Which made sense since trade and travel had stopped between Axian and northern Marsden for the last two decades. Reid took a sip of her tea, the hot liquid sliding down her throat and warming her.

“Which brings me to those we did not expect to attend the wedding.”

Setting her teacup on the tray, she waited for Nara to continue, an ominous feeling starting to rise.

“The king is coming.”

“That’s unfortunate.” Reid had hoped to never see the man again.

“I agree.” Nara stood and went to the window, pushing the curtains aside to let in the bright morning sunlight. “Which means we have a lot to do to prepare for his arrival.”

“I’ll get dressed so I can help.”

“No, my dear. You need to rest today. Otherwise, my son will have a fit.”

Reid wasn’t sure she could remain in bed all day long. Besides, staying busy would keep her mind off the fact Eldon was coming.

“Up for visitors?” Colbert asked from the doorway.

“Come in.” Reid smiled, glad to see him.

“I’ll leave you two to chat,” Nara said. “I need to attend a meeting on security.”

“Why does it seem like one of us is always injured?” Colbert said as he came into the room, folding his arms.

“Maybe it’s a sign for us to be more careful.”

He grinned. “Well, there’s someone who’s dying to see you if you’re up for visitors.”

When she nodded, he whistled. Finn bounded into the room, Colbert yelling at him not to jump on the bed and hurt Aunt Reid. She laughed, loving the nickname he’d bestowed upon her.

“How are things around here?” she asked, petting Finn’s head. He licked her hand.

“Since we found out the king is coming, Mother and Father have been in endless meetings.”

It looked like he wanted to say more, but he refrained from doing so.

“Is something the matter?”

Arms still crossed, he studied her before saying, “No, Lady Reid, there’s nothing the matter. But I need to go. I have a meeting of my own I must attend.” Finn ran after him, wagging his tail.

Chapter Sixteen

Reid spent the day lounging in bed. The only time she got up was when the seamstress came to take her measurements. After the sun set and darkness blanketed the city, Reid became antsy, no longer able to handle her confinement. Sliding out of bed, she went over to the window, gazing out at the city. Colbert’s words kept replaying in her mind. Who was he meeting with? What exactly did Colbert do in the library all day?

On a whim, she decided to snoop. After dressing in pants and a tunic, she pulled her hair back and grabbed a dagger. Not that she needed a weapon in the palace. However, she felt better having one in case another assassin showed up.