Hidden Knights (Knights of the Realm #3) - Jennifer Anne Davis Page 0,93
sprinting down the steps toward Dexter.
“Why don’t the rest of us go inside?” Duke Ellington suggested.
Ackley pulled Eldon to his feet, dragging him into the palace. Reid followed them to the sitting room. After lighting a few candles, Ackley knelt beside Eldon, snapping the arrow shaft off before wrapping a strip of fabric around the wound.
After helping his wife sit, Gordon asked if anyone knew where the duchesses were.
“They’re in the library,” Reid replied, standing alongside her father, across from Eldon.
Gordon went into the hallway, ordering two soldiers to retrieve the duchesses. “What about the dukes?” he asked when he came back into the sitting room.
“They’re in the dungeon,” Colbert answered.
“If you’ll show me where it is,” Ackley said, “I’ll fetch them.”
Colbert nodded, and they exited the room.
A few minutes later, a soldier led the duchesses into the room. Eldon started laughing when he saw them dressed in pants with leather vests for armor.
While they waited, Reid explained to the duchesses what had transpired on the front steps of the palace.
Colbert and Ackley returned with the dukes, along with Duchess Lyndr. The dukes went to their wives, many hugging one another despite the rancid smell from being locked in the dungeon for so long.
Once the reunion was complete, the dukes glared at Eldon with hatred. A few even spat curses.
“Dexter hasn’t arrived yet?” Colbert asked.
“No. He’s still outside with the army,” Reid answered.
“I’ll let him know we’re ready for him.” Colbert left the room.
“This is a coup,” Eldon snarled. “You have no right to do this. I’m trying to protect this kingdom. You’re dooming us all!”
Dexter entered the room with his brother at his side.
Relieved to see him, Reid stepped forward, gaining everyone’s attention. Even though her body tingled with nervousness, she forced herself to be the leader the kingdom needed right now. “As you are aware, Eldon Winston is not the son of the late King Hudson Winston. I believe the line should revert to the late king’s brother, Prince Henrick. However, Prince Henrick died several weeks ago, murdered by his own son, Eldon. Prince Dexter Winston is the legal and declared heir of Henrick. Therefore, I vote to remove the false king, bestowing the title upon the true heir, Prince Dexter Winston. This can only be completed with a vote by our founding families—those in possession of the duke’s ring. All those in favor of stripping Eldon of the crown, raise your hand.”
Every single duke and duchess raised his or her hand.
“All those in favor of declaring Dexter Winston the new king, raise your hand.”
Again, every single person complied.
Gordon stepped forward. “Since the late King Hudson was my father, I will do the honor. Eldon Winston, my half-brother, I hereby strip you of the crown. I willingly give the title to my cousin, the rightful heir, Dexter Winston.”
Eldon’s face turned red with anger as he said a few choice words, which everyone ignored.
“Prince Dexter,” Gordon said. “When we get a binder, we will have you crowned before our court. However, for all intents and purposes,” he withdrew his sword, placing it on Dexter’s head, “I hereby declare you the rightful King of Marsden.”
Everyone in the room dropped to one knee in subjugation.
As Reid knelt there, pride swelled within her. She’d helped put the rightful heir on the throne.
“I take this title very seriously,” Dexter said. “I promise to uphold Marsden’s laws and to work with all the dukes and duchesses.”
Everyone stood, applauding and congratulating Dexter.
“If you’ll excuse me, we have a lot of soldiers converging on the palace lawn. I need to announce myself as king to ensure we don’t have any skirmishes.” He bowed his head before exiting the room, Gordon hurrying after him.
“What about Eldon?” Duke Ellington asked.
“I suggest we throw him in the dungeon,” Duke Tucker said. Everyone whole-heartedly agreed.
“I’ll escort him there,” Ackley offered. He came up behind his brother, forcing him to stand and walk in front of him.
“I’ll go with you,” Reid said, not wanting Ackley to have to do this alone. “Colbert, if you could please see the dukes and duchesses receive the appropriate accommodations?”
“Of course.”
Ackley and Reid took Eldon out of the sitting room. Ackley ordered a handful of soldiers to accompany them. The group made their way through the hallways until they came to a lone door.
“Does this lead to the dungeon?” she asked.
“It does.”
The door looked like any other door. She never would have guessed it led to cells for holding prisoners.