He set his plate down, then propped his feet on the low table. “I admire her. She’s an excellent fighter. We’re friends. I enjoy spending time with her. But no, I am not, nor have I ever been, in love with her.”

Then how did he know love would make him a slave? “Have you been in love before?” Did something happen to make him this way?

“No. But I’ve experienced enough of the world. I’ve seen what love does to people. How it skews their reasoning and choices. What about you? Are you in love with someone?”

She shook her head.

“Given your upbringing, and what I’ve seen of you here, you seem a little naive when it comes to relationships.”

“Just because I’ve never been in love doesn’t mean I’m naive. It simply means I haven’t met a man worthy of my love.”

He smiled. “I like the fire inside you. I can see why my parents think you’re a good fit for me.”

Still trying to figure Dexter out, she set her plate down, clutching her hands together. “How do you see our marriage working?” The question was rather blunt, but she needed to know his answer since she had no idea what he was thinking.

“How do you see our marriage working?” he countered. “Why ask me first and give me the power to decide?”

“I asked how you see our marriage working, not how it will work. My question implied I’m curious to hear your thoughts. I am in no way giving you any power. And if I don’t like your answer, I’ll tell you. I’m not obliged to do whatever you say.”

Rubbing the nape of his neck, he said, “I guess I envision us each doing our own thing.”

“Yet, somehow working together to align our counties?” Did he not want companionship? Friendship? A partner?

“My father wants peace. My mother thinks there will be a war. All I can focus on right now is protecting Axian and my family.”

“I can help you. Ellington will be your ally.”

“Will your father provide soldiers if we need them?”

“I think so. Especially if I request them.”

“And if my father says not to fight? If he wants to hand over Axian to King Eldon, then what?” His eyes shone bright and intense. As if her answer made all the difference.

“That’s an intriguing question.” But how to respond since she didn’t know for certain? Should she—could she—stand by Dexter’s side if he went against the king? Because if she supported Dexter, that meant fighting Gordon, Ackley, and Idina. Choosing her words carefully, she replied, “Do you know there is unrest in northern Marsden? Are you aware some of the dukes are questioning the king?”

“Are you implying we may be able to rally others to stand with us?”