“I’d also like to mention that Lady Reid is Duke Ellington’s heir,” Henrick added. “After the wedding, Prince Dexter will travel to Ellington with his bride. Once there, he will discuss the possibilities of opening trade, traveling freely between our counties, and joining our resources together.”

Dexter’s fingers tightened around Reid’s. She didn’t think Henrick was supposed to tell anyone she was Ellington’s heir. However, given the crowd’s reaction, he’d probably thrown in that boon to appease everyone. Only, instead of excited cheers, people started whispering to one another. Reid heard her name cascade through the crowd like a rough wave as the new development and what it meant for Axian was discussed. She could practically feel the tension radiating from the crowd. The urge to take a step back and run from the platform inundated her.

“Thank you all for coming,” Nara said. “Let the celebration begin!” Servants rushed forward, passing out food and drinks to those gathered. To Reid, Nara said, “Let’s get you inside. Now.”

Dexter released Reid’s hand, wrapping his arm protectively around her shoulders as he quickly ushered her down the stairs. At the bottom, a handful of soldiers surrounded them, then escorted the royal family into the palace.

The minute the doors shut behind them, Dexter let go of Reid.

“After an hour, cease serving food and drinks,” Nara said to the sentries standing guard. “Then have soldiers begin to disperse the crowd. Make sure it is done peacefully.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” one answered.

The royal family made their way to the small room just off the great hall.

“We’ll wait in here until the guests we’ve invited are safely inside,” Henrick explained. “I think we’re expecting about two hundred to attend.”

Two hundred? Reid thought the celebration was supposed to be a small, intimate gathering. “How many people were outside for the announcement?”

“Around five thousand,” Nara answered.

Whenever Reid’s father spoke to the commoners, they only had two or three hundred attend. The sheer size of the City of Radella always surprised her.

Dexter leaned against the wall, crossing his arms. “The king has spies here,” he said. “We shouldn’t have said anything about joining forces with Ellington.”

“Besides the six we’re already aware of,” Colbert said, “I spotted two more tonight. That brings the total to eight.”

“Not including Reid,” Dexter added.

“Not including our dear Reid,” Colbert confirmed, a sly smile on his lips.

“We can have the spies intercepted before they send word to King Eldon,” Nara suggested.

“No,” Henrick said. “Let them go. I want to see how things play out.”

Dexter raised his eyebrows, about to speak, when a servant entered.

“Your Highness, the guests are all here. Shall I announce the royal family?”