the day word came Gordon had been spotted a few miles out, a letter arrived from the king.
“What does it say?” Reid asked, biting the tip of her thumb.
Ackley handed it to Dexter so he could read it for himself. “It basically says Dexter is in no position to make demands since Eldon is in possession of all the dukes.”
Reid started pacing. They’d planned for this scenario. They knew several of the dukes had previously sided with Eldon. Was Eldon holding those dukes hostage as well? Or did they still side with him? That was what they needed to discover. “Have we heard anything from your men?” she asked Dexter.
“No, not yet.”
“Most of the counties supporting the king have soldiers stationed outside the city wall,” she mused.
“Once we hear from the duchesses,” Ackley said, “we’ll know how to proceed. For now, I’m going to prepare for my brother and the Ellington soldiers.” He exited the sitting room.
That was the question. Would the duchesses send troops to Eldon as he’d demanded? Or would they stand with Reid and fight? If the women did what their husbands told them, then those in favor of the king would send their soldiers. Not knowing where each county stood was the hardest part. Reid hoped the women would read her letter and decide on their own. She hoped they were strong and would stand with her.
Dexter took a deep breath. “I’m glad I’m not here by myself.” He pushed off the edge of the table, standing before her. “Thank you for supporting me.”
“We’re doing this for the people of this kingdom. They deserve better.”
“I had no idea how northern Marsden was.”
“No one here realizes how good things can be. I plan to change all that.”
He kissed her forehead. “We will. I promise.”
A red-faced Gordon entered the castle, Idina, Leigh, and Harlan behind him.
“Welcome home,” Reid said, hugging Idina in the entryway.
“It’s good to be home,” the princess said. “I never realized traveling with so many men would be so…tedious. I’m going to bathe.” With a flourish, Idina swept up the staircase.
“Now that the three of you are safely deposited,” Gordon said, “I need to go finish up with Ackley over in the barracks.” He exited the castle.
“Is he all right?” Dexter asked.
“He’s never been one for words,” Leigh explained. “And he’s upset there are soldiers camped outside the city walls. He’ll calm down. Eventually.” Leigh smiled. “I’m going to bathe as well.”
“You might need to use a guest room,” Reid said.
Closing her eyes, Leigh took a deep breath. When she looked at Reid, there was a sadness there she couldn’t begin to comprehend. “Of course.” She hurried up the stairs.
“I never thought I’d be back here,” Harlan mumbled, clutching his hat.
Reid hugged him. “It’s good to see you.”
“I’m sorry about your home.”
She waved her hand, not wanting to talk about it. The pain was still too fresh in her mind. “I’m just glad the soldiers are okay.” And that no one had needlessly died because of the attack.
“Come,” Dexter said. “I’ll show you to your room.”
With his bag in hand, Harlan followed Dexter to the guest wing. Reid meandered into the sitting room, taking a seat on the sofa.
A few minutes later, Ackley and Gordon entered.
“Everything okay?” Reid asked.
Gordon plopped on the sofa, his boots covered with dried mud. He rubbed his tired face. “I’m just going to rest for five minutes, then I will oversee the Ellington soldiers.”
“I told you it’s taken care of,” Ackley said, sitting next to his brother. “I put men in charge of setting up the tents.”
“But there are men from Cartr, Alder, and Bridger here.”
“It’ll be fine,” Ackley insisted.
Dexter and Harlan entered.
Ackley crossed his legs. “We’re going to have to order all the servants back to work.”
“Why is that?” Reid rather enjoyed having the castle empty.
“Word just came—the duchesses from Cartr, Alder, and Bridger will be here tomorrow. Apparently, they received both Dexter and Reid’s letters.”
Reid sat up straighter. Those were the three duchesses most likely to side with Eldon since their husbands supported the king. What was their purpose for coming to speak to Reid? Would they give her a chance to explain her position? Or would they automatically side with Eldon?
“Any word from the other duchesses?” Dexter asked.
“Not yet.”
“Make sure some sort of watch is set up,” Dexter commanded. “I don’t want anyone giving the soldiers any sleep tonics again.”
“Will do.” Gordon stood. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I am going to pay Sir Gilbert, Lord Fesher,