the Marsden soldiers who accompanied him would come back to Marsden. Then, they’d leave each other the hell alone.
Dexter pushed the curtains aside, staring outside. “Owen wants to marry Idina.”
Sitting upright, Reid blinked. “Really?” While she thought there was some sort of attraction between the pair, she hadn’t suspected Owen would want to marry Idina.
“Strategically, it makes sense. For both kingdoms.” He came over, then sat on the edge of the bed, next to Reid.
“Did you talk to Idina about it?”
He rubbed the side of his jaw. “Not yet.”
Relief filled Reid. She would have been furious if Dexter had made the union without speaking to Idina about it first.
“Do you think she’ll agree?” he asked.
“I have no idea.” Reid didn’t know how the princess would feel about leaving Marsden. “Do you want me to speak to her about it?”
Dexter chuckled. “No, definitely not.”
“Why is that funny?”
“Because it is.” He shook his head. “I’ll discuss the matter with Ackley to see how he thinks we should handle it.” Reaching out, Dexter tucked a stray strand of hair behind Reid’s ear. “You’re adorable when you’re mad.”
“I’m not mad.” And she most certainly wasn’t adorable. Her eyes narrowed. No one had ever accused her of being adorable before.
Dexter chuckled. “Want to get a round of sparring in before breakfast?”
Was that even a question? “Of course.”
Dexter stood on the front steps of the castle. Dressed in a black tunic with the Winston family crest embroidered on the front—compliments of Gordon—he appeared commanding and regal. They all agreed ahead of time Dexter would remain on the top step alone while the rest of the royal family stood on the lower steps, facing him and offering their support. At the end of his speech, they would join him.
Reid stood next to Idina and Nara. She’d decided to wear a dress, not wanting to alienate the citizens of Marsden. Change would come slowly. The duchesses stood behind the royal family. Then behind them were the soldiers and people of the city. They’d opened the gates in the wall surrounding the castle, allowing everyone in to hear the announcement. Dexter had insisted the castle not be cordoned off.
After briefly introducing himself, Dexter thanked everyone for coming. He outlined his plan, and Prince Gordon, Prince Ackley, and all the duchesses publicly supported it. Dexter explained Eldon was not the rightful heir since he was not Hudson’s son. Since Hudson didn’t declare Gordon his heir, the line shifted back to Henrick. Upon Henrick’s death, the title passed to Dexter, Henrick’s declared heir. At this point, the royal family, along with the duchesses, came up behind Dexter, emphasizing their full support. Dexter then went on to say Eldon was in Axian holding the dukes hostage in an attempt to lure the Marsden army there. Eldon intended to execute the dukes to take complete and total control of Marsden.
“I promise not to let this happen,” Dexter bellowed. “Marsden was founded hundreds of years ago by eleven families. They divided this land into ten counties, one family in charge of each. The last family was declared sovereign and without land. That will not change! I will take up the crown as your king with my wife, Lady Reid Ellington-Winston, at my side. Together, we will uphold the rules and traditions of this great kingdom!”
Everyone burst into applause. Reid stepped forward so she stood next to Dexter. She wondered about these antiquated rules and traditions he’d just promised to uphold that she wanted to change.
“Eldon brought a foreign kingdom here promising them control of our mines in exchange for their help. I have renegotiated the terms, and Melenia has ceased all control of the mines. The mines have been rightly restored to the Bridger family. Melenia will be returning to the mainland, and we will move forward with peace between our kingdoms.”
Again, cheering erupted.
“My fellow Marsdens,” Dexter said, immediately reclaiming everyone’s attention. “It is time to go into Axian to right the wrongs. Together, we will insist Eldon step down, and I will take his place.” Dexter clutched Reid’s fingers, raising their clasped hands in the air. “For Marsden!”
The soldiers started chanting, “Marsden!”
Dexter and Reid went into the castle, the duchesses and royal family following. Inside, Dexter thanked everyone for being there. “I also want to say how proud I am that each of you has been brave enough to use your ring to ensure we remain a great kingdom.”
“The duchesses and I have been talking,” Duchess Tucker said. “We want to join you