Hidden Knights (Knights of the Realm #3) - Jennifer Anne Davis Page 0,83
turn on King Eldon and fight with Prince Dexter. Then he and Ackley brought me home.” She laid down, pulling the blankets up.
“I see.” Reid decided to tease Idina to see if there was any truth to what Nara said earlier. “So Owen rescued you?”
Idina rolled her eyes. “My brother rescued me.”
“Prince Owen is handsome to be sure. And he’s now the king of Melenia. I can see why you’re taken with him.”
Idina’s eyes narrowed. “Of all people to say something, I didn’t expect it to be you.”
Reid started laughing. “Admit it. You like him.”
“I will do no such thing.”
“I saw the way he watched you. He fancies you, too.”
“Reid Ellington—”
“It’s Reid Winston now,” she reminded her.
Idina raised a single eyebrow. “Oh, I see.”
Reid stood to go.
“You and Dexter finally did the deed.”
It was Reid’s turn to be embarrassed.
“I’m right, aren’t I?” Idina got on her knees. “Look at you blush! Tell me all about it.”
“I will do no such thing.” Reid headed to the door.
“Did you enjoy it?”
Reid exited the room without answering, coming face to face with Gytha. “Where have you been?” She hadn’t seen the warrior woman all day.
Gytha smiled. “Doing an errand for Prince Dexter.”
“Well, Idina is in bed. I’ll see you tomorrow.” She thought it was a good idea for Gytha to guard Idina in case someone snuck into the castle again.
“I’m here for you, not for her.”
Reid groaned. She’d forgotten Gytha had been assigned as her protection.
Once they reached the bedchamber Reid had been staying in, Gytha searched the room before bidding Reid goodnight. Then Gytha leaned against the wall in the hallway next to the door.
“You’re not going to remain out there all night, are you?” Reid asked.
“Sorry,” Gytha said, not sounding sorry at all. “I’m only here until Dexter retires for the evening. Then there will be two guards stationed here for the duration of the night. There are also two men outside your window.”
Reid supposed she’d have to get used to this if she were going to be crowned queen.
“Are you okay?” Gytha asked. “You seem off. Considering the princess is home, I thought you’d be happier.”
“Until Eldon and my mother are dealt with, I will continue to worry.”
“I understand. But know I will do everything in my power to keep you safe.”
Reid stood there, staring at Gytha. What had she done to earn such loyalty? Or was Gytha simply extending her loyalty to Reid out of respect for Dexter? Reid wasn’t sure. However, she appreciated having Gytha on her side. They’d come a long way since the first time they’d met.
“Thank you.”
“For what?” Gytha asked.
“For being you. And for being my friend.”
“Friend is a strong word, Lady Reid.” Gytha chuckled. “But I do consider you my friend.”
Chapter Eighteen
Reid peeled her eyelids open, blinking at the bright morning sun shining between the curtains.
She hadn’t even heard him come in last night. She stretched, and he slid his hand over her stomach. “What did you talk to Owen about?”
He propped himself up on his elbow, then kissed the tip of her nose. “Plans for the future.” He kissed her cheek.
“Are you trying to distract me?” If so, it was certainly working.
“I’m not the distracting one.” He kissed her other cheek.
“Dexter, I’m serious.” She wanted to know what he’d discussed with Owen.
Sighing, he laid on his back. “We talked about how to eliminate Eldon. I also wanted his thoughts on how to best handle our armies.”
“Why couldn’t I be there for that?”
“Because I also asked him about Idina.”
“What about?”
“I needed to make sure no harm came to her. She is my cousin.”
Reid had forgotten about that.
“I also wanted to make sure the Melenia ships off our northern coast won’t pose a threat.”
“How so?”
“I can’t move our entire army south knowing there are war ships up north—even if not many soldiers are on board.”
“What did he agree to?”
“Owen dispatched men to each port in order to communicate with the ships. The ships are to sail east, then dock at one of the larger ports in Axian.” He sat up. “We also discussed ways of uniting our kingdoms.” Standing, he raised his arms in the air, stretching his torso.
Reid yawned. “It must be too early because I’m not following you.” Why did they have to bother uniting their kingdoms? Couldn’t Owen just take his soldiers and return home? Once he regained control of Melenia, then