Hidden Knights (Knights of the Realm #3) - Jennifer Anne Davis Page 0,98

Reid had taken a nap earlier, she felt refreshed and able to stay awake. She sat in the middle of the tent, diligently keeping watch. Gytha had said she would remain outside with the tent in view at all times.

As the night wore on, it became harder and harder for Reid to keep her eyes open. The candle died out, so she lit another one, wanting to be able to see all corners of the tent. When the guard passed by every ten minutes or so, Reid counted his steps—usually thirteen—until she no longer heard his boots brushing the grass. Voices would laugh from some far-off part of the camp, a dog would bark in the distance, or a whistle would ring out as guards changed positions or communicated with one another. She’d gotten so used to hearing these sounds that when they faded, an eerie silence descended over the camp causing the hairs on the nape of her neck to rise.

Things were quiet. Too quiet.

Crouching, she went over to Owen, gently shaking him awake. When he opened his eyes, she put her finger to her lips. He nodded and withdrew a knife, alert and ready to fight. They sat back to back in the middle of the tent, each watching. Waiting. Not the hoot of an owl or even the chirp of crickets could be heard. The only sound came from Reid and Owen breathing.

“Where’s Lady Reid?” a delicate female voice asked, cutting through the silent night. “I must speak with her at once. There’s an emergency at the palace, and no one can find her.”

Reid recognized the voice as Harlow’s.

Someone mumbled a reply, too low for Reid to hear.

“No, you don’t understand,” Harlow said, her voice filled with urgency. “King Dexter is injured. I must find Lady Reid at once.”

Reid jumped to her feet. Dexter was hurt? If Anna had done anything to harm him, Reid would kill the woman herself. She lifted the tent flap. “Harlow?”

“Oh, Reid!” Harlow exclaimed, rushing toward her. She pushed the hood of her cape back. “You must come at once. Dexter is asking for you.” She reached her hand forward.

Reid was about to take Harlow’s extended hand when an eerie sensation filled her. If something had happened to Dexter, wouldn’t Ackley or Colbert have come for Reid? Deciding to trust her gut, she took Harlow’s hand, yanking Harlow toward her. She twisted, wrapping her arms around Harlow and pinning the woman against her body. As she shoved her inside the tent, Reid covered Harlow’s mouth.

Owen’s brows drew together as he stood there, knife in hand. Slowly, he turned to face the back of the tent. The bottom lifted up, and someone slid inside. When the person stood, Reid looked into the cold and furious eyes of her mother.

Reid removed her shaking hand from Harlow’s mouth and reached into her sleeve, pulling out a dagger and placing the tip at Harlow’s throat. Reid made sure to keep Harlow’s body in front of her own, trying to protect herself as much as possible.

“Reid,” Anna said, her voice firm and commanding. “Take Queen Harlow and get out of here. Now.”

“What’s going on?” Harlow demanded. “Are you the one who tried to kill King Dexter?”

“That’s none of your concern,” Anna snapped. Then, to Reid, she said, “Get out of here.” She palmed a small blade in her right hand.

The tent flap opened, and Ackley entered. “I thought I saw you go by,” he said to Anna.

Reid stepped to the side with Harlow still in her arms. Owen moved to the other side, allowing Ackley to have a clear line of sight to Anna.

“At least I can take care of you both at once,” Anna hissed. She whipped out a dagger with her left hand, throwing it at Owen.

He deftly blocked it. “That all you got?”

She unsheathed a small sword.

Owen ran at her, knocking her to the ground.

“She has a blade in her right hand,” Reid yelled, hoping Owen heard her.

Ackley lunged for Anna, grabbing her right arm and forcing her to drop the blade.

Reid released Harlow. “You better get out of here.”

Breathing fast, Harlow ran from the tent.

Anna managed to wrap her legs around Owen’s arms, pinning them down. Ackley picked up the discarded blade, tossing it farther away. Anna raised her small sword, about to plunge it into Owen’s side.

The tent collapsed.

Reid couldn’t see.

She tried to regain her footing, but there was too much fabric weighing her down, making it hard to breathe. Something ripped