longtime friend. “How are things around here?”
He glanced at the others before answering. “The same as always.”
“I’m sure you remember Prince Ackley and Prince Gordon.”
Royce nodded.
“And this is Prince Dexter, my fiancé.”
Duke Ellington dismounted. “Everything under control?”
“It is the same as when you left, sir.” Royce reached forward, taking the reins to the duke’s horse and eyeing the three princes.
“Good. I’ve returned home with my daughter and Prince Dexter. Make no mention of the other princes. Do not allow anyone inside the castle without my permission. Understood?”
Royce nodded. “Your squad of soldiers is still nearby.”
“Let them know I’m home. Inform no one else unless they ask.”
“Knox’s father fell ill, and Knox has taken up the watchman’s duties. He comes by every morning to see if you’ve returned.”
Ackley barked out a laugh. He climbed off his horse before taking it into the stables. “He’d probably pee his pants if he saw me again.”
Dexter also dismounted. “Do I even want to know what that’s about?”
“No.” Gordon also got off his horse, leading it into the stables. “With Ackley, it’s best to not know.”
“Reid, I want you to go see Knox first thing tomorrow. Inform him that I’ve returned.”
“Will do, and I’ll take Dexter with me so I can show him the town.”
Once they took care of the horses, they entered the castle.
“Kamden,” Reid called. “I’m home!”
Kamden came running around the corner, throwing her arms around Reid and almost knocking her over. “I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you, too.” Reid laughed. It felt good to hug her sister.
Kamden released her, scrunching her nose. “What are you wearing?”
“We traveled here from Axian. Please don’t start on my clothes.”
Kamden pursed her lips. “You’re going to be a princess, yet you’re dressed like a commoner.”
Dexter stepped forward. “Lady Kamden, I presume?”
A slow, seductive smile spread across Kamden’s face. “Yes,” she purred. “And who might you be?”
Reid folded her arms, not liking her sister’s interest in Dexter.
He took Kamden’s hand, brushing his lips over her knuckles. “It is an honor to meet my new sister-in-law.”
Kamden’s cheeks turned scarlet. Reid was secretly glad she wasn’t the only family member with that trait.
“Not yet,” Ackley said, patting Dexter on the back. “But nice try. You two still get separate rooms.”
“Ackley?” a familiar voice said.
Then Reid felt her. A force to be reckoned with. Idina stepped around the corner, observing their party with shrewd eyes. “I thought I heard your voice.” She smiled.
Ackley wrapped his sister in a hug. “It’s good to see you. How’s Mum?”
“Better.” She released Ackley, then hugged Gordon. “I didn’t expect you to show up here.”
“Can we see Mother?” Gordon asked.
Idina nodded. “She’s in one of the guest rooms.” She led Gordon and Ackley upstairs.
“We don’t have any servants in the castle,” Kamden said. “When Leigh and Idina arrived, Father sent the cook away.”
Reid laughed. “Don’t tell me you’ve taken over the duties of feeding everyone?”
Kamden flipped her hair over her shoulder. “I have. And I must admit, I’m quite good at it. If you’d like to have a seat in the sitting room, I’ll make us some tea.”
“Thank you,” Duke Ellington said, kissing his daughter’s cheek. “However, I am going to speak with my soldiers.” He headed toward the kitchen where the back door was located.
“I’ll take you up on that offer,” Reid said. “First, though, I’m going to bathe.”
Kamden nodded. “It’ll take about twenty minutes to prepare anyway.”
“Come,” Reid said to Dexter. “I’ll show you to your room.” She led him upstairs to a guest bedchamber. “You can stay in here.” She pushed open the door, but remained in the hallway.
He nodded.
“Down there,” she pointed to her right, “is the bathing chamber. It’s not nearly as fancy as the ones at your palace.”
“Do you want to bathe first or should I?” His deep voice rumbled through her.
In the dim hallway, she had the sudden desire to brush her lips against his. However, there were too many people nearby to be so bold. “I’ll go first,” she replied, her voice breathy. “That way I can have a few moments alone with my sister before you join us, and she inundates you with questions.”
Instead of smiling as she thought he would, he reached out, plucking the hat from her head. His eyes flashed with intensity. Reid held still, afraid to move.
“Try not to be in there too long. I only have so much self-control.” And with that, he went into his room, closing the door behind him.
Reid let out a long breath. Maybe she should have put