Acute silence fell as Reid processed the information. Her father had recently informed Reid her mother was from Axian. For some reason, Reid had never considered the possibility her grandparents could still be alive. Since her father’s parents were dead, she’d assumed her mother’s were as well.

Abruptly, Reid leaned forward, putting her elbows on her knees and resting her head against her hands. She breathed heavily. “I’m going to meet my grandparents tonight?”

“No. Neither will be in attendance tonight. However, I expect them to be at the wedding.”

Reid kept breathing through her mouth, striving for more air.

“Your grandfather sent his nephew’s son as the family’s representative. You’ll meet your second cousin this evening.”

“What if my grandparents hate me for killing their daughter?” Reid felt sick.

“You didn’t kill your mother. She died in childbirth. It was not your fault.” Nara rubbed Reid’s back, the simple action soothing her.

“I wish I had known.” Stupidity for not considering the possibility she had grandparents filled her.

“Since northern Marsden’s relations are so strained with Axian, you wouldn’t have had the opportunity to visit anyway, so knowing wouldn’t have made a difference.”

“My father should have told me.”

“Speaking of your father, this arrived for you.” Nara pulled a letter out of her pocket, holding it out to Reid. “You can open it in private later.”

Reid took the letter, running her finger over her father’s seal.

“Now that you understand we are hosting the most important and powerful families tonight, families whose support we need, I am going to ask a few things of you.”

“Of course,” Reid answered automatically, too overwhelmed with the notion she had grandparents to focus. Clinging to the envelope from her father, she stared at Nara, hoping the princess would finish in a hurry so Reid could read her letter.

“It’s imperative Axian remain strong. To do that, we need money, resources, and the support of the military. As of now, the only thing looming before us is an uncertain future.”

Reid understood what Nara had implied. Even though Henrick hoped for peace, Nara planned to prepare for war—just in case.

“Tonight,” Nara continued, “you will dress as the fine lady you are. People will expect you to be meek and docile. However, you will be the strong, confident woman I know you are. You will exhibit this through the words you use, the wisdom you convey, and the way your carry and present yourself.”