“There are two small marks,” Ava answered. “While I don’t see any blood, both spots are pretty swollen.”

“I want you to put charcoal on them just to be safe,” he ordered. “And I want Lady Reid to drink some of the charcoal, too.”

Reid didn’t think either was necessary. However, Dexter needed to rest so he could fight off the poison. He wouldn’t do that until Reid was cared for. It was easier to comply than fight.

“Would you prefer to sit on a chair or lie on the bed?” Ava inquired.

“She’ll lie down,” Dexter said. “That way she can leave the charcoal on for a full hour.”

“But I don’t have a shirt on,” Reid said. “I can’t lie next to you.” Her breathing sped up.

“Reid, don’t be so difficult. We’re going to be married in a few weeks.”

Heat scorched her body, and there was nothing she could do to hide her utter embarrassment. It was awkward enough having a woman she didn’t know tend to her. However, it was doubly awkward having Dexter in the same room, let alone the same bed.

He tilted his head, facing her, and managed a weak smile. “Don’t tell me you’re shy.”

Mortification set in. The longer she waited, the worse it would get. “Look the other way and close your eyes.”

Thankfully, he complied. Clutching her shirt against her chest, she scurried over to the bed and plopped on her stomach, making sure the sheet fully covered her breasts. Since the bed was so tiny, her arm inadvertently brushed Dexter’s.

Ava approached. There wasn’t enough room for her to sit on the bed, so she stood next to Reid to apply the charcoal to the two spots on her back. “When my husband returns, I’ll have him grind up some more so you can drink it.”

“Take some out to him and have him do it now,” Dexter said. “I don’t want to wait in case there is poison in Lady Reid’s system.”

Ava did as he said, slipping outside.

“I’m fine,” Reid insisted. “I don’t feel off.”

“I’d rather not wait to find out.” His voice sounded stronger than before, giving Reid hope the charcoal was already working to neutralize the poison.

“You know,” she said, repeating the words he’d said earlier, “now’s your chance to do away with me.”

He tilted his head toward her. “If I wanted to get rid of you, I would have done so by now.”

She blinked, trying to decide if he was joking. Probably not. She doubted he did anything he didn’t want to. He’d agreed to their marriage for a reason. “Sorry you’re stuck with me.” Her sister, Kamden, would have been better suited as a princess who portrayed the image Nara desired. “I’m moody and not the doting-wife type.”