Reid’s right thigh ached, a trickle of blood sliding down it. Rubbing against the saddle all day must have chafed her skin. Since the material of her dress wasn’t nearly as thick as pants, it offered less protection. She’d have to be more careful tomorrow.

She surveyed the soldiers as they unloaded supplies and set up camp. “Where is our detour taking us?”

“Why do you think we’re taking a detour?” Markis asked.

“We’re not heading south like we should be.”

“I don’t know.” Two soldiers gathered the horses, then led them to a nearby stream to drink. “We should help. Otherwise, we’ll be stuck with the last watch of the night.”

Reid agreed, heading over to help Gytha erect their tent. Once they finished, they joined the other soldiers sitting around the fire, eating. Reid carefully sat on the ground, making sure her skirt covered her legs. Markis handed her a steaming bowl of soup. As she took a sip, she scanned the people near her. “Where’s Gytha?” The woman had been right there a second ago.

“I think she has the first watch,” someone answered.

At that precise moment, Reid realized Dexter was missing as well. Presumably, he had first watch, too. Reid’s face flushed for a multitude of reasons—one being she had no desire for people to believe she was jealous. While she might feel a bit envious over Gytha’s position of captain in the army and her reputation as an excellent fighter, Reid was not upset over the woman’s relationship with Dexter. Besides, Reid had no idea if Gytha and Dexter were actually on watch or if they’d used it as an excuse to have some…private time. Reid’s face burned hotter at the thought. Taking another sip of the soup, she hoped anyone who noticed would think her flush was a result of the hot food.

Frustrated, Reid had no idea how she was supposed to gain Dexter’s trust. Since the moment they’d met in Prince Henrick’s bedchamber, he’d despised her. Now, he was being forced to marry her. To complicate matters even more, he was in love with another woman. Instead of Axian being the freedom Reid had hoped for, it was turning out to be one big complicated mess.

One by one, the soldiers went to their tents for the night. Now that the sun had set, the stars were out. The air had started to turn chilly, too. Holding her palms out, Reid pretended to enjoy the heat from the fire.

“Allow me to escort you to your tent,” Markis said as he stood.

“It’s twenty feet from here. I think I can manage on my own.” She kept her focus on the flames, hoping he wouldn’t see the lie.

“Suit yourself,” he said with a shrug before he left.