Hundreds of people milled around, eagerly waiting for the royal family to speak. Reid couldn’t believe so many were in attendance. What if she tripped on her dress as she went up the platform stairs? She’d feel infinitely better if only she’d been allowed to wear her pants and boots. More like herself and not this stranger.

Stopping at the bottom of the platform, she waited for Prince Henrick to announce her. Not sure why she was sweating, she fanned herself, trying to cool off.

Prince Henrick thanked everyone for coming before saying, “We are so very pleased to announce our son, Prince Dexter Winston, is engaged.”

The crowd exploded into applause.

“Without further ado, I’d like to introduce your future princess.”

“Up you go,” the soldier said to Reid.

She ascended the stairs, aware Henrick hadn’t revealed her name. How would people react? Would they be upset their prince was engaged to a northerner? When she reached the top, she paused to take it all in. Henrick and Nara stood slightly to the left, both smiling at her with warm smiles lighting up their faces. Dexter and Colbert stood to the right, both facing forward. There was an empty spot between Henrick and Dexter, clearly meant for Reid. Taking a deep breath, she moved forward, ready to take her place at Dexter’s side.

Colbert glanced back at her. He blinked, his expression almost awed, then nudged Dexter.

Dexter rolled his shoulders as he turned toward her. His eyes widened in shock. Reid stopped, sucking in her breath. Dexter wasn’t in his commander uniform as she’d anticipated. Instead, he wore dark blue pants and a matching tunic with the Axian crest embroidered on the front. He’d combed his hair back, his face clean shaven. Under the moonlight with the torches glowing around them, he looked devastatingly handsome. Lifting an eyebrow, he extended his left hand.

Reid resumed walking. When she was close enough, she slid her hand into Dexter’s. His fingers curled around hers. The simple act sent a shiver through Reid. Her heart pounded as she stood at his side in the middle of the platform with hundreds of people watching them.

Nara leaned toward Reid. “Don’t forget to smile.”

There were so many people staring at Reid. And she was holding hands with Dexter. Her future husband, who was striking in a way she hadn’t allowed herself to acknowledge.

A few people shouted, asking for the bride’s name.

Henrick cleared his throat. “Prince Dexter will be marrying the lovely Lady Reid Ellington one month from today.”

The cheerfulness subsided, a ripple going through the crowd at the mention of her name. Many eyed Reid with wary expressions.

“We would hold the ceremony sooner,” Nara added. “However, we want to give everyone traveling here from northern Marsden plenty of time to arrive.”