“I’d like for my father to be king as well,” Colbert said.

“Then that part is settled,” Ackley said. “We kill Eldon, crown Henrick, and everyone lives happily ever after.”

“There’s only one problem,” Dexter said as he sat next to his brother on the sofa. “My father doesn’t want to be king.”

“He may not have a choice,” Ackley said. “Marsden needs a ruler. Henrick is the legitimate ruler whether he likes it or not.”

“Do you think Prince Gordon would make a bid for the throne since he’s Eldon’s heir?” Colbert asked.

“I highly doubt it,” Ackley responded.

“So we agree then?” Reid said. “Henrick will be the king?”

They all nodded.

“Since that’s settled, tell me what you have planned,” Ackley said.

Dexter rubbed his face. “Before we get to the planning part, I want to know what’s going on between the two of you.” He waved his hand, gesturing between Reid and Ackley. Reid could only gape at Dexter, stunned he cared more about discussing a relationship that didn’t exist than planning the future of the kingdom.

“What do you mean?” Ackley asked.

“Please explain your relationship,” Dexter said, carefully enunciating each word as if speaking to a daft child.

“What does that have to do with anything?” Ackley asked, cocking his head to the side, a sly smile on his lips.

Reid was about to answer that they were just friends when Dexter spoke again.

“Reid is my fiancée, and I care about her. Not only that, but if we’re going to work together, I’d like to understand the nature of the relationship between you and her.”

Ackley stretched his arms out along the back of the sofa, obviously trying to rile Dexter up. “I still don’t know what it is you’re asking.”

“Like hell you don’t,” Colbert mumbled, shaking his head. “Is he always this difficult?” he asked Reid.

She rolled her eyes. “Always. And just so we’re all clear, there’s absolutely nothing going on between me and Ackley, especially of the romantic type. We’re just friends.”

“Friends?” Dexter repeated.

“Do you have a problem with that, cousin?” Ackley asked with a smirk.

“I don’t like to make decisions when I don’t have all the information,” Dexter explained.

“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’re jealous.”

“Maybe I am.”

Jaw dropping at the admission, Reid decided to intervene. “He recruited me.” She tapped the spot on her arm where her sleeve hid her tattoo. “Ackley is the brother I never had.”

“That’s good enough for me.” Colbert looked to his brother for confirmation.