Dexter strode to the front as if he’d done this a hundred times before. Colbert inclined his head for Reid to follow, leading her to the back. She leaned against the wall, observing those in attendance. Most everyone wore regular, generic merchant clothing. Reid straightened, taking a second look. The man in front of her had callouses on his hands. They could be from wielding an axe, plough, or a sword. The woman next to him had her sleeves rolled up to reveal strong, muscled arms. These were no ordinary merchants. A band of revolutionaries perhaps?

“Thank you all for coming,” Dexter said. “We’re still monitoring the ports. I believe the king is working with Melenia—a kingdom to the east of Marsden. It’s about a two-week journey by ship.”

“Do you know what he’s planning?” someone asked.

“I do not. However, we believe small groups of men, maybe soldiers, have been arriving over the past month or two.”

“Are they here in Axian?” a woman called.

“My sources report they are mostly in Bridger. However, we will continue to monitor the situation.” His commanding voice was assured, easily capturing and maintaining everyone’s attention. “The main reason for the meeting tonight is to discuss something of the utmost importance. An opportunity has presented itself, and I think it’s time to act.”

“So soon?” another woman said.

“This opportunity is too good to pass up,” Dexter answered. “We may not get another chance. But it requires us to act quickly.”

“What’s the opportunity?” a man in the front row asked.

“We just received word that King Eldon will be in attendance for my wedding. He’ll be staying in the palace. We won’t get a better chance to assassinate him.”

Reid jolted, almost smacking her head against the wall in her shock. Assassinate the king? That was what these people were here to discuss? She gaped at Colbert. Was he on board with this plot?

Colbert actually winked at her.

She’d thought about the possibility of Dexter’s group wanting to split from the kingdom of Marsden to become their own kingdom. However, she hadn’t considered they’d actually assassinate the king to take over.

“I’m thinking we can arrange for him to take a tour of the city,” Dexter said. “An accident could happen during it.”

Reid raised her hand, and Dexter pointed at her. “If you decide on this path, I suggest where, when, and how it happens is very carefully chosen,” she said. “It needs to be clear that Prince Dexter, Prince Colbert, and Prince Henrick are in no way aware of or involved in the king’s demise. Otherwise, Marsden will face a nasty civil war—which is what we are trying to avoid, correct?”

“Correct. Let’s brainstorm some ideas.”

Everyone started talking at once.