The fake smile on Reid’s face froze. Before the king arrived, Reid had known he was coming here to take over Axian. Regardless, the shock of so many soldiers and the reality of it actually happening was hard to stomach. She sat on a chair close to the window, her father not far away. Gytha was nowhere to be seen. Dexter made a point of standing near his mother, closer to the king. Dexter never once looked in Reid’s direction. It was as if he couldn’t care less about her. At the other end of the room, Gordon paced back and forth. Ackley finally went and put his arm around Gordon, forcing him to remain in place while he whispered in his ear.

“After the wedding tomorrow,” Nara said to the king, “we would be happy to show you around Axian.”

“Ah, yes. The wedding.” Eldon motioned for one of his soldiers to step forward. When the soldier produced a decanter of fine alcohol, a servant rushed into the room with a tray of goblets. The king poured a small amount into each goblet, then distributed them to the dukes and princes. Not one woman received a drink. Normally, it would have offended Reid. However, she had no desire to accept anything the king had to offer.

Duke Ellington took the goblet handed to him, then came to stand directly behind Reid.

“I’d like to make a toast,” King Eldon said. “To Prince Dexter and Lady Reid.” When he lifted his goblet, everyone copied the gesture. “To a long and healthy marriage. Why are the two of you so far apart? You’re getting married tomorrow.” A slow smile spread across his face. “Come now—you should be happy.”

Dexter didn’t even glance in Reid’s direction.

“They are still getting to know one another,” Duke Ellington commented.

“Well,” the king drawled, lifting his goblet higher, “to the happy couple!”

Everyone took a drink. When Ellington set his aside, Reid noticed the same amount of alcohol remained. He hadn’t drunk a drop. Relief filled her.

People started to eat the food the servants had brought, and conversations sprang up.

Duke Ellington leaned down. “Do you know which room I’m staying in?” he murmured.

Reid nodded.

“Wait five minutes, then leave and meet me there.” He meandered around the room, talking to people here and there, before he slipped out the side door.

Even though people were talking, Reid found it to be useless chatter about the weather or the harvest. Several people spoke a little louder than necessary. She assumed everyone was nervous. Ackley and Gordon were side by side. The dukes remained close to the king. However, no one dared ask anything substantial—like what Eldon intended to do with the foreign army.

Since no one was paying her any attention, she made her way over to the sentry standing guard near the door. “Which way to the privy?” she asked.