Hidden Knights (Knights of the Realm #3) - Jennifer Anne Davis Page 0,57
told her children a story they’d never heard before. “Hudson confided in me years later. He said Anna came to him declaring her undying love. She said she’d killed Broc for him—so he could be king, and he wouldn’t have to marry someone he didn’t love. She claimed they could be together. What she didn’t foresee was Hudson’s vicious side. He told her she was crazy, and he’d never marry her. Then she threatened him. She said she would never leave him alone, that she would always be nearby watching. She claimed to know all about the hidden passageways throughout the palace. She could come and go, and he would never know.”
A chill slid over Reid’s skin. “Then what happened?”
“Hudson took control of the army to try to stop her. However, she disappeared. Hudson declared I was to marry him. He produced a signed contract. His behavior became erratic. I sent Henrick into hiding, fearing for his life. I didn’t know if Hudson would do something to harm him. Everything fell apart.”
“At what point did Anna marry my father?” Reid asked.
“Not long after that. When she returned home, she discovered her father had signed her marriage contract without her input. I know Duke Axian was concerned since he had no heir and his land had reverted to the king. He wanted Anna cared for. Marrying her off was his way of making sure she was provided for.”
“At what point did Henrick gain control over Axian?” Idina asked.
“Hudson couldn’t stand to be in the palace any longer. He believed Anna was always watching him. It was driving him mad. He had to leave, but he didn’t want to abandon the county. I think he pretended Broc deeded Axian to Henrick, knowing Henrick would come out of hiding and govern Axian.”
Reid rubbed her temples. So many lies and misconceptions. When would it end?
“Did my uncle truly hate my father?” Dexter asked.
Leigh stood then, then went over to the window, gazing outside. “The brothers had their moments. They were so vastly different but both highly competitive. I’d like to think if they were alive today, they’d be friends if I hadn’t come between them. And that is something I’ll never be able to forgive myself for.”
“I appreciate you sharing what you know,” Dexter said, his voice gentle.
Leigh glanced over her shoulder. “You look so much like your father. I see him in the way you carry yourself. But you have your mother’s genuine smile.”
Dexter slid his hand over Reid’s, squeezing it.
“Let’s focus on Anna,” Ackley said as he stood and started pacing. “What can we glean from this?”
“She loves to use poisons,” Leigh said, coming to stand behind the sofa, resting her hands on the back. “And she can hold a grudge. I’m sure she has something special planned for me since I married Hudson.”
Ackley went over to his mother, sliding his arm around her shoulders. “We won’t let anything happen to you. I promise.”
“Eldon—my own son—tried to kill me. Then, at Duke Ellington’s, we almost died. I’m not sure you can make that promise.”
Ackley pulled his mother into a hug. “I can make that promise.”
Reid wondered if Ackley had told Leigh about him being a Knight and his association with Anna over the years.
A thought suddenly occurred to her. If Anna held grudges, were her grandparents in danger? After all, her grandfather had been the one to sign Anna’s marriage contract with Duke Ellington. And what about her father? He’d let Anna go, so that had to count for something. However, he’d also fathered five daughters with her. And, Reid suspected, that was five daughters too many.
Rubbing her temples, she ignored her headache, wanting a few minutes alone to sort through this. Reid abruptly rose, exiting the room. As she went along the hallway, images of her life while growing up swirled in her mind. Reid always assumed she was at a disadvantage for not having a mother. She felt as if her life were missing something. Now, she realized how wrong she’d been. If Anna had remained at home to raise her, Reid’s life would be vastly different. For the first time, she was glad her mother had abandoned them. They were better off without her.
“Reid,” Harlan said, gaining her attention.
She stopped, waiting for her friend to catch up.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
She rolled her eyes.
“Never mind—that was a stupid question.” He folded his arms, observing her. “I keep trying to imagine how I’d feel if my parents came back from