“I hope Gytha didn’t threaten to kill you,” Dexter said as he came into the sitting room, kicking the door shut behind him.

“How do you know I didn’t threaten to kill her?” Reid countered.

A laugh escaped him. “You’re not what I thought you’d be.” He set the tray on the low table. “Help yourself.”

Reid went over and picked up a plate, piling it with bread, cheese, and apples. She sat on the sofa, curling her legs under her.

“Gytha and I have a long history.” Dexter grabbed a plate of food, taking a seat on the sofa across from Reid.

“I’m not particularly interested in your shared past.” It wouldn’t help Reid move forward. “But I am curious why you didn’t marry her.”

“She has asked me that several times over the years.”

“And?” Reid wanted to know. Maybe it would help her understand this man before her.

He held up his hand, asking for a moment. Then he removed his tunic, tossing it on the floor. After pushing up the sleeves of his undershirt, he picked up his plate. “Sorry, I was hot.” His wide shoulders pulled the fabric taut.

Even though he was fully covered, the thought of him so casually dressed felt intimate in the enclosed room. Reid plopped an apple slice in her mouth, needing to focus on something other than the muscles in Dexter’s forearms. Honestly, what was wrong with her?

“I’d hoped to avoid marriage.”

“So did I,” Reid mumbled.

“What’s your reasoning?” he asked around a mouthful of food.

“I don’t want to be controlled. I don’t want someone telling me what I can and cannot do.” She took a bite of cheese. “And I don’t want to be subservient to someone else.”

“My reasons are pretty much the same.”

“But you’re a man,” she pointed out. “You’re not subservient to anyone.” Especially as a commander and a prince.

“I guess I should qualify my answer then,” he said. “I don’t ever want to be in love. Love makes slaves of people, and I don’t want to be controlled, manipulated, or emotionally attached to another person in that way.”

Reid’s eyes widened in shock. Why did he have such a negative view of love? She couldn’t argue with him since she’d never been in love, but he sounded quite cynical. “You agreed to marry me even with the knowledge there would be no emotional attachment?”

“Yes.”

Even though she expected that answer, it still stung. And she didn’t know why since she didn’t expect to have feelings for him either. “What about Gytha?” Because Gytha clearly loved Dexter.