Reid could have sworn the corners of Anna’s lips rose ever so slightly, as if she fought a smile. Was the woman laughing at her? Did Anna think Reid young and naive?

Anna reached out, patting Reid’s shoulder. “Even though you won’t be an active Knight, I hope you’ll work with us when we need you.”

“We’ll see.” Reid folded her arms, taking a step back from Anna.

“Fair enough. The other reason you’re here is because you lack some basic skills.”

The woman was starting to get on Reid’s nerves. “My father taught me how to fight. I may not be the strongest person, but I can hold my own.”

Anna stood. “I’m referring to a different skillset.”

Reid’s brow scrunched in confusion.

“You need to learn to spy, snoop, and stealthily gain information from someone.”

“I can do those things.” Otherwise, Ackley wouldn’t have made her a Knight. They exited the dining room and headed down the hallway.

“Against an amateur, you can, but not against one of the king’s Shields.”

“Shields? What are those?” Reid had lived in the king’s castle, yet she’d never heard the term before.

“Shields are the king’s personal guards. Those closest to him. The king has a dozen men who bear the title.”

“Are you certain?”

“Unfortunately. Prince Ackley informed us Prince Gordon personally trains the Shields. In fact, Prince Gordon even suggested the king should increase the Shields’ numbers and duties.”

Reid tripped on a loose rug in the hallway. “Gordon is a good man,” she mumbled, feeling a headache coming on.

“Prince Gordon believes he is helping the king whom he’s sworn fealty to. He also wants to make sure his brother’s throne is secure. You of all people should understand Gordon’s loyalty.”

Reid had to bite her tongue to keep from uttering a snide comment. If she did, it would only add fuel to the fire, and she had no desire to stoke those rumors. While she may have found Gordon attractive and considered him a friend, that was all he could ever be. He was married.

They rounded a corner, stopping at a large door. Before Anna could open it, Reid asked, “Why wouldn’t Ackley discourage Gordon from expanding the Shields? Especially since Gordon knows about the Knights?”

Anna’s entire body went rigid. “What?”

“When I was at the castle, both Gordon and Idina knew Ackley was a Knight. They’re aware of the organization.”

Anna blinked, processing the information.

Feeling as if she’d made a huge blunder, Reid forged on. “Gordon and Idina even help Ackley. Idina gathers information, and Gordon allows a dozen Knights to function as a unit within his army.” How did Anna not know any of this?

“And the three siblings manage to keep this from King Eldon?”