Entering her suite, she headed straight to her bedchamber, eager to remove her dress for something more comfortable. She smiled when she recalled Dexter saying he preferred her in pants. That meant he saw her for who she was.

On her way to the closet, movement caught her attention. She froze. Someone was in her room, and it wasn’t Joce. Slowly, she turned to face her intruder.

The man casually sat on Reid’s chair, his booted feet resting on her dresser. He slapped the book he’d been reading closed. “Morning, princess.”

“Ackley! What are you doing here?” He was the last person she expected to see.

He tossed the book on the dresser. “I’ve been sent ahead of the king to prepare for his arrival.” When he stood, his gaze roamed over her from head to toe. “The real question, Lady Reid, is what are you doing here?”

“You would know since you’re the one who sent me here.” He didn’t even flinch, confirming her suspicion that he had a hand in this.

“I must say,” he gestured to her and the room, “it appears you’ve taken to your new position with astonishing ease.”

“I’m gifted that way.” She folded her arms, waiting for him to get to the point of his visit. Had he discovered Dexter’s plot to assassinate the king? Was he here checking up on her?

“I’m disappointed in you, Reid. I expected a warmer welcome. I’m beginning to think you’re not happy to see me.” His shrewd gaze zeroed in on her.

“I’m tired is all.”

His face instantly softened. “Are you okay?”

She nodded.

He stepped forward, wrapping his arms around her. “I’m sorry,” he whispered. “There wasn’t any other way. I never meant to do this to you.”

“I know.” And it wasn’t just Ackley. Her father had done this to her, too.

“Idina said Dexter is a good man. I would never have sent you here otherwise.”

“He is.” So why were there tears in her eyes? Wanting to change the subject, she asked about Idina and Gordon.

“They’re both doing well.” He held her at arm’s length. “Listen, Reid. We need to talk. Idina discovered something. There’s—”

“What’s going on?” Dexter asked, startling Reid.

She glanced over her shoulder to see him in the doorway. He watched her, face unreadable.

Ackley’s hands tightened on her arms.

“Come in.” She waved Dexter over. Ackley released her, a mask of haughty indifference sliding over his face. “I’d like to introduce you to Prince Ackley. Ackley, this is Prince Dexter, my fiancé.”

The cousins stared at one another.

Finally, Dexter spoke. “How’d you get in here?”

“Does it matter?”