Reid thought so, but she couldn’t be sure. The three brothers often spoke with one another behind closed doors. Neither Idina nor Reid were ever privy to these conversations. Based upon what Reid had seen at the castle, she believed Eldon knew nothing about the Knights. As to why Ackley would have told Idina and Gordon if he wasn’t supposed to, she couldn’t say. But one thing was certain—Ackley had a reason for everything he did.

“I’ll think more about this later,” Anna mumbled as she opened the door, revealing an expansive room lined with various weapons. “This is our training facility.”

“It’s quite big.” It reminded Reid of where she’d worked with Ackley at the king’s castle.

“We’ll start here with a few simple exercises so I can ascertain your skill level.”

Reid went to the sword-lined wall. Before she could choose one, Victor burst into the room, his shoulders heaving.

“We have a problem,” he said, panting. “Prince Dexter was seen leaving the palace on horseback, accompanied by some of his men. He’s tracking Lady Reid instead of going to her grandparents’ house, and he’s headed this way.”

Dexter was coming after Reid? She couldn’t fathom why he’d bother. He had plenty of other things to do besides follow her around.

“How far away is he?” Anna demanded.

“About ten miles.”

“Are you sure he’s tracking me?” Reid asked. Maybe Victor was mistaken.

Placing her hands on her hips, Anna started pacing the room. “Let’s enact the contingency plan.”

“I’ve already saddled two horses.”

Anna stopped beside Reid, placing a hand on her arm. “Go get your bag and anything else you brought. You are to leave at once.”

Instead of questioning Anna, Reid ran upstairs and collected her things. Then she headed to the front of the castle where Anna and Victor waited. After attaching her bag to the horse, Reid mounted. The only reason she could imagine Dexter chasing after her would be if something bad had happened. Fear gripped her. Was her father okay? Had one of her sisters fallen ill?

“I wish I had more time to work with you,” Anna said. “You need proper training.”

“What we need is to get moving,” Victor reminded them.

Anna agreed. “It was nice to finally meet you, Reid.”

“Likewise.” Reid nudged her horse, following Victor to the narrow passageway. When she exited it, she was at the top of the steep mountain. Trying not to look down, she stayed behind Victor as he descended in a zigzag pattern.

When her horse’s hooves slid, Reid’s heart lurched into her stomach. She pulled on the reins, trying to help the horse regain its footing.

“Easy,” Victor said, trying to soothe his own horse. “Slow and steady.”