whispering, “Tonight, I don’t care how much needs to be done, you’re mine.”
A smile spread across her face. “Deal.”
After Dexter left, Gytha eyed Reid. “You look like you’re about to fall over. You haven’t slept since yesterday. Why don’t you lie down for a few hours?”
“There’s so much to be done.”
“And you need to be coherent to do everything.”
Reid yawned, exhaustion consuming her. “Okay. But I only want to rest for a little bit.”
Now that the Axian army had returned to the City of Radella, Dexter had stationed soldiers throughout the palace. As Reid passed them, she asked if anyone had seen Harlow. No one recalled seeing her.
When Reid entered her suite, she went straight to her bed and sprawled across it, not even bothering to remove her shoes.
“I want it done tonight,” a voice whispered. “Sneak into Owen’s tent and kill him. Make sure you use an Axian weapon—that way, his soldiers will attack. I want as many dead as possible.”
“Consider it done,” another voice murmured.
Reid blinked. Darkness filled her room, and she couldn’t see anything.
“Nice job with Eldon.”
“That one was fun.”
“It’s time to eliminate the rest of the Winston family. When the fighting breaks out, make sure to take care of Ackley and Gordon. I’ll see to Dexter myself. I already sent someone to deal with Idina, Leigh, and Nara. Come this time tomorrow, I’ll finally have my revenge.”
“You can count on me.”
A shuffling noise came from the corner of the room, then it went quiet. Afraid to move, Reid remained there, going over everything she’d heard. Had the person whispering been her mother? Maybe it had simply been a dream.
Reid’s bed dipped as someone sat next to her. The silence became deafening. She couldn’t move. Squeezing her eyes shut, she pretended to be asleep, all the while praying her mother didn’t stab her in the back, killing her. Anna had said she wanted the Winston family dead. Reid was now married to one, so did that include her? Her name hadn’t been on the list of people to assassinate. But maybe that was the purpose for her mother’s visit.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you growing up,” Anna said, her voice low and soothing.
Not knowing what to do, Reid forced herself to take slow, even breaths.
“But I’m here now. We can finally get to know one another. I can be a mother to you.” Anna gently stroked Reid’s head. “When the time comes, I know you won’t disappoint me. You’re my daughter. You are strong, fierce, and loyal. You will do what needs to be done to right the wrongs of the past.” The bed shifted as Anna stood.
Why had Anna said all that to Reid now when Reid didn’t want to hear it? It was too late. Or had Anna done it knowing Reid was awake?
Reid remained frozen. She had no idea what time of day it was. But one thing she knew for certain—she had to stop whomever Anna had been talking to from killing Owen, subsequently starting a war between Melenia and Marsden.
It felt like an hour had passed, but it had probably only been a couple of minutes. She needed to find Dexter to tell him what she’d overheard.
The door to her bedchamber creaked open. “Reid?” Gytha said. “It’s time to wake up. Commander, I mean, King Dexter needs you.” She marched forward, pushing the curtains open.
A dull light filtered into the room, revealing the sun setting in the distance. It had to be close to supper. “You let me sleep longer than I wanted.”
“I lost track of time. I was busy trying to find Harlow, then I had to run a few errands for the king.”
“Did you find her?”
“I did. She was in her room, packing her things. She said she wanted to return to Bridger with her parents.”
Reid absently nodded as she stood and stretched. “Are there guards outside my room?”
“Of course. Now that you are about to be the queen, you will be guarded at all times. Why?”
Reid didn’t want to say anything in case Anna lurked nearby. “Come with me.” She exited her suite, absently noticing the two posted guards. A lot of good they did with the secret passageways compromised. Out in the hallway, she started running. Down a flight of stairs and along a corridor before entering a room at random.
“What is the matter?” Gytha asked, sword in hand.
Reid grabbed the warrior woman, pulling her head lower. She whispered, “Someone was in my bedchamber while I was