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  Shadow Knights

  Knights of the Realm, Book 2

  Jennifer Anne Davis

  This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and events in this book are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any similarity to real persons living or dead is coincidental and not intended by the author.

  Published by Reign Publishing

  Copyright © 2019 by Jennifer Anne Davis

  All rights reserved. Neither this book, nor any parts within it may be sold or reproduced in any form without permission.

  Cover Design by KimG-Design

  Editing by Cynthia Shepp

  * * *

  ISBN (paperback): 978-1-7323661-8-3

  ISBN (ebook): 978-1-73233661-7-6

  * * *

  Library of Congress Control Number: 1-8062216010

  OTHER BOOKS BY JENNIFER ANNE DAVIS

  * * *

  True Reign:

  The Key

  Red

  War

  * * *

  Reign of Secrets:

  Cage of Deceit

  Cage of Darkness

  Cage of Destiny

  Oath of Deception

  Oath of Destruction

  * * *

  The Order of the Krigers:

  Rise

  Burning Shadows

  Conquering Fate

  * * *

  Knights of the Realm:

  Realm of Knights

  Shadow Knights

  Hidden Knights

  * * *

  Single Titles:

  The Voice

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Hidden Knights

  About the Author

  Chapter One

  Reid clutched the soldier’s hand as she climbed out of the boat. The strong wind twisted the dress around her legs, almost tripping her. She wanted to punch Idina for insisting she travel in this ridiculous attire. At least now that Reid was officially in Axian, she could wear whatever the hell she wanted.

  “This way, Lady Reid,” the Axian soldier said.

  She slung the strap of her bag over her head and onto her shoulder, following the man along the dock toward the shoreline. Reid couldn’t believe she was about to come face to face with her fiancé. The thought made her skin crawl. She didn’t know who to be mad at—King Eldon for insisting on the match in the first place or her father for agreeing to it. Or maybe Prince Ackley? Her eyes narrowed. Somehow, Ackley had his hand in this. She was certain of it.

  Reid took in the sight of her fiancé, Prince Dexter. He stood at the end of the dock with his legs shoulder-width apart and his hands clasped behind his back. Dressed in solid black—including his ominous cape—he reeked of intimidation. Reid glared at him. Did he normally dress in black? Or had he done so to let Reid know what he thought of their union? It wasn’t like she wanted to be here. Although, she did want to be in Axian. But she definitely didn’t want to be engaged. Especially to Dexter. She would much rather be engaged to his younger brother, Colbert. At least he seemed human.

  The only good thing to come out of this disastrous mess was her family’s safety. Not only had her father been pardoned for his crimes, but he was also now able to deed his land to anyone of his choosing, male or otherwise. He’d probably pick Reid’s sister, Ainsley, since she was the oldest of the five siblings.

  Stepping off the dock, Reid stood before Dexter, her head held high. She still couldn’t believe she’d fought him. He was a good foot taller than her and twice as wide.

  “Lady Reid,” the soldier said, “may I present to you our esteemed commander, Prince Dexter.”

  Reid inclined her head. She would not curtsy before this man who’d treated her so rudely the last time she’d seen him.

  “This is Captain Gytha,” the soldier said, indicating the woman on Dexter’s right. “And this is Captain Essie.” He gestured to the woman on his left.

  “Nice to meet you,” Reid said. It was refreshing to meet two formidable women who were also soldiers. Both wore slim black pants and form-fitting shirts topped with leather armor. Each also had a sword strapped to her waist. Maybe Reid could become a soldier.

  However, as much as she might want to join the army, she couldn’t. She was a Knight—and she had a job to do. Her fingers tightened around the strap of her bag, remembering the letter from Ackley hidden inside. It contained her next assignment. As soon as she was alone, she needed to read it.

  Neither woman responded. They were as welcoming and cordial as Dexter. Reid couldn’t help but smirk. If no one was in favor of this union, maybe it didn’t have to take place.

  “Why are you smiling?” Gytha asked, wrinkling her nose in apparent disgust. “I wouldn’t be happy if I were sold off to a man like cattle. I’d be ashamed.”

  Heat creeped up Reid’s neck and face, and she knew her skin had turned bright red. She focused on Dexter, but he wasn’t even looking at her. His attention was on the water behind her, as if she didn’t even exist.

  The other woman snorted. “You don’t know the meaning of the word ashamed. You’d chop off his balls then send him back home.”

  Gytha burst out laughing. “Yes, that sounds like something I would do.” A single brown braid hung to the middle of her back. The dark makeup around her eyes enhanced the sharp features of her face, making her appear fierce and intimidating.

  “You don’t have to worry about being sold off,” Essie said. “Your father wouldn’t degrade you like that.”

  “No, he would not.”

  “And you’re already attached to someone.” The corners of Essie’s lips curved into a sly smile.

