“No necklace?” Reid reached up, feeling her bare neck. She couldn’t help but notice her cleavage.
“No jewelry.” Nara opened the door, waiting for Reid to join her. “I think you look more appealing that way.”
Taking a deep breath, Reid steeled her resolve and joined Nara. They went downstairs to a room off the great hall. Nara instructed Reid to wait there, wanting her to remain out of sight until the announcement.
As Reid sat there, she thought about her father’s letter. He’d apologized for organizing everything behind her back, informing her he’d written to Henrick and arranged the marriage before the king had. Also, he’d said they needed this union—that everything would work out in the end. After he wished her luck, he’d ended with a promise to be there on her wedding day.
A soldier entered the room. “Lady Reid.” He bowed. “I’m to escort you to where the announcement is being made.”
“Isn’t it happening in the great hall?” she asked as she followed him through the palace.
“The celebration will be in the great hall, but a platform has been erected on the lawn so the announcement can be made to the people of the city.” They stopped at the front door.
How many people were out there? Did they expect Reid to speak? Why hadn’t Nara mentioned this part to her earlier?
Someone knocked on the door.
“That’s our cue,” the soldier said. “Let’s go.” He opened the door, motioning for Reid to step outside.
The sky was dark, matching the color of Reid’s dress. Evenly spaced throughout the front lawn and along the exterior of the palace were hundreds of torches, which provided soft illumination. The platform was about fifty feet away. All four members of the royal family stood atop it. They faced the crowd, their backs to Reid.
Hundreds of people milled around, eagerly waiting for the royal family to speak. Reid couldn’t believe so many were in attendance. What if she tripped on her dress as she went up the platform stairs? She’d feel infinitely better if only she’d been allowed to wear her pants and boots. More like herself and not this stranger.
Stopping at the bottom of the platform, she waited for Prince Henrick to announce her. Not sure why she was sweating, she fanned herself, trying to cool off.
Prince Henrick thanked everyone for coming before saying, “We are so very pleased to announce our son, Prince Dexter Winston, is engaged.”
The crowd exploded into applause.
“Without further ado, I’d like to introduce your future princess.”
“Up you go,” the soldier said to Reid.
She ascended the stairs, aware Henrick hadn’t revealed her name. How would people react? Would they be upset their prince was engaged to a northerner? When she reached the top, she paused to take it all in. Henrick and Nara stood slightly to the left, both smiling at her with warm smiles lighting up their faces. Dexter and Colbert stood to the right, both facing forward. There was an empty spot between Henrick and Dexter, clearly meant for Reid. Taking a deep breath, she moved forward, ready to take her place at Dexter’s side.
Colbert glanced back at her. He blinked, his expression almost awed, then nudged Dexter.
Dexter rolled his shoulders as he turned toward her. His eyes widened in shock. Reid stopped, sucking in her breath. Dexter wasn’t in his commander uniform as she’d anticipated. Instead, he wore dark blue pants and a matching tunic with the Axian crest embroidered on the front. He’d combed his hair back, his face clean shaven. Under the moonlight with the torches glowing around them, he looked devastatingly handsome. Lifting an eyebrow, he extended his left hand.
Reid resumed walking. When she was close enough, she slid her hand into Dexter’s. His fingers curled around hers. The simple act sent a shiver through Reid. Her heart pounded as she stood at his side in the middle of the platform with hundreds of people watching them.
Nara leaned toward Reid. “Don’t forget to smile.”
There were so many people staring at Reid. And she was holding hands with Dexter. Her future husband, who was striking in a way she hadn’t allowed herself to acknowledge.
A few people shouted, asking for the bride’s name.
Henrick cleared his throat. “Prince Dexter will be marrying the lovely Lady Reid Ellington one month from today.”
The cheerfulness subsided, a ripple going through the crowd at the mention of her name. Many eyed Reid with wary expressions.
“We would hold the ceremony sooner,” Nara added. “However, we want to give everyone traveling here from northern Marsden plenty of time to arrive.”
“I’d also like to mention that Lady Reid is Duke Ellington’s heir,” Henrick added. “After the wedding, Prince Dexter will travel to Ellington with his bride. Once there, he will discuss the possibilities of opening trade, traveling freely between our counties, and joining our resources together.”
