“you know where we’ll be.”
Constance came up behind him, using the handles on the back of his chair to maneuver him out from under the table. The wheels on the chair appeared large enough to traverse over the gravel path outside. However, Reid wondered if he could get upstairs. Gregor’s bedchamber must be on the first floor. Constance rolled him out of the dining room.
Reid surveyed the offered fare, taking a bowl of oatmeal. Colbert, Dexter, Ackley, Gordon, and Markis entered the room. They sat around the table, but no one talked as they grabbed fruit and bread off the platters. A moment later, Tatum entered, followed by Anna. Just being in the same room as her mother put Reid on edge. She didn’t trust the woman.
Gordon cleared his throat, gaining everyone’s attention. “After breakfast, I’m leaving.”
“I don’t want my brother traveling alone,” Ackley said. “I’m going with him.”
Anna put her slice of toast down, observing Ackley. “I thought you wanted to be the one to kill Eldon?”
“I do. When Gordon and his soldiers are close enough to the City of Radella, I’ll check in with you. I can infiltrate the palace then.”
“In order to guarantee our success,” Anna said, “other men will be in place as well.”
“I think that’s a wise plan,” Ackley replied.
“I don’t think it’s safe for Reid or myself to remain here,” Dexter said. “Eldon will be searching for us. It seems logical he would have his men check Reid’s grandparents’ manor.”
“I agree,” Anna said. “I want Reid to come with me. I will see to her safety.”
Reid wondered if her mother intended to return to the Knights’ headquarters. “What of Grandfather and Grandmother?” she asked. Would they be safe from Eldon?
“They will remain here,” Anna replied. “It would look suspicious if they weren’t home where they belong.”
“Father, where do you plan to go?” Reid asked. Did he intend to remain in Axian or return to Ellington?
“I am staying with your mother.”
Anna stiffened. “I have no need for you here. You may go home.”
“My home is where you are,” he replied. “Now that everything is changing, you don’t have to pretend to be dead any longer.” Hope shone in his eyes.
Anna had her hair pulled back into a braid, not a single strand out of place. Her crisp tunic had no wrinkles in sight. “I have work to do here. I intend to have my family’s land, title, and rights restored. My daughter will sit on the throne. I am in charge of the Knights.”
“Ackley can take over the Knights,” Duke Ellington suggested.
At that, Anna raised her brows. “Ackley?”
Duke Ellington nodded. “He is more than capable.”
Ackley leaned back in his chair, watching Reid’s parents argue.
“The Winston family has taken enough from me. I am in charge of the Knights. That will not change.” For the first time since Reid had met Anna, the woman’s voice shook slightly, as if filled with intense fury.
“Brianna, be reasonable,” Tatum said.
Anna twisted to face him. “I am not the Brianna from eighteen years ago. That girl is dead. I am a grown woman, and you are not my keeper.”
Duke Ellington’s brows drew together in confusion. “Don’t you want to be a part of your family now that you can? You have five beautiful daughters.”
“I am no longer your wife,” she hissed. “It is time for you to go.” She stood, then stalked from the room.
Ackley whistled. “She never ceases to amaze me.”
Ignoring that snide comment, Reid focused on her father. “Are you all right?”
Absently, Duke Ellington nodded, his eyes vacant.
“Dexter and I will escort you home. Then we can join the others at the City of Buckley.”
“Yes,” the duke replied. “I think it is time for me to go home.” The lines around his eyes deepened.
Reid had the urge to punch her mother for treating her father so rudely. However, Anna’s behavior didn’t surprise her. Anna was obviously an independent woman who had no desire to be tied to another person—not a husband and certainly not her daughters.
“I’ll take Colbert to another location,” Markis said. “I have a few ideas of safe places we can go.”
Reid rubbed her forehead. “And what of Princess Nara and Captain Gytha? Do we assume they’re all right? Or do we send someone to help them?”
The corners of Dexter’s lips rose. “We assume they’re fine.”
Henrick entered the room, carrying a bag.
“Are you going somewhere?” Colbert asked.
“I can’t stay here.” He patted Dexter on the back. “I also don’t think it’s wise for me to travel