“Well, your father isn’t a king—he’s only a prince. Like everyone else, he falls under the king’s jurisdiction. If the king wants to march into Axian with his soldiers, he can.” Seb leaned forward on his elbows, clearly challenging Dexter.

Sighing, the prince rubbed his face. “You’re right.”

“Then why are you here?”

“I’d like to make a deal.”

“I’m retired.”

“What if I promise it’ll be worth your time?”

“I’ll listen to your offer, but I won’t guarantee anything.”

When Dexter started discussing numbers and locations, Reid turned to Markis. “What exactly are they negotiating?”

“Weapons. Seb is a master crafter of bows and arrows. Plus, Seb was the commander of the Marsden army under King Broc.”

Gytha glared over her shoulder at Markis. “Lady Reid doesn’t need to know our business.”

“Then maybe you shouldn’t have brought her,” Markis mumbled.

“Lady Reid?” Seb asked, sitting up straighter. “Where have I heard that name before?”

“This is my fiancée, Lady Reid Ellington,” Dexter said, his lips twitching as he fought a smile. “Duke Ellington’s daughter.”

A grin spread across Seb’s face. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Reid.”

Reid had the distinct impression he knew her father. She couldn’t say from where or how, but recognition had dawned in Seb’s eyes at the mention of the duke.

Seb turned back to Dexter. “I’ll take you up on that deal.”

Dexter slid a piece of paper across the table to Seb.

“Lady Reid,” Gytha said, rising abruptly. “Come with me.”

Reid joined Gytha, allowing the woman to lead her away from the village center.

Once Dexter returned with Markis and the two soldiers, their group set out. Instead of traveling back the way they’d come, they continued east, through the forest. Curious to see what Dexter was up to now, Reid refrained from asking any questions. A day later, they entered a small town near the coast.

“Same as before,” Dexter ordered.

Reid dismounted, then handed her horse’s reins over to another soldier. She joined Markis, Gytha, and two female soldiers. They followed Dexter along the main road that cut straight through the seaside town. Waves crashed in the distance, creating a soothing background noise. The wind blew, the smell of salt heavy in the air.

A sign reading Maiden Voyage hung above a door, creaking as it teetered in the wind. Dexter shoved the door open, then entered the tavern.

“You armed?” Markis whispered to Reid.

She shook her head.

Gytha handed Reid a small dagger. She took it, tucking it in the folds of her dress.

Dexter sat at a round table before the fireplace while the others went to another not far away. Drinks and stew were ordered all around.

“What are we doing here?” Reid asked after their food arrived.

“No idea.” Markis shrugged.