Dexter set his goblet down with more force than necessary. Tilting his head to the side, he cracked his neck and blew out an annoyed breath.

“Problem?” Ackley drawled.

“I would appreciate it if you would refrain from whispering in my fiancée’s ear, touching her, or playing with her hair.” Dexter’s glare bore into Ackley, his scowl harsh and foreboding.

When Dexter acted like this, it reminded Reid of when she’d first met him. A calm rage simmered below his surface, itching to break free.

“If my sister were here,” Ackley replied coolly, “you’d see I treat her the same.”

A sentry entered. He handed a letter to Dexter before leaving once more.

Before opening the letter, Dexter snapped, “I don’t care if that’s how you treat your sister. It bothers me. Therefore, I’d prefer you show enough respect to refrain from smothering Reid.”

“Shouldn’t we ask Reid if it bothers her?” Ackley countered.

Dexter mumbled something unintelligible. With jerky movements that betrayed his aggravation with Ackley, he ripped into the envelope and removed a slip of paper. After he read the letter, he placed it on the table, rubbing his forehead.

“What’s wrong?” Reid asked.

“Soldiers have been spotted. Twenty miles from here.”

“They’re not holding their position in the open fields?” Ackley asked.

“No. They are marching directly toward the city. It appears the king is leading them, although the men are dressed in red, which is not the king’s color.” Shoving his chair away from the table, he rose. “Please excuse me. I must don my battle gear, then ride out to meet them before they get too close to the city.”

When he left the room, panic flooded Reid. Why did Dexter have to meet the soldiers? Resting her face against her hands, she breathed deeply, knowing how stupid it was to not want him to go. Dexter commanded the army. Therefore, he was doing what he must and what was right—even though Reid desperately wished he wouldn’t put himself in harm’s way.

Appetite gone, Reid pushed away from the table and left the dining room. In the corridor, Gytha followed right on Reid’s heels, much too close. Reid momentarily paused, causing the warrior woman to collide into her, Gytha’s boot scraping the back of Reid’s foot. Her control suddenly snapped. Whirling around, she got right in the warrior woman’s face. “What’s your problem?”

Gytha leaned even closer, but Reid refused to retreat.

“I should be riding with my commander, not babysitting you,” Gytha forced out between clenched teeth.

“I agree.” Reid folded her arms, eyes narrowed.

“You do?” Gytha replied sharply.

“Yes! I’d rather you guard him than me. There are enough people in the palace to keep an eye on me. I’ll be fine. Dexter, on the other hand, needs someone to watch his back.”

Gytha straightened. “We agree?”