“Would you like to dance?” she asked.

Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath. “Reid,” he said, opening them and taking a step closer to her. “My brother is a lucky man. You should go over and ask him to dance. With him is where you need to be—where you ought to be.” His brow creased.

“Are you okay? I can walk you to your room if you need help.” She wouldn’t mind escaping the party for a few minutes, especially since she didn’t know anyone here. She’d never been around so many people, yet she felt so alone.

He smiled. “I can see you’re as eager as I am to leave the party.”

“I feel very out of place here,” she admitted.

“If it’s any consolation, you don’t look out of place. You look like you belong here.”

She glanced at Dexter. A woman hovered at his side, conversing with him. She had on a blue dress, though not nearly as dark as Reid’s, that covered the woman’s neck, shoulders, and arms, leaving only her face and hands bare. The bottom portion flared out a bit, appearing full but not detracting from the woman’s height. Realization dawned. “Is that Gytha?”

“I think all the captains are here,” Colbert said. “You should go talk to Dexter.”

“He doesn’t want me around.”

“I know it seems that way, but that’s not the case.”

“He won’t even have a conversation with me.”

“He’s just scared.”

“Of what?”

“Go talk to him. Once you two realize how similar you are, I’m certain you’ll become fast friends. And mark my words, you and Dexter will be a formidable pair—a force to be reckoned with.”

The brothers seemed to be close, and Reid valued Colbert’s opinion. “Do you think so?”

“I know so. Now, I must leave so history does not repeat itself. Goodnight.” He winked before exiting the room.

She took a step after him, wanting to ask what he meant by that statement, when someone tapped on her shoulder.

“May I have the honor of a dance?” Markis asked as Reid shifted to face him. He had on his officer uniform.

“You clean up well.” She almost didn’t recognize him.

“So do you.” He held out his hand, waiting for her to accept his offer.

“I’m not familiar with this dance.” It was a fast tune, and the steps appeared rather complicated. For her first romp around the dance floor, she’d rather it be to something easy to follow.

“I’ll guide you through it.”

“I don’t know.” A man leading her in a dance wasn’t something she was used to.

Leaning forward, Markis whispered, “Don’t say I didn’t try to save you.” He straightened as another man approached.