“We do not have time to pet the dog,” Gytha said.

“Oh, I beg to differ,” Colbert said as he stopped before them. “There’s always time to pet Finn.”

“Is the army flying the king’s banner?” Gytha asked.

“Scouts are reporting the army is flying two banners—the king’s banner and a red banner with a lion fanned in flames. I’ve never seen it before, so I am assuming it belongs to Melenia.” He bent to attach a leash to Finn.

Reid had never seen the dog on leash before. She stood.

“I’ve been ordered to leave,” Colbert explained. “That way, there will be at least one survivor should the king decide to slaughter you all.” Although he tried to make a joke of it, the lines around his eyes revealed how tense he was. “Don’t look so panicked,” he said, placing a hand on Reid’s arm. “Markis just arrived. He and a handful of Axian soldiers are going with me.”

“Where to?” she asked. Obviously, it would be somewhere out of the city. However, with the army less than a mile away, he wouldn’t have much of a head start should soldiers pursue him.

“There’s a place,” Gytha said. “He’ll be safe. Don’t worry.”

Reid couldn’t help but worry. There were too many people she cared about in harm’s way and too many things that could go wrong. Everything was a big unknown, and she hated it.

Markis came running down the corridor. “They’re in the city proper,” he said. “Let’s go.” He grabbed Colbert by the sleeve, dragging him down the hallway, Finn dutifully following.

Since Markis was here, Dexter and Ackley had to be as well.

Gytha pulled Reid into one of the rooms. “When we get to the front of the palace, do not show shock, fear, or any other emotion—no matter what happens. Understand?”

Reid nodded.

“Are you armed?”

“Yes.” Even though Reid knew she’d strapped the daggers to her arms and legs, she patted them to reassure herself.

When they reached the front door, Gytha told Reid she’d be out of sight but still nearby. Gytha didn’t want the king to be able to easily identify her as Reid’s guard.

Wishing she could hide out of sight as well, Reid exited the palace. Henrick stood at the top of the steps, Nara at his side. The dukes had spread out on the lower steps, all wearing tunics embroidered with their family’s crest.

Reid spotted her father among them.

Gordon strode out of the palace with both Dana and Harlow. The queen stood next to Henrick, Gordon and Dana on her other side. Reid decided to stand beside Nara.

“Has anyone heard from Prince Ackley?” Gordon asked.