Lord Robert’s hand pressed into her back, pushing her body against his. She stiffened, unable to relax. But she refused to show fear or cower before this man.
He lowered his head, his lips hovering near her ear. “You and Prince Dexter don’t want to marry one another, do you?” She tried to put some distance between them, but he gripped her tighter. His fingers dug into her back, making her wince. “You’re only forging this alliance to maintain peace. But not everyone desires peace.”
“Lord Robert,” Reid said, her words calm and smooth even though her insides boiled with rage. “You overstep your place.” When she stopped dancing, they stood on the dance floor and stared at one another.
His smile was condescending. “Perhaps you are the one overstepping yours.”
Her natural reaction was to punch him in the face. However, she couldn’t behave in such a manner when surrounded by Axian’s esteemed guests. She settled for sliding her hand over Robert’s shoulder until her thumb hovered on a pressure point. When she opened her mouth to reply, she felt a subtle shift in the air.
Robert focused above Reid’s head. “This is a dangerous game you’re playing,” he said, addressing the person behind her.
“Release my fiancée.” Dexter’s commanding voice sounded furious.
Robert’s lips slyly curved. “I haven’t yet finished my dance with her.” His grip on Reid tightened.
She dug her thumb into his shoulder, right on his pressure point. He jerked in surprise, immediately releasing her. She took a step back, bumping into Dexter. “I’m sorry, Lord Robert, but I have finished my dance with you.”
Dexter chuckled, draping his arm around her shoulders. “Thank you for celebrating with us,” he said mockingly before turning to face Reid, effectively dismissing Robert.
Sneering, Robert stalked off.
Reid’s heartbeat went into overtime as she peered into Dexter’s warm eyes. Instead of speaking, he slid one hand to her waist while his other gently took hers, enveloping it. About to take a step, she remembered it wasn’t her job to lead. It was his.
He took the step forward, and they started dancing to the slow music.
Reid felt delicate next to this tall, burly man. She wasn’t used to the feeling, and it unnerved her. “Why are you staring at me like that?” she asked, flustered by his intense attention.
“I’m sorry Lord Robert was so forward with you,” Dexter mumbled. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.” She had to crane her neck to speak to him. “It was nothing I couldn’t handle.”
“Obviously.” He raised an eyebrow. “It’s hard to remember how you were raised when you look like this.”
“I only feel exceptionally short when I’m next to you.” When she glanced away, she spotted Gytha watching them, the warrior woman’s face devoid of emotion.
“You look like…” Dexter began, recapturing Reid’s attention. “Like a star yanked straight from the sky. You’re stunning. I’d almost forgotten that appearances can be deceiving. But I’m sure that was my mother’s plan all along. No one will suspect you’re capable of so much more than looking pretty.” He pulled her closer until their bodies touched.
Surprised by his admission and his nearness, she didn’t know how to respond.
He glided his hand up her back, his fingers trailing over her bare skin making her shiver. A man had never behaved in such a way with her before.
“What are you doing?” she whispered. His seductive behavior seemed out of character.
He blinked, as if coming out of a daze. “Lord Robert questioned our union, didn’t he?”
“He did.”
“Everyone in this room must believe we’re in love to give us a better chance of stemming off a war.”
Of course he was only holding her close and touching her sensuously because they had an audience. Not because he wanted to. They barely knew each other.
While she understood Henrick would do whatever possible to maintain peace, she wasn’t sure Dexter felt the same way. She tilted her head back to ask if he genuinely wanted to stop the war, but their eyes locked.
They stopped dancing. Dexter raised his hands, cupping the sides of Reid’s face. He searched her eyes—for what, she didn’t know. The heat from his palms sent a jolt of pleasure through her. No one had ever looked at her like this. It made her knees weak. Slowly, Dexter lowered his head and Reid’s eyes fluttered shut. A moment later, Dexter’s soft lips brushed against hers, making her want to melt into him.
People started cheering.
Reid’s eyes flew open, realizing everyone saw the kiss. Had Dexter only done it for show? His hands slid to her shoulders, his eyes never straying from hers. A second later, he smiled, his former intensity gone.
She would have to be careful around this man. His allure and power weren’t only in his ability to command an army and wield a sword. If she didn’t guard her heart, she could get swept up in his act. And she had no desire to let that happen. Playing a part was fine so long as she didn’t lose herself in the process. She had to maintain some sense of control.
“A toast to the newly engaged couple,” someone called.
Everyone shouted in agreement.
Taking Reid’s hand, Dexter pulled her onto the dais. As they faced their guests, silence descended.
“Lady Reid is an exceptional individual,” Dexter said. “I have never met anyone like her. The way we met was rather unorthodox, and I didn’t make the best first impression. However, she made a lasting impression with me. From that moment, I realized she was a woman I needed in my life.”
“Is it true the king arranged this marriage?” Lord Robert asked. “That Lady Reid’s father sold her to you to gain a title? That the king sent her here to be a spy?”
Dexter chuckled. “Lady Reid, would you like to address Lord Robert’s concerns?” Letting go of her hand, he gave her the reins, allowing her to take control of the situation.
Reid glanced over at Nara. The princess nodded once, giving her support.
Focusing on Lord Robert as she spoke, Reid made sure her voice was loud enough so everyone present could hear. “You have raised some valid questions. But tell me, Lord Robert, why was my father in such a precarious situation where the king was able to blackmail him?”
There was a collective gasp when she said the word blackmail.
