“Can you please make sure someone looks at Dexter’s shoulder?” Reid asked. She hadn’t seen any sign of infection. However, until a healer examined it, she would continue to worry.

Nara ordered one of the soldiers they passed to fetch a healer for the prince. “The soldier who arrived before you only said there were injuries sustained. He didn’t say what happened.”

“We were ambushed by assassins. Twice. Dexter was shot in his arm by an arrow. I was punched and thrown.” A short, succinct version of what happened. Dexter could fill Nara in on the details later.

Entering her suite, Reid found the candles already lit. Joce had a hot bath waiting, too. Nara helped remove Reid’s leather armor, clothes, and the wrap around her torso. Then, both women assisted Reid into the bath. Reid would have protested if she had the strength. But the hot water seeped into her muscles, relaxing her. After washing, she got out of the bath and dressed.

Nara asked Joce to fetch the healer. When the lady’s maid was gone, Nara helped Reid get into bed.

“You don’t need to stay with me. I can manage on my own.” Now that Reid was in bed, her eyelids became heavy. She was certain Nara had better things to do than tend to her—like making sure Dexter was okay.

Nara laughed. “I’m happy you’re home. Helping you gives me something to do while allowing me to express my gratitude.”

The word home still applied to Reid’s castle in Ellington—not this grand palace in Axian. Tears filled Reid’s eyes, but she blinked them away. She could miss her father and sisters when she was alone. Now, she needed to remain strong and in control.

Nara reached out, pushing stray tendrils of hair away from Reid’s face and gently stroking her cheeks. “I always wanted a daughter.”

Instead of responding, Reid closed her eyes and willed her tears away. She would not cry.

The healer entered. “I’ve been summoned by multiple people to check on Lady Reid.” She sat on the bed beside Reid, flashing a kind smile. “I hear you may have broken ribs?”

Reid nodded, lifting her nightshirt so the woman could examine her.

“It feels like one cracked rib to me,” the healer replied. “I’ll put a salve on it for swelling and wrap your torso. That’s all that can be done.”

While she worked, Nara stood at the window, staring out into the night.

“There,” the healer said as she finished, pulling Reid’s shirt back down. “If the pain becomes too uncomfortable, send for me. I’ll bring some medicine.”

Nara showed the healer from the room, then moved around the perimeter of the bedchamber, snuffing out the candles. When she finished, she pulled the blankets over Reid, adjusting them.