A tear slid down her cheek. Reid folded to the ground, hugging her legs. She’d always considered herself strong and fierce. After all, she’d been raised as a man and took pride in not emotionally falling apart like other women. Yet, here she was, feeling like a wreck.

Resting her head on her knees, she stared at the valley. Field after field of agriculture extended for miles. Everything was so vibrant. She’d thought by coming here, she’d find her true home. Since men in Axian treated women as equals who could hold jobs, own land, and wear whatever they wanted, Reid thought she would finally have everything she desired. This was where she’d thought she belonged. So why did she feel so alone?

She rubbed her face, exhausted. Marrying Dexter was the right thing to do. She knew that. However, the thought of tying herself to another person, especially a man like the commander, terrified her. She’d never been romantically involved before. No one had ever even kissed her.

Today had been humiliating. Reid gingerly touched her head where she’d smacked it, assessing the lump that was already forming. Why did Gytha feel the need to challenge and belittle Reid? Dexter had willingly chosen to sever his relationship with the warrior woman. Reid hadn’t known anything about it. If Gytha wanted to be mad at someone, it should be him. Gytha’s eyes had been wild and furious as they’d fought. It had scared Reid, who hadn’t been prepared for the woman’s anger to flare.

Wiping the tears from her eyes, Reid decided there was nothing she could do to change the past. It was over. She could only focus on the future, though she was tired of others dictating her life. In Ackley’s letter, he’d apologized for putting Reid in this situation. When he’d placed that queen chess piece in the box—presumably stealing the letters—he’d set a series of events into action. He had to be the mastermind behind everything. She wasn’t sure if she admired his ability to think so far ahead, or if she truly hated the man. It could go either way. Love and hate—two powerful emotions—similar, yet so contradictory.

With her crying fit now over, Reid decided to stop feeling sorry for herself. She wouldn’t let anyone take advantage of her again. However, what she could use right now was a friend—one she trusted. She rose, brushed herself off, and headed back to the palace. There was someone she wanted to see.

When Reid stepped into Colbert’s bedchamber, she spotted him in a chair next to the window. “It’s good to see you out of bed,” she said by way of greeting.