“Your father didn’t have a legitimate heir,” Lord Robert answered. “He sold you so he wouldn’t lose his title and land.”
Reid smiled, pretending he was a child who didn’t know any better. “You are correct when you say my father had no legitimate heir.” Then she addressed the crowd, trying to meet as many people’s eyes as possible, willing them to believe her sincerity. “I was the fifth daughter born. My mother died while giving birth to me. My father never remarried, so he did not produce a son. As many of you know, the king has some pretty antiquated and unfair laws. One being that only a male can inherit. My father was forced to declare I was a boy in order to retain his land and title. Otherwise, all his holdings would have reverted to the king. It wasn’t losing his land and title that concerned my father—it was giving the king more land and power.”
The crowd hung on Reid’s every word, and a rush of power filled her. “Many in northern Marsden are suffering under the king. Women are not allowed to work. They cannot leave the house unescorted. When I came to Axian, I reveled in your prosperity and treatment of individuals. Upon my return to Ellington, the disparity between our counties felt even greater. I told my father I wanted to bring positive changes to Marsden, and Axian was the prime example of how it can be.”
She took Dexter’s hand. “I told my father I wanted to live in Axian because it was a fair county where I’d met a man who challenges me, treats me as an equal, and who is my friend. My father was the one who worked in conjunction with Prince Henrick to secure a union between Prince Dexter and myself. The king’s involvement came after.”
“Are you speaking out against the
king?” Robert asked.
“Lord Robert,” Reid said, making her tone condescending. “I did not attend school in Axian. However, I’m certain your education can’t be so lacking that you misunderstood me. What you are trying to do is manipulate and twist my words around to suit your own agenda. You need to think before you speak. You question my loyalty to Axian, yet I am simply assuring you that this wonderful county is now my home and my priority. When I inherit Ellington, Prince Dexter and I will decide together how we will oversee both counties. We love each other, and it is our plan to work together as equal partners.”
Everyone burst into applause.
Henrick and Nara joined them on the dais, each holding a goblet. “And with that,” Henrick said, “let’s toast the couple.”
The musicians started playing a lively tune as servants merged with the crowd to hand out drinks.
“Well done,” Nara said, hugging Reid before kissing Dexter on the cheek. “However, I think it would be best if you two retire for the night. I don’t want people bombarding you with questions right now.”
Dexter still held Reid’s hand, appearing in no hurry to let go. “Good idea.” After bidding his parents goodnight, he led Reid off the dais and out of the great hall through a side door. Six soldiers surrounded them with orders to escort the couple to the fourth floor. Once there, Dexter dismissed the soldiers for the night, assuring them that neither he nor Reid would leave the fourth floor until morning.
“Why the added security?” Reid asked, eyeing the two sentries posted at the top of the staircase.
“It’s an extra precaution since there are so many people here for the celebration.” They headed down the corridor to the right. “There are always guards on duty. Usually, they’re posted in discreet places. My mother hates feeling like she’s being watched all the time.”
Reid could understand that sentiment.
“Are you hungry?” Dexter asked.
“Famished.” She’d never gotten a chance to eat at the party.
“Wait in here.” He opened the door to the royal family’s private sitting room. “I’ll be right back.”
The sconces on the walls had been lit and a fire blazed in the hearth, warming the intimate room. Reid went over to one of the windows, gazing out at the city.
“I can’t figure you out,” Gytha said, startling Reid.
She studied the warrior woman’s reflection in the window. “I didn’t hear you come in.”
“You will never hear or see me coming. I’m too well-trained to make any noise.”
While Reid felt vulnerable with her back to Gytha—especially with that potentially threatening statement hanging in the air—she refused to turn around and face her right now.
“I’m sorry about your head,” Gytha said, surprising Reid. “I may have gotten a little carried away.”
“A little?”
Gytha grinned. “Okay, a lot. I allowed my emotions to take control. It won’t happen again.”
“Thank you for apologizing.” It meant a lot coming from someone like Gytha. Reid didn’t think it was something the woman did often—if ever. Taking a deep breath, she turned to face her.
“I still love Dexter,” Gytha admitted. “I didn’t want him to end our relationship. I thought he could marry you in name only while still being with me. I don’t care about titles or money. All I want is him.”
Reid wasn’t sure how to respond. However, she was thankful Dexter had ended his relationship with Gytha. He very well could have married Reid and taken Gytha as his mistress. And Reid wouldn’t have been able to do anything about it.
“Listening to you tonight, I realized something.” Gytha folded her arms. “You do not match me physically. I am stronger and better than you in any sort of combat situation.” She stepped closer.
With the window at her back, Reid had nowhere to go.
“But you best me in other ways I can’t possibly compete with. In ways that may be more important than physicality.” She shook her head. “Dexter loves Axian, and he will do what’s best for his county. I thought his marriage to you would be the end of Axian. But now, I realize it may be the best thing for it. Though it kills me to say it, you are not the idiot I thought you were.”
That was a lot to take in. Reid now understood Nara’s stance on Reid wearing dresses and embracing her feminism. There was no way Reid could compete with Gytha when it came to fighting, especially one on one. If she tried, she would fail. And that wasn’t what Axian needed. They needed someone who could stand at Dexter’s side—who could lead the people with him. They needed someone who was politically savvy. While Reid had never thought herself well versed in politics, she now realized how much her father had taught her by always having her present during contract negotiations, labor disputes, and criminal trials.
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
“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.
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.”
Shadow Knights Page 11
