Hidden Knights (Knights of the Realm #3) - Jennifer Anne Davis Page 0,82

hard to see in the rain,” Gordon said, squinting. “I think it’s Ackley’s flag.”

“Does Idina have one?” Reid demanded.

“No,” Leigh responded.

“What does this mean?” Harlan asked.

“I don’t know.” She had no idea if Ackley returned on his own or with the princess.

A stable hand brought a saddled horse over to Gordon, handing him the reins.

“I’ll go see.” Gordon mounted, then steered his horse toward the city.

Dexter joined them on the steps. “Do we know who arrived?”

“We think it’s Ackley.” They stood there, no one talking, as they waited to see if Ackley was alone or not. What if Idina had been killed? What if Ackley couldn’t find her? The wait was excruciating.

After what felt like forever, the castle gates swung open to reveal four riders. Gordon and Ackley were in front, Owen and Idina behind them. Leigh let out an odd noise, then swayed. Nara wrapped her arm around Leigh, steadying her. Gordon and Ackley were conversing back and forth. Ackley appeared to be fine, no obvious injuries in sight. When they neared the castle, Reid noticed Idina riding with her back straight and head held high. Like Ackley, Idina didn’t have any visible injuries. Owen said something to Idina. The princess’s eyes widened, and she glared.

They dismounted at the front steps. Leigh threw her arms around her daughter.

Owen came before Dexter. “One princess delivered safe and sound. I’ve fulfilled my end. Now it’s your turn.”

Leigh released her daughter. “I’m so glad you’re home.”

“It’s good to be home. The journey was trying.”

“Everyone inside out of the rain,” Leigh ordered. “I’ll have a feast prepared for supper to celebrate my daughter’s return.”

Idina twisted to address Owen. “Thank you for your services,” she said, her voice formal and haughty. “You may return to your men.” She gave a curt nod before gliding inside the castle.

Ackley chuckled. “At some point, Owen, you’ll need to tell her you’re staying with us.”

“Oh, it’s much more fun this way. I can’t wait for supper to see the shock on that beautiful face of hers.” Smiling, he sauntered into the castle with Ackley.

“Well, that was unexpected,” Nara said.

“I’m glad she’s back,” Dexter said. “I didn’t think they’d find her so quickly.”

“I was referring to Owen and Idina fancying one another,” his mother replied.

“I don’t think she likes him,” Reid said.

“She does. Trust me. She has the same look about her that you did when you first came to live with us.”

Reid stiffened. She hadn’t been in love with Dexter at first. Sure, she might have thought him handsome and admired his dedication, but she hadn’t been in love with him.

Dexter kissed Reid’s cheek, surprising her.

“What was that for?” she asked.

“No reason.” He took her hand. “Let’s head inside.”

After supper, in which Idina and Owen argued mercilessly, Dexter met with Owen in the study. When Reid went to join them, Dexter blocked the doorway.

“What are you doing?” Reid asked, confused.

“I want to speak with him alone.”

“Why?”

“I need you to trust me on this,” he mumbled. “I’ll be along shortly.” He closed the door, effectively dismissing her.

Idina strode along the hallway, coming toward Reid. “I don’t know why Owen is still here.”

“We told you over supper, he helped rescue you, so we’re going to help him reclaim his kingdom.”

Idina’s face paled. “I still feel awful about that.”

Reid joined the princess. They walked side by side. “I’m fairly certain Anna is to blame, not you.”

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

When they reached the princess’s bedchamber, Idina invited Reid inside. While the princess changed into her nightclothes, Reid knelt on the hearth, stoking the fire back to life.

Idina crawled into bed. “I’m fine, Reid. Exhausted, but unharmed.”

“I didn’t ask.” Although she wanted to know everything that had happened to the princess.

“Then stop hovering.”

Reid sighed, sitting on the edge of the bed. “I’m relieved you’re okay. We were all so worried about you.”

“It was a trying ordeal to be sure. Those two idiots tied me up so I couldn’t fight. I’m going to have Gordon show me how to get out of that situation during our next training session.”

“Where were you taken?”

“South. That was not how I envisioned my first adventure into Axian going. I was tossed on a boat, then taken to Axian where we met up with a group of Melenia soldiers. There was some confusion about me being the wrong person. The next thing I know, Prince Owen shows up, demanding they release me. Once they do, he instructs them to tell the army to be prepared to