entered the room, his commanding presence drawing Reid’s attention. He strode over to her, offering her his arm. Taking hold, she clutched it as he led her to the dais at the front of the room.
“Ready?” Dexter whispered.
“I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.”
“We’re doing this together.” He squeezed her hand as they turned to face everyone. “Thank you for joining me,” he said, his loud voice garnering everyone’s rapt attention.
Off to the side, Reid noticed Dana and Harlow standing side by side.
“As many of you may have heard by now, I struck a deal with Melenia’s new king, Owen. He is a good man who is going to peacefully leave Marsden, taking his soldiers home with him. His kingdom has been overrun by a neighboring one, and I have agreed to send some of our soldiers to aid him in retaking his kingdom. I will not force anyone to go. Instead, I am seeking volunteers.”
“I, for one,” Duke Bridger said, “am pleased you managed to get them to relinquish control of our mines.”
“And, I,” Ackley said, raising his hand, “have volunteered to accompany King Owen. I will oversee our Marsden soldiers.”
Shock jolted through Reid. Ackley had decided to leave? What if something happened to him? Why hadn’t he said anything to her ahead of time?
“Since the ruling families are all here,” Dexter said, “I want everyone to discuss our kingdom, the future, and any changes you want made to trade, taxes, or anything else. I invite you each to stay here in my home while we tackle these issues over the upcoming weeks. Lady Reid and I had a small, private wedding ceremony at her home in Ellington. However, I plan to hold a public ceremony for all to witness, along with our joint coronations immediately following our vows. I invite you all to stay for these important ceremonies.”
The doors banged open. A guard entered, a sheen of sweat on his forehead. “Your Highness,” he said, sprinting down the aisle toward Dexter. “Eldon Winston is dead.”
A wave of dizziness washed through Reid. The last time she’d been in this room, they’d announced Prince Henrick’s death.
“Are you certain he’s dead?” Dexter asked, mirroring Reid’s own question. “His leg wound wasn’t serious—I had a healer treat it.”
The guard nodded. “I went into the dungeon to deliver some bread for his breakfast. When I slid it in, I noticed his head hanging off the side of the cot, so I examined him closer. A white substance dripped from the corner of his mouth, and he wasn’t breathing.”
Although he didn’t say it, the implication was clear—someone had poisoned Eldon.
“Who went to see him in the dungeon?” Reid demanded.
“This guard and I accompanied the healer,” Dexter said.
“Besides that,” the guard replied, “no one.”
Reid cringed. Everyone in this room expected Dexter to lead them through this trying time. If he couldn’t even keep a prisoner safe in his own dungeon, how would he effectively rule the kingdom?
Ackley stepped forward. “Did you say a white substance dripped from his mouth?”
“Yes.”
“What about his eyes? Anything unusual?”
“They were open,” the guard answered. “And a little red. Come to think of it, his skin had a few red blotches too.”
“Thank you,” Ackley said. “See that the cell remains secure. Don’t move the body until I examine it.”
“Yes, Your Highness.” With a nod, he pivoted and hurried from the room.
“Harlan?” Ackley said.
Harlan pushed away from the wall. “Yes?”
“I need your help.” Ackley stepped closer to Reid and Dexter. “My father and grandfather were found in a similar fashion. Be on guard.”
“Do you think Anna poisoned him?” Reid whispered.
“Someone did.” He strode from the room, Harlan following.
“Thank you for your time,” Dexter said. “I will be available tomorrow if anyone needs to speak with me.” He and Reid exited the side door leading to the antechamber.
“What are we going to do with Harlow?” Reid asked. With Harlow no longer the queen, what would her position and title be?
He rubbed his face. “I haven’t had a chance to speak with her.” He put his hands on his hips. “Come to think of it, I haven’t even seen her.”
“She was in the great hall listening to you speak.”
“She shouldn’t have learned about her husband’s death that way.” Dexter wrapped Reid in a hug, placing his chin on her head. “We need to talk to her to make sure she’s okay.”
Gytha entered the antechamber. “Markis wants to go over a few security measures with you.”
Dexter sighed, moving his lips to Reid’s right ear and