the staircase. “We don’t have much time.”
“The Axian army is approaching,” Ackley said. “We just need to hold Eldon off until they arrive.”
“We may not have that long,” Colbert replied.
“What’s the plan?” Reid asked, trying to keep up as they took the stairs two at a time.
Markis patted his bow. “We’re going to take the king out.”
At the third floor, the group sprinted down the hallway. Colbert burst into one of the rooms, running straight to the window. “One more room to the east.”
They ran to the adjacent room. Ackley kicked a chair out of the way as Markis readied his bow, nocking an arrow. Colbert slowly opened the window, trying not to make a sound.
“Reid Ellington,” Eldon’s voice boomed over the front lawn. “Reveal yourself!”
Four soldiers stepped forward, withdrawing their swords.
“Why does he want me?” she wondered.
“Stop this at once,” Owen demanded. “Commander Beck, I hereby declare you a traitor to the crown.”
“The prince is mistaken,” Commander Beck stated. “It is he who is a traitor. He tried declaring himself the king of Melenia, overthrowing his own father!”
“Lady Ellington,” Eldon bellowed. “I will start with your father. Reveal yourself or he dies.”
“Should I go down there?” Reid asked. “It’ll buy us some time.”
“I don’t need time,” Markis said. “I just need permission.”
“Reid?” Ackley said. “Do you give permission to take out the false king?”
She wanted to vomit. How could she give the order to kill someone? “He’s your brother.” Would he hate her for giving the order? Or did he need her to do it so he didn’t blame himself?
“You will be our queen.”
She couldn’t make these sorts of decisions. “Markis, can you injure his leg instead of killing him?”
“I can. However, if I do that, he can still order your father’s death.”
Four soldiers, one king, one commander. No time. Her entire body shook. “Injure them all.”
“As you wish.” Markis released the bowstring, his first arrow sailing straight toward the king, embedding in his thigh. The king went down. Then the four soldiers started screaming, an arrow protruding from each’s sword arm. Commander Beck was last, the arrow striking his thigh.
Reid ran, Gytha right behind her. She went as fast as she could, knowing complete chaos ensued on the front steps. Reid had to get out there as soon as possible. Down the stairs she went, through corridor after corridor until she reached the front doors, throwing them open.
Blood pooled over the steps. Dexter, Gordon, Owen, and Duke Ellington all stood with swords in hand. Owen ordered the Melenia soldiers to stand down while Gordon bound Eldon’s wrists. In the distance, Reid saw the Axian army approaching.
Her eyes locked with Dexter’s.
“Are you all right?” he demanded.
“I am.”
He nodded once, his face relieved.
Colbert, Ackley, and Markis joined them on the front steps. Owen was still trying to gain control of his army as many of the soldiers turned to face the oncoming Axian army.
Dexter took off running with Gytha and Markis at his side. He screamed orders as he ran, trying to prevent the Axian army from slaughtering the Melenians.
Commander Beck stretched out his arm. Reid caught sight of a small dagger in his palm. He fingered the weapon, positioning it to strike Owen.
Without thinking, Reid yelled, “No!” while stepping on Beck’s wrist, forcing him to release the weapon. As Owen turned toward Reid to see what the commotion was, Beck reached up, grabbing Reid and slamming her to the ground. Reid rolled onto her side, trying to catch her breath. Ackley turned, then hurled a dagger at Beck. She squeezed her eyes shut, hearing the sickening sound of the dagger embedding in flesh. When she opened her eyes, she glanced to the side, spotting a knife sticking out of Beck’s chest. He was sprawled on the steps, lifeless.
Owen crouched beside her. “Are you okay?”
Reid nodded.
“You saved my life.”
“Of course,” she wheezed.
He helped her to her feet.
Duke Ellington ran over to Reid, wrapping her in a hug.
“What are you doing here?” she asked.
“I don’t know. I went to bed one night. When I woke up, I found myself here in the palace. I think someone drugged me, then brought me here.”
But who would do such a thing? And why?
Gordon turned when his wife exited the palace, a small bump rounding her stomach. He ran to her, throwing his arms around her.
The Axian army stopped advancing. It appeared Dexter was at the frontline with Gytha and Markis, ordering everyone to stand down.
“I’m going to make sure my men comply,” Owen said,