“Nice to meet you,” Reid said. It was refreshing to meet two formidable women who were also soldiers. Both wore slim black pants and form-fitting shirts topped with leather armor. Each also had a sword strapped to her waist. Maybe Reid could become a soldier.

However, as much as she might want to join the army, she couldn’t. She was a Knight—and she had a job to do. Her fingers tightened around the strap of her bag, remembering the letter from Ackley hidden inside. It contained her next assignment. As soon as she was alone, she needed to read it.

Neither woman responded. They were as welcoming and cordial as Dexter. Reid couldn’t help but smirk. If no one was in favor of this union, maybe it didn’t have to take place.

“Why are you smiling?” Gytha asked, wrinkling her nose in apparent disgust. “I wouldn’t be happy if I were sold off to a man like cattle. I’d be ashamed.”

Heat creeped up Reid’s neck and face, and she knew her skin had turned bright red. She focused on Dexter, but he wasn’t even looking at her. His attention was on the water behind her, as if she didn’t even exist.

The other woman snorted. “You don’t know the meaning of the word ashamed. You’d chop off his balls then send him back home.”

Gytha burst out laughing. “Yes, that sounds like something I would do.” A single brown braid hung to the middle of her back. The dark makeup around her eyes enhanced the sharp features of her face, making her appear fierce and intimidating.

“You don’t have to worry about being sold off,” Essie said. “Your father wouldn’t degrade you like that.”

“No, he would not.”

“And you’re already attached to someone.” The corners of Essie’s lips curved into a sly smile.

“Not anymore.” Gytha’s brown eyes darkened.

Dexter abruptly turned and stalked away, his cape rippling behind him in the gusty wind.

“I guess that’s the only welcome you’re getting from our prince,” Essie said.

“It was more than she deserved,” Gytha replied.

Both women followed Dexter.

Reid watched them go. Although Dexter had been rude, not even bothering to utter a single word, she couldn’t help but admire the fact that he had two female captains. Not wanting to scurry after them like a dog, Reid started walking along the shore in the opposite direction.

“Where are you going?” the Axian soldier who’d introduced her asked.