She rushed over to the closet, throwing open the door, then coming to an abrupt halt. Instead of the sleek Axian warrior clothing she’d expected, the inside held only dresses. Dresses! What had Nara been thinking? The princess knew Reid had been raised as a boy. Had she assumed because Reid had grown up wearing pants that she wanted to wear dresses now? Frustrated, Reid growled. Why was nothing going her way?

Exiting the closet, she went over to the armoire. After she found a nightdress and pulled it on, she climbed into bed, not even bothering to get under the blankets. She fell asleep in seconds.

Reid awoke, stretching her arms above her head. After spending so many nights on the ground, the bed felt wonderful. Since the curtains were drawn, she had no idea what time it was. She crawled out of bed, then pushed the curtains aside. Bright light burst into the room.

“You’re awake,” Joce said, coming into the bedchamber.

Now that it was daylight, Reid could see her lady’s maid better. With her silky blonde hair twisted into a bun, she wore a short-sleeved dress of navy blue, revealing her willowy arms. However, her most striking feature was her large blue eyes, which seemed to glow.

“I’m starving.” Reid hoped Joce could bring food to the room. Dining with the royal family wasn’t something she was ready to face yet.

“I’ve been sent to help you dress.”

Reid groaned.

“Is there a problem?”

“No. I’m just not sure what’s expected of me in Axian.” Running her fingers through her tangled hair, she sighed.

“You’re our future princess,” Joce said, her smile lighting up her face. “Prince Dexter is the most sought-after bachelor in the county. Once your engagement is announced, everyone will be wildly jealous of you. The upcoming wedding will be all anyone talks about.” She glided into the dressing closet. A moment later, she exited, a pale purple dress in hand.

“I’m not wearing that.”

“What color would you prefer then?”

Reid opened her mouth, intent on explaining she had no intention of wearing a dress and that she planned to don pants and a tunic in Axian. However, before she could say anything, someone knocked.

Joce left to answer it. A moment later, she returned with Nara in tow. “Lady Reid, allow me to present Princess Nara. I’ll give you two a moment alone.” Joce set the dress on the bed before hurrying from the room.

“We meet again,” Nara said by way of greeting.

“I can honestly say I never thought that would happen.”