It was time to repair the rift between the two of them. Gytha was a formidable soldier, and Reid needed her support. “When I first met you, I was jealous. Not because of your relationship with Dexter, but because you are everything I ever wanted to be. You’re tall, beautiful, strong, capable, and the best female fighter I’ve seen. I would have loved to join the army and had the opportunities you do. When I see you, envy fills me.”

“When I saw you next to Dexter on the platform outside, I knew you’d be my greatest competitor. You possess attributes I do not. You have a womanly figure, and you are beautiful in a way I will never be. But your looks aren’t your greatest asset. Your intelligence is. I am by no means dumb, but I do not have the eloquent speech you do, I do not know how to forge alliances without a sword, nor do I have the patience to deal with people like Lord Robert.”

“What are you saying? Are we calling a truce or is this the start of a war between us?” It could go either way.

“What if I say it’s the start of a war? That I want Dexter and will do anything to get him?”

“I would say he is not a possession we can fight over. He is his own person who can make up his own mind. It is not our job to dictate who he loves or what he does.”

“I agree.” The warrior woman cocked her head, studying Reid. “Have you ever been in love?”

“No.” With Gordon, Reid had felt the onset of something, but that was all.

“You do understand you and Dexter must produce an heir, right?”

Reid’s face flamed. “We have not discussed that yet.”

Gytha barked out a laugh, patting Reid’s shoulder. “Don’t worry. I could never share Dexter. I couldn’t stand the idea of him making love to me and then going home to his wife to do his husbandly duty. The mere idea disgusts me.”

“The truce is sounding like a better option,” Reid mumbled, wondering how intimate Gytha and Dexter had been.

The smile fell from Gytha’s face. “I saw Dexter’s reaction when you stepped on the platform tonight. I also saw the way he touched you. The way he kissed you.” Gytha’s eyes became glassy. “He broke up with me to give you a chance. Please take it. Because if you don’t, I will.” With that, she turned and hurried from the room.

This night had been one surprise after another. Before Reid had a moment to consider what Gytha had said, Dexter entered, carrying a tray filled with food. He stood at the threshold, part terror, part curiosity written across his face.

“Come in,” Reid said. “It seems we have a lot to talk about.”

Chapter Ten