Dexter’s fingers tightened around Reid’s. She didn’t think Henrick was supposed to tell anyone she was Ellington’s heir. However, given the crowd’s reaction, he’d probably thrown in that boon to appease everyone. Only, instead of excited cheers, people started whispering to one another. Reid heard her name cascade through the crowd like a rough wave as the new development and what it meant for Axian was discussed. She could practically feel the tension radiating from the crowd. The urge to take a step back and run from the platform inundated her.
“Thank you all for coming,” Nara said. “Let the celebration begin!” Servants rushed forward, passing out food and drinks to those gathered. To Reid, Nara said, “Let’s get you inside. Now.”
Dexter released Reid’s hand, wrapping his arm protectively around her shoulders as he quickly ushered her down the stairs. At the bottom, a handful of soldiers surrounded them, then escorted the royal family into the palace.
The minute the doors shut behind them, Dexter let go of Reid.
“After an hour, cease serving food and drinks,” Nara said to the sentries standing guard. “Then have soldiers begin to disperse the crowd. Make sure it is done peacefully.”
“Yes, Your Highness,” one answered.
The royal family made their way to the small room just off the great hall.
“We’ll wait in here until the guests we’ve invited are safely inside,” Henrick explained. “I think we’re expecting about two hundred to attend.”
Two hundred? Reid thought the celebration was supposed to be a small, intimate gathering. “How many people were outside for the announcement?”
“Around five thousand,” Nara answered.
Whenever Reid’s father spoke to the commoners, they only had two or three hundred attend. The sheer size of the City of Radella always surprised her.
Dexter leaned against the wall, crossing his arms. “The king has spies here,” he said. “We shouldn’t have said anything about joining forces with Ellington.”
“Besides the six we’re already aware of,” Colbert said, “I spotted two more tonight. That brings the total to eight.”
“Not including Reid,” Dexter added.
“Not including our dear Reid,” Colbert confirmed, a sly smile on his lips.
“We can have the spies intercepted before they send word to King Eldon,” Nara suggested.
“No,” Henrick said. “Let them go. I want to see how things play out.”
Dexter raised his eyebrows, about to speak, when a servant entered.
“Your Highness, the guests are all here. Shall I announce the royal family?”
Henrick cleared his throat. “First, just announce Prince Colbert, my wife, and me. Let’s wait another fifteen or so minutes after that to introduce the newly engaged couple.”
After a brief nod, the servant left.
Nara stood before Dexter, taking his hand in hers. “You and Reid need to start spending time together,” she said. “You’re too awkward around one another. No one will believe you’re in love.”
“Mother,” he murmured.
“You’re not making a
n effort to be friends.”
Dexter glanced at Reid, not even bothering to deny it.
“The people in that room must believe in this union. So please, for the sake of Axian, at least pretend to care about her.”
Reid abruptly stood, about to inform them how humiliating it was to be spoken about like she wasn’t there.
“I was Reid once,” Nara continued. “I know how it feels to be in an arranged marriage with someone who doesn’t want any part of it. Don’t do that to her—it’s not fair.” She squeezed her son’s hand, let go, and left the room, Henrick and Colbert right behind her.
Dexter didn’t move from his position against the wall. Reid had no idea what to say or do, so she started pacing. She hated feeling like a burden. Like she was unwanted. He didn’t even like her. It grated on her nerves, making her want to scream.
“I’m sorry,” Dexter said, his voice barely audible. “It was not my intention to be rude.”
At that, she stopped and glared at him. “Are you sure about that? Since the moment I arrived in Axian, you have been anything but welcoming.”
“Because the king sent you to spy.” He shrugged.
Yes, well, there was that. Tired of being nervous, afraid, and curious about this man, she resumed pacing. “Didn’t you say you wanted to make our marriage work?”
“I said I wanted our union to work.”
Was there a difference? She cocked her head. Had he meant he wanted to be married to her for the betterment of Axian, but he didn’t want to care about her? “What are you afraid of?”
He pushed off the wall, ignoring the question. “I’m sure it has been long enough.”
Reid followed him down a short hallway. He stopped before a door and knocked, shifting his weight from foot to foot. She couldn’t tell if it irritated him to wait or if it had to do with being in such a confined space with her. The door swung open, and their names were announced. People clapped and cheered as Reid and Dexter entered the great hall. Side by side, but not touching.
