Wanting to see more of the palace, to understand its rich history, and to get to know this prince better, Reid followed as he made his way out of the library at a leisurely pace. Everyone they passed greeted him. Smiling, he returned each greeting using the person’s name. While several glanced her way as if waiting for an introduction, the prince simply ignored their silent inquiries, taking Reid through a maze of hallways before opening a door and ushering her outside.

“Where are we going?” she asked. Finn shoved past her legs, then bolted down the grassy hill toward the lake.

“I gathered from your earlier comment you’d rather be outdoors than indoors.”

She added observant to the prince’s list of traits. The only thing she’d said was it was too bad his office didn’t have a window. The fact he’d deduced her love of the outdoors from her statement said a lot about his character. “True,” she replied, walking alongside him. “But I thought the point of our excursion was to see the palace.”

A grin stretched his cheeks. “It is.”

They continued across the lawn, skirting around the small lake. The city buildings started about a half mile from the backside of the palace. With the sun shining overhead, the entire city practically glowed. Reid closed her eyes, feeling the warmth on her face and breathing in the sweet smell of cut grass. When she opened them, she caught Colbert watching her, one of his eyebrows raised.

Instead of saying anything, he stopped near the lake, shoving his hands in his pockets.

“This is the most beautiful city I’ve ever seen,” Reid mumbled.

“I’d have to agree with you.” He faced south, his back to the palace. “The entire block over there is Dexter’s domain. We refer to it as the military compound.”

“You mean that’s where the army is stationed?”

Colbert nodded.

Like most buildings in the city, the compound was ornate and appeared hundreds of years old. If Colbert hadn’t told her it belonged to the army, she never would have guessed since it fit in so seamlessly with the buildings surrounding it.