“I happen to agree with you,” Duke Willer stated. “The problem will be that since your daughter here is marrying Prince Dexter, you have a vested interest in the outcome. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“I side with the law,” Duke Ellington said. “And, if the rumors are true, whoever is going to get this foreign army out of our kingdom.”

Dukes Willer, Tucker, and Slader agreed.

Duke Lyndr weaseled his way over. “What are you discussing?” he asked, his crooked nose twitching as he observed the group.

“We were just saying what a lovely match your daughter and Prince Ackley will make,” Duke Ellington replied.

Reid choked out a cough. “Excuse me, what did you say?”

Duke Lyndr smiled. “The king opened marriage negotiations between my youngest daughter, Eloise, and Prince Ackley.”

Reid coughed again. No wonder Ackley had been in a foul mood.

“Are you okay?” Duke Ellington asked.

She nodded. “I’m just exhausted from all of the activities. If you’ll excuse me, I am going to lie down.” She hurried from the room before she could say something about how Ackley would never marry someone like Eloise.

Prince Henrick used the following days to take full advantage of the king’s absence. Escorting the dukes around the city, he showed them how prosperous it could be to allow women to work alongside men. Demonstrations on how the people in his county traded with one another, ultimately increasing their wealth, were also given. Henrick reiterated his willingness to remain south of the Gast River, but he also stated he was open to trading with other counties if the king allowed it. In short, Prince Henrick tried to foster the dukes’ loyalty by agreeing to adhere to the old ways while subtly introducing other, better ways to prosper—using the incentive of more wealth as one would use a shiny toy to attract a baby.

Reid was present for most of these events, remaining at her father’s side as much as possible. She did sneak back to the bookstore every day, hoping to find a reply from the Knights. But the book of correspondence stayed empty. What did the Knights intend to do about the foreign army? Would they support the king or fight for the people?

Late one night, Reid entered her suite, Gytha at her side, exhausted from the dukes’ constant chatter and their concern about including women in their business dealings.

“Tomorrow, we do something else,” Gytha insisted. “I cannot guard you and listen to those pompous, arrogant, sorry excuses for men any longer. You have no idea how much restraint and willpower I exhibited today.” She flopped on the sofa, then pounded her fist into the cushion.

“That’s what I grew up in.”