“I know. But this way, I can make sure you don’t topple off.”

She sighed. His soldiers would think she was an incompetent fool who couldn’t care for herself.

“Listen up,” Dexter said, addressing everyone. “My fiancée, Lady Reid, is injured. She has at least one broken rib. In addition, my shoulder is recovering from an arrow wound. We’ll be riding slow.”

With that, Gytha gave the order to set out. The rocking movement only hurt Reid’s ribs slightly.

“You can lean against me,” Dexter said. “I won’t bite.”

He may not bite, but she was afraid she would enjoy the comfort and warmth of him too much. She tried to remain slightly forward, away from him. However, it was no use. Giving up, she relaxed against him.

“Gytha,” Reid said, capturing the woman’s attention.

Gytha rode directly in front of them. Shifting her horse to the side, she waited for them to catch up until they rode side by side. “Yes, Lady Reid?”

“How did you know Prince Dexter had been attacked by assassins and was in need of assistance?”

“Princess Nara sent us after the prince. She said he’d left the palace with only four soldiers, which was simply inadequate. We stumbled upon the wagon. One of our soldiers was still alive. He told us what happened and which direction you’d gone.”

“Did you send him to the palace for medical treatment?” Dexter asked.

“Yes. I don’t know if he’ll make it,” Gytha said. “But I had two soldiers escort him back.”

They exited the forest and turned east, traveling on a dirt road.

“We’ve been searching for two days,” Gytha said.

“I’m sure I’ll get a long lecture when I get home,” Dexter muttered.

“As you should.” Gytha nudged her horse. The animal sped up, returning to its previous place in front.

“When we stop, I’ll need to check your wrapping,” Dexter said.

“Gytha can help me with that.” Reid had no intention of removing her shirt in front of Dexter.

He chuckled. “I can tell it’s no use trying to convince you that I’m better than Gytha at treating injuries. I know I am, and I’m fairly certain you do, too. In that case, you must be serious and your mind unchangeable if you want Gytha’s help.”

Reid rammed her elbow into his stomach, which only made him laugh. Gytha glared at them over her shoulder.

“I guess we need to be quiet in case there are assassins lurking nearby,” he whispered in Reid’s ear.

Why was Dexter acting as if he and Reid were good friends? Was it because of what they’d just been through? No, she was certain his kindness had started before then. She couldn’t pinpoint when exactly, but it had been before this trip.