  “Not anymore.” Gytha’s brown eyes darkened.

  Dexter abruptly turned and stalked away, his cape rippling behind him in the gusty wind.

  “I guess that’s the only welcome you’re getting from our prince,” Essie said.

  “It was more than she deserved,” Gytha replied.

  Both women followed Dexter.

  Reid watched them go. Although Dexter had been rude, not even bothering to utter a single word, she couldn’t help but admire the fact that he had two female captains. Not wanting to scurry after them like a dog, Reid started walking along the shore in the opposite direction.

  “Where are you going?” the Axian soldier who’d introduced her asked.

  Pausing, she fiddled with the strap of her bag. She felt out of place, and not because she was in a foreign county, but because she wasn’t herself. She’d spent so long pretending to be a man, her father’s heir, and someone she wasn’t. Now, she didn’t know who to be or how to act. Maybe it was time for her to step out of her own shadow to finally learn who she was and what she was capable of.

  “What’s your name?” she asked.

  “Lieutenant Gilbert.”

  “Well, Gilbert, I’m heading west.” She resumed her path.

  “Um, why are you going that way? Everyone else is gathering east of the dock.”

  “That is precisely why I’ve chosen to go west.”

  “You need to come with us,” he said, jogging after her.

  “Why is that?”
r />   “Because Prince Henrick and Princess Nara wish to speak with you.”

  “Okay.” She kept walking. The clouds rolled in, concealing the sun and making it difficult to tell the time of day.

  “Why are you still going the wrong way?”

  “Who says this is the wrong way? There are many ways to get to the palace, and this is the way I am choosing to go. You’re not coming with me, are you? I’d rather travel alone.”

  He stopped, then mumbled something she couldn’t understand.

  “Lady Reid,” Gytha barked. “You’re coming with us. Now.” Her commanding voice left no room for argument.

  Reid whirled to face Gytha, who stood about forty feet away with her hands on her hips. While Reid did not care to be ordered around by this brusque woman, she didn’t want to come across like a spoiled, stubborn brat. Her goal was to reach the palace to speak to Henrick and Nara. Even though Reid didn’t care for or like Dexter, she was curious to learn more about the Axian army and the soldiers within it. It was also advantageous to travel with people who had the necessary supplies to make such a journey. Without saying a word, she headed back toward the soldiers.

  When she joined them, Dexter raised his hand, and everyone fell into three lines. They headed south, no one speaking. Reid joined a row, keeping her eyes open for a place that would afford her the privacy to change into pants. After two miles, Dexter halted, then started splitting the soldiers into groups of ten.

  Reid stepped out of line, examining the area. There was a forest to the east, fields to the south, and wild vegetation to the west. She still couldn’t get over how green everything was on this side of the Gast River.

  “I recognize you,” a deep voice said, startling Reid.

  She turned to see a familiar face. It was the man from the festival—the one who’d been in charge of the archery competition. Somewhere in his mid-twenties, he had close-cropped brown hair. He’d slung a bow and quiver over his wide shoulders. While his face was pleasant, it was a bit plain. Reid realized she liked that about him.

  “You look different without your cart of bows and arrows,” she said by way of greeting.

  He chuckled. “And you look different in a dress.”

  She was attempting to rectify that situation. Sighing, she wondered how much time she had before they set out again. “Do you know what’s going on?” She nodded to where Dexter spoke with a handful of soldiers.

  “The commander just put us into smaller groups. Each one has a different task to complete.”

  “What are you supposed to do?”

  “Accompany the commander and his fiancée to the palace.” He raised his eyebrows, almost as if waiting for an explanation.

  Reid didn’t have one.

  “I assume you’re the fiancée?”

  “I am Lady Reid Ellington, but you can call me Reid.”

  “I’m Markis.” The corners of his lips twitched as he fought a smile. “Everyone has been talking about you.”

  Several people blatantly watched her. “I have no doubt. Tell me, will we be walking the entire way to the palace?”

  “I don’t know what the commander has planned.”

  Besides desperately wanting to change, Reid needed to read the note Ackley had slipped in her bag. She was eager to know her next assignment. Unfortunately, she didn’t see a place nearby where she could do either.

  A whistle rang out. “That’s our cue.” Markis led Reid over to where Dexter stood with Gytha and eight other soldiers.

  Dexter didn’t spare Reid a glance as he addressed the group. “There are horses five miles south of here. Once we reach them, we’ll stop for the night. Then, at first light, we ride.” He started walking, Gytha beside him.

  They fell into two lines behind the commander and the captain. The others set out as well, each heading in a different direction. Reid wondered about each group’s destination.

  Dexter set a relentless pace, and they reached the horses in under two hours. After traveling five miles on a dirt road, Reid’s shoes and the bottom of her dress were filthy. She scanned the area, not seeing a lake or stream in sight. Erected in a semi-circle on the thick green grass were six tents.

