Hidden Knights (Knights of the Realm #3) - Jennifer Anne Davis Page 0,76

wants to say something, I’m sure he will.”

Owen shook his head. “I didn’t ask that right. Why is a man allowing a woman to be in charge?”

She pursed her lips. “Why not?”

“Because you’re a woman.” He scanned her from head to toe. “In pants. You’re very strange.”

Dexter chuckled but made no move to enter the room.

“Now what is your question for me?”

Reid wasn’t sure how to say what she wanted without sounding too eager. As calmly as possible, without trying to appear invested, she said, “It seems you are now the king of Melenia. I’d say congratulations, but I know that’s not what you want to hear at the moment. As king, you have the authority to withdraw your troops from Marsden and return home to retake your kingdom from Russek.”

“I’ve been considering that.” Moving over to the desk, he sat on the edge. “I don’t think I have enough men to retake my kingdom. It’s bigger than yours.”

And now for her actual question. “What if we work together?”

“Together how?” Dexter asked, coming into the room.

“I have an idea.” Which she probably should have ran by him first, but she’d been too afraid he would say no.

“I’d like to hear it,” Dexter said, standing alongside her.

“So would I,” Owen stated.

She chose her words carefully. “If you help us, we’ll help you.”

“How so?” Owen asked.

“I want you to accompany Ackley to find Idina.”

“Why me?”

“Several reasons. I need someone who isn’t connected so intimately with the situation, someone who can be objective and see things clearly, to go with Ackley.”

“I’m sure you have plenty of people who fit that bill.”

“I do.” But she didn’t have any men who were stealthy, intelligent, and skilled with the sword whom Anna didn’t know about.

“Reid, don’t you think we should discuss this first?” Dexter asked.

“Now that Owen is Melenia’s king, we have an opportunity to work with him.”

“His army is in our kingdom,” Dexter pointed out.

“I know. But consider this: Owen could have gotten away from Seb at any time. Yet, he came with the man. In addition, Owen just lost his entire family, his kingdom, and his friends. If you were in his position, you’d want someone to help you.”

Dexter pursed his lips, his indecision clear.

“I want to be sure I’m understanding you correctly,” Owen said. “If I help you retrieve Idina, you’ll support me in my bid to reclaim my kingdom?”

“Yes. We’ll send soldiers to Melenia with you to ensure you retake your kingdom.”

He held out his hand. “Deal.”

She shook it, hoping she hadn’t just made a huge mistake.

After drawing up a wordy treaty and signing it, Dexter led Owen and Reid to Ackley’s office where Gordon and Gytha waited with Ackley.

“The duchesses are saying their soldiers had nothing to do with it,” Gordon said as he paced in the small office. “Where do you plan to start looking?” He warily eyed Owen.

“I agreed to help because I have an idea of who took her,” Owen said. He went over to Ackley’s chest and rummaged around, picking out weapons to use for the journey. After sheathing a longsword, he faced Gordon.

“You agreed to help so you’d have access to our soldiers.” Gordon clenched his hands into fists, glaring at Reid.

“Enough,” Reid chided. “There are too many people in here. Gordon, return to your soldiers. I’m sure you have things to do to prepare for our march south into Axian.”

After Gordon stormed out of the office, Owen chuckled. “That would never fly in my kingdom.”

“Focus,” Reid snapped. “You said you had an idea of who took the princess?”

Dexter went around the desk and sat on the chair, watching their exchange.

“I know something you don’t.” Owen peered into the hallway, then closed the door. Lowering his voice, he whispered, “Why do you think Melenia is here?”

Dexter narrowed his eyes. “You’re here because Eldon requested aid in exchange for access to the mines.”

Reid leaned on the window ledge, folding her arms. Ackley closed and locked the weapons chest, then sat on top of it.

“That is what everyone is supposed to believe. However, there is more to it than that. My mother received a letter from a woman in Marsden seeking our help. She said King Eldon was evil and murdering his own people. She offered an enormous sum of money if we’d send soldiers to help overthrow the king.”

A sick foreboding overcame Reid. She rubbed her forehead, fearing she knew who sent the letter. But why? Thinking back over everything she’d learned these last few weeks, she

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