Hidden Knights (Knights of the Realm #3) - Jennifer Anne Davis Page 0,89

nodded, knowing he could fend for himself, but still anxious. After another five minutes passed, she started pacing to prevent herself from storming in there to check on her husband.

Dexter exited the tent, cleared his throat, and straightened his tunic. He waved them inside.

Reid quickly ducked into the tent, the others following. The tent contained a large, round table with papers strewn about it. Behind that, there was a desk, a cot, and another table. Off to the side, Owen stood over a tied-up Commander Beck, his foot on the man’s chest.

The duchesses convened around the table, examining everything.

“You and you,” Owen said, pointing at two Melenia soldiers. “Commander Beck has been relieved of his position. Take him to the officer’s tent next to here. I want you to watch over him.”

The two soldiers agreed. Then they each grabbed an arm, dragging the commander from the tent.

“Is everything okay?” Reid asked.

Owen sheathed his sword as he approached the table. “When I told the commander my father had been killed and I would be ascending the throne, he didn’t take the news well. Then I proceeded to explain we would be aiding Dexter to remove Eldon. That’s when he lost it and tried to punch me.” Owen shook his head.

“I subdued him,” Dexter added, also coming to stand at the table alongside Reid.

“You sent for us?” a soldier asked as he ducked into the tent.

“Yes,” Owen replied. “Are all twelve of my officers here?”

“We are.”

Owen waved them over to the table. They crammed around it, examining a crude map of the palace.

Owen shifted a candle closer to the map, illuminating it a bit more. “Word is that Eldon got rid of all the servants, fearful they weren’t loyal to him.”

Before Eldon had arrived at the palace, they’d replaced the servants with soldiers. Since Eldon had relieved them of duty, Reid wondered if the soldiers were around here somewhere or if they’d gone to Camp Lival, where the army was supposed to go to regroup and organize.

“Eldon is staying on the fourth floor in this room.” Owen pointed to the fifth door from the staircase.

Reid didn’t think that room belonged to anyone in the royal family.

“The queen is staying in the adjacent room,” Owen continued. “Guards are posted here and here.” He pointed outside the door and at the top of the staircase.

“We’ll enter the palace from the side door,” Dexter said. “Then we’ll take the most direct route to the fourth floor.” His finger trailed along the map, tracing the route he intended to take. “Owen will choose six of his most proficient men to accompany us. I have a dozen people I want to come as well.”

Reid assumed he referred to his revolutionaries. Since he didn’t know if any of his Axian soldiers were still in the palace somewhere, it made sense he’d take Seb and some of the citizens he’d been working with and training for years.

“When we reach Eldon’s room, the soldiers and my men will storm inside first, taking the king into custody. Once completed, the duchesses and I will enter. Together, we will officially strip him of his title, and I will take up the crown.” He clenched and unclenched his hand.

“I know my brother,” Ackley said. “I doubt he will go easily. Surprised or not.”

That was what Reid had been thinking. While she knew Dexter had said they’d take him into custody, they all knew they’d most likely have to kill Eldon. He would rather die than lose his position.

“I suggest a few utilize the hidden passageways,” Ackley said. “Just in case something goes wrong.”

Reid thought that wise, especially since the king didn’t know about them. Well, unless Harlow had told him.

“Captain Gytha,” Dexter said. “How well do you know the passageways?”

“Not very.”

“I know them,” Reid said. “Nara made me memorize them before the king came.”

Dexter studied Reid for a long minute. “Lady Reid will lead a group of soldiers in through the passageways. Captain Gytha will accompany her.” He rubbed his face. “Anyone have any other suggestions before we begin?”

“What about our husbands?” Duchess Bridger asked.

“As soon as the king is removed from power, we’ll find your husbands. I promise.”

“Then let’s go take the kingdom,” Duchess Tucker said.

After Dexter briefed everyone on their positions, what they were in charge of accomplishing, and what each person was responsible for, he asked for a moment alone with his wife. Everyone filed out of the cramped tent, leaving the couple alone. Reid’s heartbeat sped up as she