Ackley stood and stretched. “I suppose that’s wise. That way, my brother can keep track of me. He has enough men here spying for him.” He came over to Reid, giving her a hug.

“What’s that for?” she asked, unused to physical affection—especially from Ackley.

Chuckling, he whispered in her ear, “I just wanted to see Dexter’s reaction. Now that I have, I must ask, what’s your relationship with him?”

“It’s complicated.”

“Aren’t they always?” He winked and strode across the room, joining Dexter.

At supper that night, Ackley sat in the place of honor, to the right of Prince Henrick. Nara sat across from her husband, Reid next to Dexter, and Colbert next to Ackley.

“If we’d known you’d be arriving early,” Nara said, “our cook would have been able to prepare a nicer meal.”

Reid eyed the lamb, potatoes, and carrots. The meal was nicer than anything else she’d eaten here.

“Oh, I suppose my brother intended for me to catch you off guard.” He took a sip of his wine.

Henrick dismissed the servants, telling them to shut the doors as they left the dining room. “We need to speak frankly with one another. What does King Eldon intend to do?”

Ackley swirled the wine in his goblet, considering Henrick. “I’m sure you already know the answer—he intends to take over Axian. He has everyone convinced you’re going to invade the north. He’ll take control of Axian, claiming it’s to prevent a nasty war and to maintain peace.”

“Once King Eldon is here, I’ll talk to him. I’m sure we can come to mutually agreeable terms,” Henrick said.

Ackley reared back in disbelief. “Why do you believe that misguided notion?”

“Because Eldon is my son.”

Ackley snorted. “And he’s my half brother, yet that didn’t stop him from trying to assassinate me. It didn’t stop him from sending his mercenaries after Dexter, his other half brother.” He took a sip, then set his goblet down. “He will strip you of everything you love and hold dear.”

“Are we speaking of Hudson or Eldon?” Nara asked.

“Exactly,” Henrick replied. “Eldon is my son, not Hudson’s.”

“That may be, but Hudson raised him,” Ackley pointed out.

“What’s your plan, Ackley?” Reid asked. “Because I know you have one.”

The corners of his lips curled into a slight smile, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “I always have a plan.” Casually, he leaned back in his chair. “I’m just not sure I want to share my plan with any of you.”

Reid moaned. “We don’t have time for this. Let’s work together to stop Eldon.”

Ackley stared, seeming to consider her.

“Will you stop appraising my fiancée like she’s a piece of meat?” Dexter snapped.

Ackley’s eyebrows rose. “Me?”