The room’s transformation astounded Reid. Hundreds of candles hung from the ceiling, resembling stars in the night sky. She started to sense a theme. A long table covered with food was situated along the east wall while tables lined the perimeter of the room. The middle had been left open to form a dance area. At the front of the room, there was a raised dais. Colbert sat on one of the throne chairs while Nara and Henrick remained on the steps holding hands. A few musicians were set up in one corner, and they began to play a slow tune.
Reid knew she was expected to dance with Dexter. When they stopped in the middle of the room, he raised his arm, silencing the musicians.
“We want to thank you all for coming to celebrate with us,” Dexter said. “Please, feel free to eat, drink, and dance.” He gave a curt nod before heading over to the food table.
Not sure what to do, Reid followed, forcing a smile. He picked up a plate, then started piling it with food. “I don’t think you’re supposed to be eating right now,” she said under her breath.
He glanced up at her. “I’m hungry.”
She was still too nervous to eat. “I think we should mingle first.”
“That’s because you’re a woman from northern Marsden. No one cares about that sort of thing in Axian.”
She rolled her eyes. “Don’t be daft.” It had nothing to do with being a woman or where she was from. This was supposed to be a show, and they had a part to play.
“Lady Reid,” a woman said, capturing her attention. “It is so nice to meet you. I’m Clara Rothsborn.”
Stifling her irritation with Dexter, Reid forced a pleasant expression as she turned toward the woman, not sure if Clara belonged to one of the ruling families. Not wanting to say something and offend the woman, especially if her name was one Reid should know, she replied with a generic statement. She’d thought Dexter would jump in the conversation to make the necessary introductions. Instead, he shoved a piece of bread in his mouth, completely ignoring her.
Reid noticed Colbert heading for the exit. Worried his wound had reopened, she excused herself and hurried across the room, catching him just before he reached the door. “You’re leaving already?”
“I am.”
“You didn’t tear a stitch, did you?”
He shook his head. “It’s healing nicely.”
“Then why don’t you stay?” Reid needed a friendly face—someone who treated her with kindness and was her friend.
“I don’t think I should.”
She nodded, even though she wasn’t sure what he meant by that. “Your mother did a fabulous job organizing this event on such short notice. Even my dress matches the room. Everything looks beautiful.”
“I agree,” he said, his eyes never leaving hers.
“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.
“Lady Reid Ellington.” The man bowed. “It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Lord Robert.” He exuded an air of confidence mixed with a touch of arrogance.
Reid felt as if she should know who this man was, so she replied, “The pleasure is all mine.”
“I can see why Prince Dexter is smitten with you. You are a lovely sight.”
“Yes,” Reid snapped, offended by his comment. “I am sure it has nothing to do with my intellect, my personality, or the fact I’m the heir to one o
f the largest counties in the kingdom.”
He barked out a laugh. “So you are not like other northerners? I’m glad to hear it. If our prince had chosen a meek and helpless thing, I would have opposed.”
Who was he to think he could oppose an edict set by the king?
“May I have the honor of this dance?” he asked, extending his hand.
Markis discreetly tapped Reid on her back. From Lord Robert’s impeccably tailored tunic, the crest of a castle and a sun, his elegantly styled hair, and his intelligent eyes, she could tell he was wealthy, powerful, and not to be trifled with. Her father had taught her to keep her enemies close—and this man was not her friend. Ignoring Markis’s warning, she said, “You may.” She slid her hand into Lord Robert’s, trying not to flinch when his cold fingers curled around hers.
Chapter Nine
Lord Robert led Reid to the dance floor just as the song came to an end. The musicians immediately began playing a slow, almost haunting melody, which allowed the couples to take a break after the fast dance.
Reid faced Robert, taking his right hand while placing her left lightly on his shoulder. His free hand rested against her back. He took the lead, moving to the music. Read easily followed him, though it felt wrong. She despised giving this man any sort of control.
“Tell me, Lady Reid, have you met your esteemed grandparents yet?”
“No, I have not had that pleasure.”
“What about your second cousin?” He asked, looking down his nose at her.
“I have not had the chance to meet him either.”
His eyes widened in feigned surprise. “Why didn’t your father maintain contact with your mother’s family?”
“That is a question I cannot answer.” Because she honestly didn’t know. Duke Ellington very well could have maintained a relationship with them and never told her about it.
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