Hidden Knights (Knights of the Realm #3) - Jennifer Anne Davis Page 0,61
are torn. On one hand, my daughter is married to the king. I won’t pretend it to be a love match. But I do have a vested interest seeing my daughter remain on the throne.”
“I understand,” Dexter said.
“However, the king is raping my county. He told the Melenians they could come to Bridger and mine our precious stones. They trample our farms, take our natural resources, and leave us with nothing for compensation. My husband has done everything the king has asked. Unfortunately, the mining has only increased. Our livelihood is being ruined.” She turned her hand, revealing she wore Duke Bridger’s ring.
“We’re willing to hear you out,” Amille said. “Then we will decide how to proceed.”
Joy surged through Reid. These women were taking charge and not letting the men control everything. Which meant it was time for her to step forward and speak. Pushing her nerves aside, she spoke with all the authority and conviction she could muster. “By now, you have received two letters. One from my husband, and one from me. We believe the king is trying to lure you to Axian to murder you. He intends to do away with all dukes, duchesses, and counties. He wants total and complete control. The purpose of the Melenia army is to help him achieve this goal.”
“I’ve heard my son discussing his plans,” Leigh said. “After he kills you and your husbands, he will use your soldiers against your own people to suppress any uprisings.”
“Why?” Jane asked.
Camille stepped forward. “My Harlow has confided in me. She discovered Eldon is not the true heir. When she confronted him, he revealed he intends to kill all the dukes before they can strip him of the crown. He knows they will side with the law, and the law is not with him.”
“We have been functioning as independent counties under one king for over a century,” Amille said. “We have a duty to preserve our way of life.”
“And we have a duty to protect our people,” Reid pointed out. She wanted it clear they were not doing this for power, but for the citizens of Marsden.
“You must understand the precarious position this puts me in,” Camille said. “Save my husband but doom my daughter? How can I choose?”
“Why does supporting me doom your daughter?” Dexter asked.
“Eldon won’t step down,” Camille pointed out.
“No, he will not,” Dexter agreed.
“The only choice you have is to either arrest or assassinate him. Since my daughter is married to him, I assume you will do to her what you do to him.” Her eyes became glassy.
“There are no plans, nor will there ever be, to harm your daughter in any way,” Dexter replied with conviction. “You have my word.”
“What will happen to her? She becomes a widow? No one will want anything to do with her.”
“I understand your concerns,” Reid said. “However, I believe Harlow can choose how she lives her life. She is a strong, capable woman.”
Camille nodded, seemingly satisfied with that response. “What about the Bridger mines?”
“The mines will be restored to your control,” Dexter answered. “Will you help us remove the imposter king, get rid of the Melenia soldiers, and restore peace to the kingdom?”
“Yes,” Camille replied. “Bridger will stand with you.”
“As will Cartr.”
“Alder will stand with you.”
“Thank you for upholding the laws of Marsden,” Dexter said. “Please prepare your soldiers for war. Our commander, Prince Gordon, will be leading the soldiers south when the time comes.”
The three women took their leave, Ackley and Gordon escorting them from the throne room.
Once they were gone, Idina snorted. “Who knew the women of Marsden would be the ones calling the shots to save the kingdom.”
“We still have a long way to go until the kingdom is saved,” Reid pointed out. However, the fact the women were stepping up and taking charge made her proud and reinforced her belief that women were just as capable as men.
“You know, this is only possible because of you.” Idina patted Reid’s shoulder as they exited the throne room.
She wasn’t so sure about that. “We only have three counties siding with us. There are several more to speak with.”
The group made their way along the corridor.
“Ryder and Lyndr are the only two who might pose an objection,” Leigh said. “I am confident the rest will stand with you. Especially when they see the Winston royal family is united in their agreement on who should be and is legally the king.”
When Reid had spoken with Dukes Willer, Tucker, and Slader, they’d all voiced