“If we’re going to do this,” he said, his voice low and rumbling, “we both must fully commit. We don’t try—we do.” Fire and passion burned in his intense eyes.

Reid swallowed, not wanting to drown in the depth of his emotions. It felt as if his eyes pulled her toward him. Glancing away, she broke the connection, needing to make sure she maintained a clear head. No wonder he was such an effective commander. After one impassioned speech, she was willing to follow him anywhere.

“What do you say?” he asked, breaking her from her thoughts.

“I agree.” Her voice came out slightly hoarse, causing her face to flush. She couldn’t believe she found Dexter’s fierce passion attractive.

“It’s settled then,” Nara said, saving Reid from having to say anything else. “We’ll announce your engagement in two days. From this moment on, everyone must believe the two of you are in love. I want to give them romance and hope. Something they can believe in and rally behind.”

“And I want the king to think Reid is here to do his bidding,” Henrick said. “I don’t want him to feel threatened. Then, hopefully, in time, the king will back off and leave Axian alone.”

Nara and Dexter exchanged a brief look. It was obvious neither believed Eldon would leave Axian alone. And Reid was inclined to agree with them.

Chapter Six

After supper, Reid meandered around the palace, trying to get her bearings. Once she was confident where the main staircase, library, and great hall were located, she headed upstairs to see Colbert. His sitting room was dark, so she went into his bedchamber. A single lit candle graced his nightstand. Eyes closed, Colbert breathed evenly, his chest softly rising and falling, the sheets pulled all the way up to his neck.

She tiptoed over, gently touching the back of her hand to his forehead. His skin felt too warm. It could indicate the start of an infection or simply be from having too many covers on. The room had a slight chill since the fire in the hearth was low, barely producing any heat. Reid added a few more logs, stoking the flames back to life.

With her hands on her hips, she observed the prince. What had her sisters done when she’d fallen ill with a fever? They’d cooled her off with water. Reid grabbed the discarded bucket, then went to the bathing chamber to get fresh water. When she returned to his bedchamber, she sat on the chair next to his bed. Grabbing the towel, she dipped it in the bucket, wrung it out, and placed it on his forehead.