“Is your army not very good?”

Gordon bristled. “Why would you think that?”

“Because the king recruited soldiers from Melenia,” Gytha stated bluntly. “I must conclude that your men are incompetent. It’s the only reason I can come to for why the king felt he had to look elsewhere to find men who could fight.”

Gordon glanced around. The queen and Dana were on the other side of the room, far enough away they couldn’t overhear. Most of the dukes conversed with either Prince Henrick or Queen Harlow.

“That’s why it’s important I speak to Ackley,” Gordon mumbled. “He suspected Eldon was in communication with Melenia. Idina was investigating the matter.”

Duke Ellington appeared, striding straight toward Reid. Relief washed through her. Her father was here, and he was okay. Forget decorum. She wrapped her arms around him, squeezing him tightly.

He held her at arm’s length. Pretending he hadn’t seen her in months, he twisted her this way and that as he examined her. “I can’t believe my baby girl is finally getting married.”

“I’m glad you’re here.”

“I wouldn’t miss this for anything. Come, I want to introduce you to some of the dukes.”

“Lady Reid,” Gordon said. “I’m not done speaking with you.”

Duke Ellington leveled him with a glare. “My daughter has no reason to speak with you.” Wrapping his arm around her shoulders, her father escorted her over to where three dukes stood speaking to one another.

Reid found it interesting that all the northern dukes were in attendance; however, not a single one had brought his wife.

“Duke Tucker,” Reid said, inclining her head in greeting. “It’s good to see you again.” While she’d welcomed him when he’d first arrived, she hadn’t had a chance to speak with him since then.

“It is good to see you Lady Reid.”

“This is Duke Willer and Duke Slader,” Duke Ellington said, indicating the men on either side of Duke Tucker.

Duke Willer was in his eighties with solid white hair. He stood slightly hunched forward, a cane in hand. Duke Slader, on the other hand, looked to be about twenty. Sweat beaded on his forehead and his right hand slightly shook as he held a drink.

“We are discussing the letter Duke Axian sent,” Duke Tucker stated.

Reid must have heard him wrong. Her grandfather wouldn’t have sent a letter to the northern dukes.

“Do you believe him?” Duke Willer asked, his voice gravelly from old age.

“I do,” Duke Slader whispered, his eyes moving back and forth as he watched to make sure no one could overhear them. “I believe Eldon is not the rightful heir. The king should either be Prince Gordon or Prince Henrick.”

“I think it should be Henrick,” Duke Ellington mumbled. “King Hudson didn’t declare Prince Gordon his heir.”