Reid used the distraction to exit the bookstore, eager to read the letter she’d acquired. However, she wouldn’t dream of opening it until she was in her bedchamber with the door securely closed. Since Dexter probably had someone watching her, she made sure to walk around in a relaxed manner as she took in the sights. Appearing eager or nervous would garner undo suspicion.

After making her way back to the palace, she went directly to the fourth floor. She had just reached for the door handle when someone called her name. Shock rolled through her as Dexter approached. “Yes?”

He stopped three feet away. “Do you have plans for this afternoon?”

“No, I do not.” She eyed him warily, wondering what he was up to.

“Since you are free, I’d like to invite you to train with me over at the military compound. When we briefly fought in my parents’ room, I recall you had some skill, though fairly basic. I think you would benefit from additional training.”

Not sure if she should take offense to that or not, she decided she wouldn’t—just to keep the peace. “After I change, I’ll head over there.”

He gave a curt nod and left.

Had Dexter decided to no longer ignore her since they agreed to have a real marriage? Reid watched him walk away, feeling an odd mixture of excitement and unease at the prospect of training with the army and getting to know this strange man who would soon be her husband.

Shaking her head, she went into her room, closing and locking the door behind her. After quickly checking each room to ensure no one else was there, she crawled onto her bed and slid the paper from her sleeve.

I hope you’re doing well. I’d like to start off by apologizing. I know, I know, I’m not one to apologize. However, I feel this situation warrants one. I’m aware of your aversion to marriage. We are the same in that regard. Therefore, I’m apologizing for your upcoming wedding. You’d probably run away if you could. (You’ve considered it, haven’t you?) The problem is you know this marriage has the potential to help our kingdom. And since you’ve sworn to protect Marsden, I hope you’ll go through with it. Thank you for your sacrifice. I’m glad it’s you and not me.

Even though the letter was unsigned, Ackley had clearly written it. Reid laughed. It wasn’t like she was sacrificing anything on behalf of the kingdom or the Knights. She was a woman—as such, her father had the right to dictate who she married. Even if she weren’t a Knight, her father would have still arranged this marriage. And, if circumstances had been different and she hadn’t met the princes, she would have eventually married anyway.