He may know who has her.”
Ackley went still. “Owen?”
“We captured him. Maybe the Melenians want an exchange?”
He tilted his head, eyeing her. “You’re not going to try to stop me from leaving?”
There was no stopping him. “No, I’m not. I just want to see if Owen knows anything. Will you give me thirty minutes?”
Gytha glared at Reid.
Ackley nodded. “Thirty minutes. No more.”
Reid exited the room, finding Dexter waiting for her in the hallway. “Where’s Owen?” she asked.
“Holding cell below the barracks.”
Reid had never been to the subterranean level.
Gytha stomped out of the office. “Ackley is going to get himself killed.”
“I have an idea,” Reid said. “Stay here and watch Ackley. Don’t let him leave until we return.”
“You have my word.” The warrior woman took up watch in the doorway, effectively blocking Ackley from exiting.
Dexter and Reid went to the end of the hall where a lone soldier guarded a narrow door. The man unlocked it, ushering Reid and Dexter down the steep, narrow staircase to the subterranean level. A long corridor extended before them with a dozen doors on either side, torches hanging on the walls at even intervals.
The soldier led them to the third door on the right. After unlocking it, he opened the door and examined the room. “You can go in.”
Reid stepped inside.
A single candle on a small desk lit the room, revealing Owen lying on a cot, facing the wall.
“This isn’t as dreary as I thought it would be,” Reid said by way of greeting.
Owen didn’t acknowledge her.
“Dexter told me what happened to your kingdom. I’m sorry.”
He still didn’t respond.
“You do see the irony of the situation, don’t you?”
He rolled onto his back, peering over.
“You came here under the guise of helping the king. Only, you planned to turn around and overthrow him once the dukes were removed from power.”
“It’s not the same thing,” he replied, his voice gruff.
“It’s not?”
He sat up, twisting to face her. “I didn’t plan to slaughter the royal family.”
“What did you intend to do with them?” She folded her hands, patiently waiting for him to explain.
His eyes finally met hers. “Melenia’s purpose for being here is to secure access to the mines. Since Commander Beck can be a little…intense sometimes, I’m here to make sure things don’t get out of hand. If Melenia happened to gain control of the kingdom, I’d be here to oversee everything.”
“I’m failing to see how what you’re doing is any better than what Russek did. You both seek to take what’s not yours.”
He chuckled, the sound humorless. “And what about you? Dexter wants an occupied throne.”
Now they were getting somewhere. “He is the rightful heir.”
“According to you.”
“According to our laws.”
“Why are you here?” He tilted his head, observing her.
“Men snuck into the castle and kidnapped Princess Idina.”
“The redhead?”
Reid smiled. “Yes, but don’t let her hear you calling her that.”
“Her hair color is unique.” His eyes remained focused on Reid. “You didn’t answer my question. Why are you here?”
“I need to find Idina.” She glanced back at Dexter hovering in the doorway, appreciating he was letting her handle this on her own. Taking a steadying breath, she asked Owen, “Do you know who took her?”
“I’ve been down here in this holding cell,” he pointed out.
“I’m wondering if it’s some sort of standard protocol. If you’re captured, your men are to kidnap one of the reigning monarch’s family members in order to do an exchange.”
“Has anyone asked for me?”
“No.” She supposed if it were his men, they would have left a ransom note.
He reached forward, picking up the cup on the desk and drinking a sip of water. “That would have been a smart move.” He set the cup back down. “I doubt any of my men would have thought of it. And I’m certain Commander Beck is not eager for my return.”
Reid was sure there was a story there. However, now was not the time to inquire about it. “May I ask you a question?”
“Only if I can ask one in return.”
The last time she’d made a deal like this it had been with Ackley at the lake. She briefly hesitated before replying, “Okay.”
“I’ll go first.” He stood, then took a step closer to her. “Why are you the one questioning me?”
That was easy to answer. “Because Ackley and Gordon are not fit to speak to you or anyone else at the moment. They are both too worried about their sister.”
“Why not Dexter?”
Glancing back, she shrugged. “I had questions for you so I’m asking them. If he