Reid chuckled. “Ackley smells?” She’d never noticed him having any particular aroma before. Unless they were sparring—then he stunk of sweat.

“His clothes have a hint of a leather smell to them,” Gytha answered.

“Well,” Reid said, because she had no idea what else to say. “I’d like to see my father.” She exited her suite, Ackley and Gytha close behind, only to come face to face with Dexter, his hand raised to knock on her door. “What are you doing here?”

“I came to wake you.” He scowled at Gytha and Ackley. “Apparently, I needn’t have bothered.” Still in his clothing from earlier in the day, he made a fine sight, even when rumpled.

“What time is it?” she asked.

“Well past midnight. Your father is in the stables. I told him we’d meet him in the sitting room. He didn’t want to wake you. However, I knew you’d be mad if I didn’t.”

In the hallway, she paused, addressing Gytha and Ackley. “Neither of you need to come with me to see my father. Ackley, go to bed. Gytha, you can remain in my suite.” She motioned to Dexter. “My fiancé will escort me back to my room.” Without waiting for a response, she grabbed Dexter’s arm and led him down the hallway toward the stairs. “I take it you’ve been working?”

“I have. There’s a lot to do before the king or the foreign army arrive.”

Suddenly, she froze.

He went down two steps before he realized she’d stopped. Shifting toward her, he said, “What’s wrong?”

Their position on different steps made them eye level. “Nothing.” This close, on the darkened staircase, she had the sudden urge to wrap her arms around his neck and kiss him. Instead, she whispered, “Make sure you’re taking care of yourself. You need to sleep so you can be ready for whatever is coming.”

Dexter wrapped his large hands around Reid’s waist. Pulling her toward him, he leaned into her. “Are you worried about me?”

She couldn’t answer. Not when he was this close. Not when his lips hovered near hers. Without meaning to, she lifted her arms over his shoulders, her hands clasping behind his neck.

“Duke Ellington is waiting for Lady Reid in the sitting room.” Nara’s amused voice cut through their moment. “I hardly think now’s the best time for such physical displays of affection. Wouldn’t you agree?”

Reid wanted nothing more than to crawl under a rock and hide. Cheeks on fire, she scrambled away from Dexter.

“Goodnight, Mother,” Dexter said, obviously frustrated at the interruption. Instead of seeming embarrassed, he took Reid’s hand and tugged her to his side, escorting her down the staircase.

Nara, still dressed, made her way up the steps. “Goodnight, you two.”

“Why is your mother up this late?” Reid asked. “Am I the only one who actually sleeps around here?”