Sliding the paper under his cape, Eldon cleared his throat. “It is also with great sadness that I reveal the second part of my message.” When he raised his right arm, soldiers began to march into the hall, closing and locking the doors.

Apprehension filled Reid. What did the king intend to do? Would he slaughter them all? Her hands shook, fear swirling low in her gut.

Harlow stood behind Eldon, off to the side against the wall, not saying a word or showing an ounce of emotion on her expressionless face.

“A secret organization known as the Knights of the Realm is responsible for Prince Henrick’s death. I have proof that the Knights assassinated the prince.” Shaking his head, he moved to sit on the throne chair.

A ripple of whispers whipped across the room.

“What’s worse,” the king said, his voice trembling, as if he were on the verge of crying, “is that my own brother, Prince Ackley, has been linked to this murderous organization.”

Blackness hovered around the edges of Reid’s vision. This could not be happening. The king was pinning Henrick’s death on Ackley and the Knights?

“Any person—man or woman—with a tattoo of a rose and dagger is to be killed on sight. I will give a substantial reward to anyone who brings me a person with the tattoo—either dead or alive.”

How did the king know about the Knights? As far as Reid was aware, Ackley had told Idina and Gordon. Had one of them told Eldon? It seemed unlikely. Did Leigh know? Would she have told her son?

The king remained seated on the throne chair. A dozen soldiers lined up on the dais. Since they wore the king’s colors, Reid assumed they were the king’s Shields. Soldiers from the foreign army lined the perimeter of the room, blocking all the exits. Reid caught sight of Seb, who was dressed as a Melenia soldier. Had Dexter somehow managed to infiltrate the army with his own men? It was the first glimmer of hope that there might be a plan in place.

“Prince Ackley,” Eldon said, his voice sounding weak. “Come here.”

Two of the king’s men stepped forward, grabbed Ackley’s arms, and shoved him to his knees before Eldon. One yanked Ackley’s sleeve up, exposing his tattoo. Two additional soldiers withdrew their swords, pointing them at Ackley.

“Prince Ackley. You are hereby stripped of your title and considered a traitor to the crown.”