Gytha’s eyes widened and she opened her mouth to argue. Dexter merely raised his eyebrows, and she snapped her mouth closed. She grabbed Markis’s arm, proceeding to drag him away. They both picked up their discarded swords, then began fighting.

Dexter’s intense gaze pinned Reid in place. “Are you sure you’re all right?” he asked again, his voice low and throaty.

Everything seemed to spin around her. “I’m fine.” She reached up, touching her throbbing head.

He wiped his forehead with his arm. “Do you need me to fetch a healer?”

“No.” She swayed, pinching her eyes shut against a wave of dizziness.

Dexter reached forward, encircling her waist with both his hands to steady her.

His touch froze her in place. She forced her eyes open, staring directly into his. As she focused on him, everything around her stopped moving. The tips of his fingers dug into her sides. “I’m fine,” she insisted, more to herself than to him.

Cautiously, he released her. “You don’t look like you’re fine.”

She could feel steady strength radiating from him. “I just need to lie down.” Turning ever so slowly, she took cautious steps toward the exit, hoping she’d make it without falling and embarrassing herself further. She wanted to maintain what little dignity she had left—if she even had any.

After pushing the door open, she entered the building and made a left. Once she heard the door click shut behind her, she collapsed against the wall, willing herself not to vomit. Thankfully, the world no longer spun and the ringing in her ears had stopped. However, she felt nauseous and her head throbbed.

Not wanting anyone to see her hunched over in the hallway, she forced herself to stand straight as she made her way to the exit. Outside, she squinted against the bright light, trying to decide what to do. The city suddenly felt too busy, too noisy, too overpowering. Longing for the solitude of the country filled her.

Without a conscious decision, she started walking west, continuing straight until she’d exited the city. After half a mile, she spotted a field of lavender. She glanced over her shoulder, making sure no one followed her. Not spotting anyone, she trekked down one of the rows, being careful not to step on any of the plants. The fragrant scent permeated the air, smacking Reid with a wave of homesickness. She missed her father and her sisters. Her castle and her land. She missed her friends.

When she reached the crest of a valley that extended for miles, she paused and took in the sight. The wind brushed against her skin, and she basked in the smell, the feel, and the warmth of the outdoors.