  “Lady Reid,” Gytha said, “you’re with me.”

  Gytha escorted Reid to a tent situated toward the middle. Exhausted, Reid crawled inside. There were two bedrolls, and Gytha plopped on the left one. Reid sat on the right one, wishing she could have a moment alone to read Ackley’s note. Her stomach growled. “Will we be eating supper soon?”

  “They need time to cook it, princess.” Gytha leaned back on her elbows, crossing her ankles.

  “I’m not a princess.”

  “Yet.”

  Reid let the comment slide. She carefully opened her bag, making sure the note remained at the bottom along with that blasted pawn from her chess set. Really, what had Ackley been thinking? She went to pull out her pants and tunic, only she couldn’t find either. “I’m going to kill him.”

  “Now you’re speaking my language,” Gytha said. “Who are we going to kill?”

  Annoyed, Reid set her bag aside. “No one.” She rubbed her face, wondering when Ackley had managed to remove the pants from her bag. All that she had in there was another ridiculous dress. Did he have any idea how hard it was to travel in something so impractical?

  “Too bad. I would have enjoyed that.” Gytha knelt on her bedroll. “It’s probably time to eat.”

  “I’ll be there shortly. I need a moment alone.”

  “Whatever.” Gytha left the tent.

  Grabbing her bag, Reid opened it again and pulled out the note from Ackley. On the outside, he’d written—Your next assignment. She unfolded the paper, her hands shaking as she did.

  Gain Prince Dexter’s trust. Find out where he goes at night. Discover who Henrick has declared his heir. All correspondence is to go through the bookstore where you bought the map.

  Well, her assignment certainly wasn’t what she’d thought it would be. The first part—gaining Dexter’s trust—would be impossible. But the rest shouldn’t be too hard. Reid refolded the paper, needing to get rid of it. A thought suddenly occurred to her. Who was in charge of the Knights? She’d assumed Ackley was the leader of the elusive group. However, he’d told her he was part of the group. He’d even revealed he’d been recruited. So, who was in charge? Who determined her assignments?

  Her stomach rumbled, reminding her that she needed to eat. Rising, she shoved the paper down the front of her dress, hiding it below her bosom before she exited the tent. At least she had boots on. Otherwise, she would have murdered Ackley.

  Outside, the soldiers sat around a fire, eating. She scanned their faces, noting the absence of Dexter and Gytha.

  “I wasn’t sure if you’d be joining us,” Markis said, approaching Reid with a plate of food.

  He offered it to her, and she took it with a murmured thanks. “I was hoping to change.”

  “Why didn’t you?” He glanced at her dress, making a strange face.

  When he sat, she knelt beside him. Instead of answering his question, she took a bite of the meat on her plate.

  “Aren’t you going to ask where the commander is?” Markis whispered.

  She narrowed her eyes. “No.”

  “You’re not curious where your fiancé is?”

  “He is not my fiancé by choice.”

  Markis smiled. “That’s what I thought. Prince Dexter and Gytha have been pretty cozy with one another for over a year. We expected them to announce their engagement. I was shocked when he told me we were coming here to fetch his fiancée. I was even more surprised when I recognized you.”

  She had a suspicion about Dexter and Gytha being romantically involved. However, to have it confirmed disturbed her. No wonder they both hated her so much.

  “You’re Duke Ellington’s daughter, yet I saw you in the City of Radella by yourself.”

  He was fishing for information, but she had no intention of giving him any. “I t
hink I’ll turn in for the night.” With a nod at him, Reid stood and headed toward her tent. Instead of going inside, she glanced at the fire, making sure everyone was still there. When she didn’t see anyone paying her any attention, she went around to the backside of her tent. No one called out or came running after her, so she headed toward the cover of the trees.

  Reid had two goals in mind—to relieve herself and to destroy the paper outlining her assignment. Tossing it in the fire would have been ideal. However, she hadn’t wanted anyone to see her do so. Someone might have asked questions she couldn’t answer. Not wanting to stray too deep into the forest since it was dark and she didn’t want to get lost, she headed parallel to the tree line. There had to be a water source nearby. Otherwise, Dexter wouldn’t have chosen to set up camp here with the horses.

  “Where are you going?” a voice demanded, startling Reid.

  “None of your business,” Reid replied, discreetly making sure the note was still hidden in her bosom before turning to face Gytha.

  “You are my responsibility. Go back to camp. Now.”

  “Do not order me about. You’d do well to watch your tone as well. I outrank you.” It was better to put Gytha in her place now, so Reid wouldn’t have to keep dealing with her.

  Gytha bristled. She stood there for a long, uncomfortable minute before responding. “I apologize, Lady Reid.” Sarcasm oozed through her tone. “Our wise and competent Princess Nara asked me to watch out for and take care of you on our journey.”