Before Nara had a chance to say anything, Reid said, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be so forward with you and your husband.”

Nara wrapped Reid in a hug, surprising her. “No, my dear. I’m happy you said something.” She held Reid at arm’s length. “Everything you said is true. My husband only wants to see the good in people—especially those he loves. It’s hard for him to look at the situation objectively.”

“My father may already know Dexter is not Henrick’s heir.” And he may not care. His sole concern had been getting Reid to safety and maintaining his land and title.

“Everything happened so quickly that I don’t remember the particulars. Colbert would be the one to see about that.” Nara gave Reid another hug before they left the room.

Reid headed straight to the library. She found Colbert in his office with Finn curled on top of his feet. “My father will never sign the marriage contract once he learns Dexter isn’t your father’s heir.”

“That’s what I’m planning on.” Colbert set his quill down, then leaned back in his chair.

“How’d you get him to sign the preliminary one?” she asked, perching on the chair across from him.

He pushed a piece of paper toward her. “When your father sent us his draft,” he tapped the paper, “he mentioned you being his heir, but he left out anything regarding Dexter. My father agreed and returned it, stating we would finalize the details later.” He pushed a second piece of paper toward her. “The king sent us this one.”

Picking up both contracts, Reid quickly examined each. It was clear both assumed Dexter to be the heir, though neither specifically said so.

“I’ve amended the contract between our fathers, stating the particulars. For example, what happens when your father dies and you return to Ellington? I took the liberty of mentioning that since Dexter has no obligations in Axian, he is free to move to Ellington with you.”

“When my father reads this, he’s going to be furious.”

“I would assume so.” Colbert grinned. “I’m counting on it to force my father into changing his heir.”

“Funny you should mention that…because I just had a conversation with Prince Henrick about this very thing.”

“I knew there was a reason I liked you,” Colbert said with a wink.

She shifted in the chair, wanting to discuss something with him, but not sure how to go about it.

“Reid, what is it?” he asked, leaning forward, his elbows resting on the desk.

“So, I thought of something…”

“Oh no, no more thinking,” he teased.