“Comments people have made, things I’ve seen, places I’ve been. It’s like a game of chess, and I’m a pawn. Someone has been moving me into position. Now, it’s their time to strike.” And she didn’t know if she wanted to be used that way. What if she didn’t agree with the outcome? She didn’t like having her choices taken away from her.

Dexter chuckled. “And by strike, do you mean take down the king? Checkmate?”

“Exactly.”

“If that’s the case, is that a bad thing?”

They were on dangerous ground. She didn’t think he referred to a game of chess any longer. “I don’t know. But if I go through that door, everything will change.”

“You’re right,” Colbert said. “Everything will change. But it’s your choice. You can come with us or you can return to the palace. Just know we wouldn’t have invited you along tonight if we didn’t believe this is something you’d embrace.”

Reid noticed his use of the word invited. Had everything been a setup? Was she simply a pawn to everyone?

Dexter placed his hand on her shoulder. “Are you in or are you out?”

She focused on his vibrant eyes, trying to understand this man she’d been so careful to shield herself from. Only, over the past week, she’d gotten to know him better. But had it been the real Dexter or a façade he wanted her to believe?

He raised his eyebrows. “What’s your hesitation?”

“That I’m a disposable pawn.” That Dexter didn’t care for her at all and was only using her.

He squeezed her shoulder. “You’re my fiancée.” His voice was strong, assured. “We’re getting married. I’d like to have a partner. Someone with the same goals as me. I’m asking you to work with me. We can accomplish more together.”

She teetered on indecision. Whatever was behind that door would change everything between her and the Knights. It had the potential to alter Reid’s entire future. However, if she’d learned one thing through the years, it was to always trust her instincts. Everything about Dexter and Colbert felt right.

“Okay, I’m in.”

Dexter’s shoulders relaxed ever so slightly as he shot her a grin. “I was hoping you’d say that.”

“Let’s go.” Colbert opened the door.

Reid stepped through the doorway into a dimly lit room filled with what had to be over fifty men and women of all ages. Most sat on chairs arranged in rows facing the front, while a few stood at the back.

“He’s here,” someone announced. “Now we can begin.”