Realm of Knights by Jennifer Anne Davis

Author:Jennifer Anne Davis
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781732366169
Publisher: Reign Publishing

Chapter Twelve

At supper that night, Ackley was notably absent, having already left for Ryder. Reid couldn’t stop thinking about their conversation earlier. Should she have trusted him enough to reveal where the king was sending her? Or had she done the right thing by not telling him? She didn’t know. At times, he seemed sincere and trustworthy. Other times, he came across as cunning and dangerous.

“Reid,” Gordon said, gaining her attention.

“Yes?”

Several people laughed. Apparently, she’d missed the conversation and what it had to do with her. Shoving a bite of carrots in her mouth, she hoped to divert everyone’s focus elsewhere. Idina was sitting to her left, Gordon across from her, Leigh next to her son, and the king and queen at either end. It felt odd to be eating with the royal family with no one else present. “Where’s Lady Dana?”

“Ackley is escorting her home,” Gordon said, suddenly interested in the food on his plate. He stabbed the same potato three times before it stayed on his fork.

“Lady Dana is returning home so she can prepare for the upcoming wedding,” Idina explained.

Before Reid could contemplate Gordon and Dana marrying, Leigh said, “Thank you for joining us for supper, Lady Reid.” Her voice had a sweet melodic tone to it. “Tell me, how do you like the City of Buckley? I hear you’ve managed to find time to explore it.” As she took a delicate bite of her chicken, she watched Reid from across the table, her eyes revealing a ruthless intelligence at odds with her voice and mannerisms.

“This city is much larger than any in Ellington, and I am enjoying myself immensely.” Reid was finally starting to understand how to behave as an elegant woman in society. Mundane, polite conversation seemed to be a key ingredient.

“I’m pleased one of Duke Ellington’s daughters finally managed to visit us. I was beginning to think none of you existed.” Smiling, Leigh took a sip of her wine.

Reid was certain Leigh’s words had a double meaning. Swallowing her anger, she replied, “I can see how you might mistakenly think that. However, all five of us do exist. We’ve just been so busy minding our own business in the county of Ellington. Besides, there has never been anything in the City of Buckley to tempt us enough to visit.”

Idina started coughing, grabbing at her cup of water and gulping huge mouthfuls.

Harlow said, “We usually have several ladies here vying for the princes’ attention.”

Reid had assumed that. Which was why she’d said what she had. Forcing her face to remain passive, she replied, “Is that so?”

“Why are you here, Lady Reid?” Leigh asked.

Reid had a feeling this had something to do with Eldon summoning her to his private chambers this morning. “My father boasted of your hospitality,” she said. “When Prince Gordon showed up requesting soldiers, my father begged him to take me along to the City of Buckley so I might have the privilege of meeting the royal family. Now that I’ve met you, I am eager to return home.

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