Reid noted he chose his words carefully as well. He never said rebel against the king or take over. “I am. And if we can put enough pressure on the king, we may avoid a war while maintaining control over Axian.”

“Are you siding with my father then?” he asked.

“No. I’m not saying we should be subservient or roll over like dogs to avoid a war. I’m saying we gain the necessary support to let the king know we’re prepared to go to war if needed.”

“And do you think Axian should remain a solitary county? Not trading with northern Marsden?”

“I don’t know. I like Axian the way it is, and I don’t want it to change or conform to the north’s rules and ways of life. However, I think open trade is a promising idea. I’d like to be able to visit Ellington to see my family.” And Axian was part of Marsden. “Unless…”

“Unless?” he asked.

“Unless Axian becomes its own kingdom.” Would that solve their problems?

“The king would still see us as a threat.”

Point taken. “I need to think more on the matter.” She rubbed her eyes. “It has been a long day. I’m going to bed.”

“Speaking of beds…”

Too shocked by the mention of beds to stand, she remained sitting. “Yes?” She had no idea where he was going with this.

“My mother is having a suite prepared for us. For after we marry. I requested we each have our own room. She insisted on an adjoining room between them, which will have a large bed for us to share if we ever so decide.”

“Oh.” Reid had no idea what to say to that. This was the part of the marriage she refused to think about.

“Since we’ll have separate rooms, we can maintain a platonic relationship.”

“Our marriage will be in name only?” she asked.

“Yes.”

Relief flooded her at the realization she wouldn’t have to give her body to this man she barely knew. “What about an heir?” Since Dexter wasn’t his father’s heir, would Henrick insist they have a child?

Dexter ran his hands through his hair. “My father made it clear he expects me to have a child. He thinks it will be good for the people of Axian.”

“Did he give you a timeframe?” Was it in their marriage contract?

He shook his head. “And who knows what’ll happen in the next few years.”

They had time to figure out their platonic, no-love marriage before they eventually had to produce a child. She rested her head on the armrest as she observed Dexter across from her, trying to envision what her life would be like ten years from now.