“In order for the assassination plan to work,” Reid said, unable to believe she was discussing murdering someone so casually, “we’ll need to reveal that King Eldon is not Hudson’s legal heir. I propose we write letters to the dukes and the other prominent families, throwing Eldon’s birth into question. That way, once the king is eliminated, Prince Gordon won’t automatically be crowned. If Prince Henrick refuses to accept the throne, I don’t know what to do. The only suggestion I have is to hope we can convince him it’s in the kingdom’s best interest.”

“Or maybe the family’s,” Colbert said. “Especially if Prince Dexter and Lady Reid announce they are expecting. That would solidify the throne.”

At that exact moment, Reid happened to be looking right at Dexter and he at her. She felt her face go up in flames. If she were to get pregnant, as Colbert so eloquently suggested, she would need to be intimate with Dexter. That was something they’d touched upon earlier, when he’d said they were going to have separate rooms. She thought she’d have plenty of time to deal with that issue. Later. Much, much later.

“You two will need to get busy!” one of the men shouted boisterously. Hoots, laughter, and whistles rang throughout the room.

Mortification filled Reid. Not only was she not there to be sacrificed as a brood mare for the cause, but she also wasn’t even certain she was ready to be intimate with Dexter. He probably felt the same way.

“I want everyone to think of plausible ways to take out the king while making his death appear accidental,” Dexter said, expertly changing the course of the conversation back to the appropriate topic—if assassination could even be considered an appropriate topic. “Remember, it must look like an accident. We’ll meet back here in one week to solidify plans.”

Everyone exited the room, conversing in small clusters. When only Dexter, Colbert, and Reid were left, she plopped on one of the chairs, wincing from the movement. Reid was at a complete loss for words. If she opened her mouth, she was afraid only a plethora of questions would come out. Did they realize how insane they were for planning to assassinate the king? Were they aware that if the king found out, everyone involved would be killed? What did they plan to do about the fact Henrick didn’t even want the throne? Couldn’t they see there were other, less extreme ways to accomplish what they wanted without resorting to treason and murder? Oh, and did they genuinely understand she in no way wanted, was ready for, or could even imagine having a baby right now?

Colbert sat next to Reid. “You seem stressed.”

“Wonder why,” she mumbled.

“What are you thinking?” Dexter asked, straddling the chair in front of Reid so he could face her.