Cover

Also by Jennifer Anne Davis

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

Map

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.