Dexter took a step forward, garnering the king’s shrewd attention. Reid wanted to throw her body in front of the prince to protect him from the king. Instead, she held her position.

“May I inquire as to why soldiers from Melenia are here in the kingdom of Marsden?” Dexter asked.

Swirling inside Reid was a combination of relief that someone had finally asked what was going on, mixed with a cold fear of what the answer would be.

“Someone tried to assassinate me,” the king said.

“Forgive me, cousin” Dexter replied, “but I was informed the attack happened last week. Is that correct?”

“Yes.”

A chill slid over Reid. Dexter had called Eldon cousin for a reason. To everyone here, they were cousins. However, Reid knew the truth. These two men were half brothers. They had the same father, different mothers. And their father stood two feet away from them, his face drawn.

Dexter tilted his head, observing Eldon. “If the attack happened last week, how did you manage to send a message to another kingdom, procure some sort of alliance, get the soldiers to travel here by ship—a journey that takes two weeks—and then have said soldiers trek across Axian? All in under one week?”

The king’s eyes narrowed. “That was not the attack I was referring to.”

Henrick stepped between Eldon and Dexter. “King Eldon, perhaps we should have these soldiers set up camp just outside the city? I fear we do not have the appropriate accommodations for so many here.” He spread his hands out, indicating the palace lawn.

“You do not need to concern yourself with these soldiers,” the king replied. “Commander Beck,” he barked, glancing over his shoulder. One of the men who’d ridden in on a horse stepped forward. “You know what to do.” Then, to everyone on the steps, the king ordered, “Let’s head inside.”

The dukes, all the royal family members, the king, and a handful of the king’s soldiers followed Nara into the palace. She led everyone into a grand sitting room that was two stories tall and opened to a courtyard. A handful of servants carrying trays filled with food and drinks entered, handing out the refreshments.

“I can assure you that our palace is safe,” Henrick said, eyeing the soldiers. “You don’t need to worry about security while you’re here.”

“That is good to hear since I intend to stay for a while.”