She still felt uneasy in high society. While she was becoming more comfortable being a woman in public, she still preferred pants and spending time with men to putting on a dress and socializing with women. “Wouldn’t it be better to meet them in the sitting room?”
Shaking his head in exasperation, Dexter pulled her toward the dais. “We’ve been over this. In order for me to assert I’m the rightful king, I need to conduct formal business here in the throne room.”
She sighed. “Fine.” Reid had already agreed to this. She just hadn’t realized being in the throne room would make her nervous. After running her hands down the front of her dress, she rolled her shoulders back and faced the doors.
“Don’t forget to smile, Reid Winston.”
Unused to hearing that name, she smiled.
“That’s better. Now you don’t look like you want to murder someone.”
She punched his arm, making him chuckle.
The side door opened, and Idina and Leigh entered the throne room.
“We thought we should be here to show our support for you two,” the princess said. Her red hair was unbound, set off by the pale yellow dress she wore. Idina positioned herself on one of the lower steps to Reid’s right.
Donning a navy dress, Leigh stood on Dexter’s left, also on a lower step. “Gordon and Ackley are escorting the three duchesses here.”
A moment later, the doors flew open, revealing Ackley, a sly smirk on his face. “Your Highnesses.” He bowed.
“Enter,” Dexter replied. Since he’d been raised as royalty, he knew the proper protocols and procedures for this sort of thing.
Reid pasted on a pleasant smile, trying not to laugh at Ackley for addressing her as Your Highness. She hadn’t been crowned yet. That wouldn’t happen until she returned to Axian with Dexter.
Sauntering forward, Ackley led three women, Gordon right behind them. Reid didn’t know what she imagined the duchesses would look like, but this wasn’t it.
“May I present Duchess Amille Cartr,” Ackley said, indicating the woman to his left. Amille was short—shorter than Reid—with her hair slicked back into a severe bun. Her slightly weathered skin indicated her age to be closer to fifty. She wore a simple brown dress with no jewelry.
“Duchess Jane Alder,” Ackley said, indicating the woman in the middle. Jane was a plump woman of no more than thirty. Her blue eyes scanned both Dexter and Reid, her face giving nothing away. She wore a simple dark green dress which complemented her black hair.
“And last, but not least, Duchess Camille Bridger.” Ackley indicated the woman on his right. Without being told, Reid knew this was Harlow’s mother. Like her daughter, Camille had pale blonde hair, blue eyes, and pasty white skin. Her short-sleeved gray dress revealed thin, bony arms.
Reid wondered if these women normally dressed so demurely, or if they’d donned the simple attire for traveling purposes.
“Duchess Cartr, Duchess Alder, and Duchess Bridger, may I present His Highness Prince Dexter Winston and his lovely wife Lady Reid Winston.”
All three duchesses curtseyed.
“And Queen Mother Leigh Winston and her daughter, Princess Idina Winston.” Ackley moved out of the way, taking his place at Idina’s side.
After closing the doors, Gordon positioned himself next to Leigh. Not a single sentry stood guard in the throne room, per Dexter’s instructions. He wanted the duchesses to be able to speak freely without worrying about spies.
“Thank you for coming,” Dexter said.
“Shall we cut out the pleasantries and get to business?” Amille asked.
“Please.” Dexter lifted his hands palm up, indicating for her to continue.
“Before my husband left, he gave me his ring. He said if Duke Ellington could do it, he could, too.” Amille held her head high as she spoke, jutting out her proud chin. “The king sent me a letter demanding I send my soldiers to Axian. That’s where my husband went in order to attend your wedding. The problem is, I haven’t heard from him. I know something is wrong.”
“I concur,” Jane said. “My husband also gave me his ring before he left.”
Shocked, Reid couldn’t believe the dukes had done such a thing. She’d mistakenly assumed they were as backward as the king and wanted to suppress women.
Jane continued, “Eldon is a young and inexperienced king. His father died under mysterious circumstances. The king is now in the south while you are here. I haven’t heard from my husband either. Therefore, I am withholding my decision until I know more.” Jane looked at Camille.
“I don’t even know where to begin,” Camille stated, her voice soft like honey. “My interests