“Can you please escort…” The man glanced at her for a name. When she didn’t give him one, he continued, “Please escort this visitor to the training yard.”

“Yes, sir.”

Reid followed Jem down the hallway. He shoved open a large door, revealing a training yard with fifty or so men and women running through a series of movements. Each person held a sword in his or her right hand. At the front of the group, a man dressed the same as everyone else—in gray pants and a matching gray tunic—led the drills. When he turned to the side, she realized it was Dexter.

Jem stood next to the door. Seeing as how he wouldn’t be any help, Reid ignored him and headed directly to Dexter, stopping in front of him. “I’m sorry to interrupt,” she said nervously, low enough so only he could hear, “but there’s a situation with your brother that needs your immediate attention.”

Dexter’s sword faltered, his eyes flashing with worry. It was the first time he’d looked human. “Captain!”

From the front row, Gytha stepped forward.

“Take over.” Without another word, he exited the training yard. In the hallway, he stopped. “What happened?” Concern etched his words.

“His wound reopened.”

Dexter cursed and then sprinted down the hallway, exiting the building. Reid took off after him. She trailed him across the lawn, wondering how someone so large could run so fast. By the time she entered the palace, he was no longer in sight. She headed up to the fourth floor to Colbert’s room. When she stepped inside, she found Dexter sitting on the edge of Colbert’s bed, examining the wound. Reid hovered in the doorway, watching the brothers.

“I told you to take it easy,” Dexter said, his voice low.

“I know. But I was feeling better. I just took Finn outside for a romp around the lake.”

“How is the girl involved in this?”

“Do you mean Lady Reid?”

Dexter nodded curtly.

“She’s not a girl—she’s a woman. And she’s your fiancée.”

“Nothing has been announced yet.”

“Don’t be daft,” Colbert said.

“Just answer the question.”

“We were walking together when Finn jumped on me.”

“There’s too much blood.” Dexter pressed the towel against the wound. “Why were you walking with her?”

“Reid is going to be my sister-in-law. I want to get to know her better. Besides, I find her interesting.”

Dexter mumbled something Reid couldn’t hear.

Not knowing if the princes were aware of her presence, she cleared her throat before stepping farther into the room. “How can I help?”

“You can help by leaving,” Dexter snapped.

“Be nice,” Colbert chided his brother.

“I have to stitch this again.”

“He also needs a salve applied to prevent infection,” Reid said.

“Get out,” Dexter barked.