She turned to see a familiar face. It was the man from the festival—the one who’d been in charge of the archery competition. Somewhere in his mid-twenties, he had close-cropped brown hair. He’d slung a bow and quiver over his wide shoulders. While his face was pleasant, it was a bit plain. Reid realized she liked that about him.

“You look different without your cart of bows and arrows,” she said by way of greeting.

He chuckled. “And you look different in a dress.”

She was attempting to rectify that situation. Sighing, she wondered how much time she had before they set out again. “Do you know what’s going on?” She nodded to where Dexter spoke with a handful of soldiers.

“The commander just put us into smaller groups. Each one has a different task to complete.”

“What are you supposed to do?”

“Accompany the commander and his fiancée to the palace.” He raised his eyebrows, almost as if waiting for an explanation.

Reid didn’t have one.

“I assume you’re the fiancée?”

“I am Lady Reid Ellington, but you can call me Reid.”

“I’m Markis.” The corners of his lips twitched as he fought a smile. “Everyone has been talking about you.”

Several people blatantly watched her. “I have no doubt. Tell me, will we be walking the entire way to the palace?”

“I don’t know what the commander has planned.”

Besides desperately wanting to change, Reid needed to read the note Ackley had slipped in her bag. She was eager to know her next assignment. Unfortunately, she didn’t see a place nearby where she could do either.

A whistle rang out. “That’s our cue.” Markis led Reid over to where Dexter stood with Gytha and eight other soldiers.

Dexter didn’t spare Reid a glance as he addressed the group. “There are horses five miles south of here. Once we reach them, we’ll stop for the night. Then, at first light, we ride.” He started walking, Gytha beside him.

They fell into two lines behind the commander and the captain. The others set out as well, each heading in a different direction. Reid wondered about each group’s destination.

Dexter set a relentless pace, and they reached the horses in under two hours. After traveling five miles on a dirt road, Reid’s shoes and the bottom of her dress were filthy. She scanned the area, not seeing a lake or stream in sight. Erected in a semi-circle on the thick green grass were six tents.

“Lady Reid,” Gytha said, “you’re with me.”

Gytha escorted Reid to a tent situated toward the middle. Exhausted, Reid crawled inside. There were two bedrolls, and Gytha plopped on the left one. Reid sat on the right one, wishing she could have a moment alone to read Ackley’s note. Her stomach growled. “Will we be eating supper soon?”