She playfully kicked him under the desk, being careful not to hit the dog. “It’s about the other night,” she whispered, not wanting anyone to overhear their conversation. “If everything goes as planned and your father changes his heir and we’re successful in that other endeavor…” She didn’t want to say anything about assassinating the king in the palace. “That would mean Dexter would…” Again, she didn’t want to say anything about Dexter ascending to the throne in case someone lurked nearby.

“Ah, you’re finally figuring things out. Yes, that means Dexter would be the king.”

Was that something Dexter even wanted? She certainly had no desire to be the queen. Maybe they should just leave Eldon alone.

“Reid,” Colbert said, reaching across the desk and taking her hand. “If we do nothing now, we only prolong the inevitable. At some point, someone has to deal with this. Our fathers didn’t, so now here we are. We still face the same issues. Let’s take care of this once and for all.”

“I don’t want to rule.” Just the idea of being responsible for thousands of people made her head spin.

“No one who deserves to rule ever wants to. That’s how I know you’ll do a phenomenal job.” He squeezed her hand once before releasing it.

“I’m not sure about any of this.” Sighing, she rubbed her aching forehead. Why did everything have to be so complicated? Why were there no clear answers? No matter how she looked at it, what was right and what was wrong always blurred depending on the variables. “I’m going to see if Dexter needs my help.” Maybe he had a task she could perform in order to keep her mind occupied.

“You two seem closer than before.” It was a statement, but also a question.

She shrugged, not wanting to have an in-depth conversation about her feelings. Talking about the subject meant she had to think about it—which she didn’t want to do.

“You two could be great together. I hope you give my brother a chance.”

“We’ll see.” She left his office before he could ask her anything else.

Out in the main portion of the library, she spotted Gytha striding toward her. “Lady Reid.” Gytha bowed her head. “Prince Dexter sent me to fetch you.”

“Is he at the compound?”

“No. He’s here in the palace, working on security.” Gytha led Reid to one of the interior courtyards. “Wait here. I have another errand to take care of.”

Reid hadn’t been in this particular courtyard before. A tall water fountain graced the middle of the space with several hedge-lined walkways leading up to it. A handful of tall trees were spread throughout the area, benches near each one.