used poisons?”
“Very,” Harlan answered. “Since there’s only one apothecary in town, and I’ll be taking over for him, my education is extensive.”
“I think you should come with us.”
“Why?” Harlan’s brows drew together in confusion.
“Since you know how to make different antidotes, you might come in handy. Anna does love her poisons.”
“Who’s Anna?” he asked.
“I didn’t tell him that part,” Dexter said to Reid. “I figured you’d want to handle that one when you’re ready.”
“Yes, I would.” And she was nowhere near ready to talk about her mother with Harlan or anyone else for that matter. “I understand having Harlan with us might be vital, but have you asked him if he wants to come?”
“No. I only just thought of bringing him along now.” Dexter took a drink.
Reid looked expectantly at Harlan. “Do you want to come to the City of Buckley?”
“You know I hate to travel. But yes, I’ll come to help. If anything happened to you, I’d never forgive myself.”
“Will the apothecary be okay if you leave for a bit?” Reid asked.
“He has to be. If you don’t pull this off, Marsden might cease to exist.”
“And your wife?” Would Sophie be okay with him leaving?
“She will be fine for a couple of weeks without me.” He stared down at his empty cup.
“How’s married life?” she asked. Harlan had always been a private person, rarely sharing the details of his home life.
“We’re still getting to know one another as husband and wife.” He stood. “Speaking of Sophie, I should get home. She will be wondering where I am.”
“Before you go, I have a question,” Dexter said. “Will you do me the honor of standing in for my brother when Reid and I marry?”
Harlan faced Reid. “Do you truly want to marry Dexter?”
“Yes.”
“Not to save the kingdom, your land, or your father, I mean. Do you love Dexter and want to marry