Hidden Knights (Knights of the Realm #3) - Jennifer Anne Davis Page 0,74

last twenty-four hours. It wasn’t like Ackley knew someone was going to sneak into the castle. He never would have left if Idina were being threatened. But if he knew Reid were in danger…she shook her head, banishing those thoughts. Again, she was trying to find something where there wasn’t anything to be found.

Dexter plopped on the sofa next to her. “I miss having my father and brother nearby to bounce ideas off.”

“I understand. But you have me. So let’s figure this out together.”

“The main contenders are Anna and Eldon.” He sighed.

Reid wondered if he’d slept at all last night. Focusing on the task at hand, she said, “Whoever took her did so for a reason.” She just needed to figure out why so they could bargain to get her back. “What about Prince Owen?”

“He’s in a holding cell.” Dexter rubbed his face.

“Have you considered the Melenia soldiers might want him back?”

“I hadn’t thought of the possibility, but it makes perfect sense. If they’re the ones who took Idina, do you think they’ll demand an exchange? We give them Owen in return for her?”

“It’s a possibility.”

He placed his hand at the nape of her neck, gently massaging it. “I guess we should discuss it with Owen. See if he has any insight.”

“How is the new king?” Reid had only spent a few minutes with the man, so she wasn’t sure how he’d react to the murder of his entire family. Would he be like Ackley and fly into a fit of rage? Or would he be so devastated he couldn’t rally his men to fight back?

“He hasn’t spoken since reading the letter.”

“Let’s see if he’ll talk to us. Then we can determine if the Melenians are suspects or not.” She stood, reaching her hand out for Dexter. He grabbed it, and she pulled him to his feet.

Instead of letting go, he yanked her toward him. She squealed since she hadn’t expected it. When their eyes met, he slowly lowered his head, placing a soft kiss on her lips.

“I have a confession to make,” he whispered, leaning his forehead against hers. “I’m jealous you spent last night with Ackley.”

“You know nothing happened. He’s like a brother to me. And Gytha was there.”

“I know. It still doesn’t change the way I feel.”

“I’m sorry.”

“You have nothing to be sorry for. I’m just trying to be honest with you.”

Taking a deep breath, she said, “We’ll talk more about this later.” She wanted to try to be as honest with him as he was being with her. Since she had difficulty putting her feelings into words, she hoped to express herself by other means.

“I’ll hold you to that.” They exited the great hall. “Given what happened here, I think you need a bodyguard at all times. Gytha asked for the position, and I am going to give it to her.”

While Reid didn’t want someone following her around all day, she understood the necessity for it. Plus, Gytha had become a friend to Reid, so she didn’t mind the warrior woman. “What about you?”

He smiled wryly. “You sound like my mother. She always said the very same thing to my father and me when we tried to assign a guard to her.”

“I want you protected as well. What if you’re ambushed?”

“I’ve decided if you have a guard, then I should as well.”

“Who are you going to choose?” There weren’t many men who were more proficient at fighting than Dexter.

“If Markis were here, I’d pick him. However, since he’s with my brother, I’ll have to ask Ackley if there’s someone here he trusts.”

“What about Ackley?”

Instead of responding, Dexter pushed open the door. They exited the castle. When they entered the barracks, Reid heard two people arguing from down the hall. She headed that way, realizing it was Ackley and Gytha.

Entering Ackley’s office, she found him bent over an open chest filled with weapons. “What’s going on?” Reid demanded.

Gytha’s shoulders heaved up and down. “He thinks he is going to search for his sister alone.”

Reid understood why he wanted to look for her. She knew there would be no changing his mind. Coming farther into the office, she leaned against the wall, watching Ackley. “Do you know something we don’t?” she asked, voicing one of her concerns.

Not looking at her, he withdrew several vials, placing them in his vest. Then he picked up a handful of daggers, sliding them in pockets sewn in his pants and shirt.

“Will you at least let me talk to Owen before you leave?