Late one afternoon, Dexter halted them. Glancing at the sky, Reid wondered why they were stopping when the sun wouldn’t set for another two hours. The soldiers dismounted, but no one moved to set up camp.

“What’s going on?” Reid asked as she climbed off her horse.

Markis adjusted the bow across his back. “We’re only a short distance away from the City of Radella.”

A sigh of relief escaped Reid’s lips. She could use a bath and a soft bed to sleep in. But then a new fear crept in. Would those luxuries even be afforded to her or did the royal family plan to keep her locked up somewhere?

“Lady Reid,” Gytha said as she approached.

“Yes?”

“Come with me.” She led Reid away from everyone else.

“Where are we going?”

“This way.”

Well, yes, Reid knew which direction they were going, but she wanted to know why they were headed this way. Instead of arguing, she followed Gytha over a small hill and down into a narrow valley. A stream rushed through it. Maybe the warrior woman needed help getting water. At the edge of the stream, they stopped.

Behind her, Reid felt a strong presence approach. She tensed, knowing without looking that it was Dexter.

“Your Highness,” Gytha said, her words tight.

“Thank you, Captain. You can return to the others.”

Gytha glared at Reid before stomping up the hill and out of sight.

Turning to face the prince, Reid shoved her panic down. Since arriving in Axian, this was the first time she’d been alone with him. She suspected he wanted nothing to do with her—at least they had that in common. However, since they were about to reach the palace, he probably needed to prepare her for what was to come.

With his feet shoulder-width apart, he folded his arms, his biceps bulging. The leather armor he wore made him look like a fierce warrior rather than a prince. “Do women normally wear two dresses like that in northern Marsden?” His voice came out low, rumbling like the stream.

“No.”

His brows pinched. “You look ridiculous.”

She shrugged, not really caring. “I wasn’t about to ride sideways on a horse. This solved the problem.” Granted, she’d ruined both dresses, but they’d served their purpose.

“One of my soldiers would have loaned you pants.”

Ignoring his comment, she said, “I assume we’re here for a reason?” Reid wanted to return to the safety of the group. She didn’t trust Dexter.

“You don’t like to rely on others or ask for help.”

She wasn’t sure if that was a question or a statement, so she kept her mouth shut, waiting for him to get to the reason behind their clandestine meeting.

“The king sent you here to spy on us.”

“He did.”

“Your father sent you here to keep you safe.”