Reid couldn’t tell if she meant that as a good thing.

“There’s a weapons class after this. How about you help me with these trainees, then you stay and join me for that class?” Gytha asked.

“I’d like that.”

Gytha’s smile was sly. “That’s because you don’t know what you’re getting yourself into.”

Reid assumed Gytha meant that as a joke, but she couldn’t be sure. For the rest of the class, Reid went around to the trainees, giving pointers on their forms. It was fun to see other women learning and taking fighting seriously. It was something Reid had never experienced in northern Marsden. But maybe that would change one day. Maybe Reid could help make that change. Perhaps marrying the prince was a good thing. Not only would it put her in a position of power, but it would also provide her with the means to seek positive changes. And now that she was her father’s heir, she would have even more opportunities to accomplish those goals.

When the class ended, everyone quickly dispersed. A minute later, a dozen men entered, Dexter bringing up the rear.

“Welcome,” Gytha said, addressing everyone. “Today, we’re going to focus on sword work. Grab a sword, and let’s begin our advanced weaponry class.”

Ah, hell. Reid had assumed this would just be a step up from the last class—not advanced weaponry. She eyed Gytha, who smiled smugly. Reid wanted to wring the warrior woman’s neck.

Chapter Seven

Since a regular sword was simply too heavy for Reid to wield, she’d grown up using twin swords her father had commissioned especially for her. They were designed to be lighter so she could manage them effectively. But that had been against common foot soldiers in Ellington. The men in this training yard weren’t ordinary soldiers.

Gytha instructed Reid to pick a sword.

“I’ll just watch.” There was no need to make a fool of herself. She knew her limits. It was obvious she was outmatched. From the corner of her eye, she spotted Markis. For some reason, it helped to know she had a friend here.

Gytha tossed a sword at Reid, who had no choice but to catch the thing. It was even heavier than she’d feared.

“Everyone, pair up,” Dexter instructed.

“Need a partner?” Markis asked, suddenly at Reid’s side.

“Yes.” Relief filled her. She couldn’t handle fighting a stranger right now. Not when she could barely lift her weapon.

“Do you even know how to use that?” Dubiously, he scratched the back of his head.

“Yes, although I’m used to a much lighter one.”

“Hang on.” He took her sword, then jogged over to a large bin. A minute later, he returned, carrying two wooden swords. “Let’s use these instead, shall we?”