Nara approached Reid. “I had a feeling our paths would cross again. However, I didn’t think it would be under these circumstances.” She glanced outside, then focused on Reid. The morning sun highlighted the brown in Nara’s single braid. Similar to the last time Reid had seen her, the princess wore slender pants and a form-fitting shirt. Her boots went up to her knees, and she’d strapped a dagger to her waist. “I’m sure you understand the precarious position we are in.”

Reid thought she did, so she nodded.

“I need you to play your part flawlessly.”

“And what part is that, exactly?” Tired of pretending to be someone she wasn’t, Reid had hoped she could be herself in Axian. While she understood a war brewed, she didn’t know how she fit into the equation.

“You are a refined lady from northern Marsden.”

Reid snorted. She’d dressed up a few times at the king’s castle to act as a lady. However, she disliked having to play that part.

Ignoring Reid’s snort, Nara said, “Your engagement will be announced at the end of the week. It will be followed by a small celebration. The wedding will take place next month.” Folding her arms, she leaned against the window ledge.

“You can’t be serious.”

“About which part?”

“All of it.” Reid went around to the side of the bed. In order to have something to do, she straightened the blankets while she tried to organize her thoughts. “I can’t believe my father signed a marriage contract on my behalf just to retain his title and land.” She rubbed her forehead. “There has to be more to it than that.” What was she missing?

“He told the entire kingdom you were a boy. He raised you as a boy. Surely you, of all people, realized he would marry you off to retain what is most precious to him.”

It felt as if Nara had punched Reid in the stomach. Sinking onto the bed, Reid understood why the statement hurt. Her father had sacrificed Reid’s future and happiness for his. She wasn’t his most precious possession—his land and title were.

She pushed off the bed, facing Nara. “The king expects me to spy on you.”

“I figured as much.”

“Then why did you allow me to come here? Why sign the marriage contract?” What Reid genuinely wanted to know was why the Axian people treated her so nicely. Why were they helping her? What did they hope to gain from this asinine marriage?

“My husband is trying to prevent a nasty civil war.”

War was imminent. Instead of voicing that, Reid said, “Why do I have to dress as a refined lady?”

“You are a lady, are you not?”

“I am.” Technically speaking, anyway.

“Then you will dress and act as one because that is what Axians expect of a woman from northern Marsden.”