are they?”
“In the scabbard on the dresser.” It had been far too long since she’d held them in her hands.
“I prefer my longsword.” He turned and leaned against the edge of her desk, folding his arms and studying her. “Where do you practice?”
They didn’t have a training yard on the premises. “In town.” Thunder boomed again, making Reid shiver.
Dexter pushed off the desk and came over to the bed, sitting on the edge about two feet away from her. “I’d like to see it.”
Reid wanted to show Dexter what her life here had been like—the good and the bad. He needed to understand why she wanted to implement the changes she did.
“I’m heading to bed,” Ackley said, startling Reid. He was leaning against the frame of the open door. “You still have the first watch?”
“I do.” Dexter stood.
“I’ll show you to the tower. It’ll allow you an unobstructed view of the land surrounding the castle. Though, in this storm, it’ll be difficult to see far.” Pushing off the doorframe, he left.
“I wish your father and sister weren’t riding in this weather.” Dexter headed to the window, glancing out.
There were plenty of homes along the way for them to stay at. “My father is used to traveling in storms like this.” On the other hand, Kamden was probably complaining incessantly.
“You coming?” Ackley called from down the hallway.
“I better go. I’ll see you in the morning.” Dexter exited Reid’s room, closing the door behind him.
She had the distinct impression something was on his mind. However, she had no idea what could be bothering him.
Reid woke up, the gray light of dawn filtering in through her window. The fire in the hearth blazed, which meant someone had been in her bedchamber. While she appreciated waking to a toasty room, the thought of someone being in there while she slept made her uncomfortable.
Sliding out of bed, she went over to the window, peering outside. Until now, she hadn’t realized how much she missed this view. Thick fog coated the land like a blanket, the gray sky promising more rain. The ground was muddy, the air crisp. Breathing in, Reid savored it all.
Someone knocked. “Come in,” Reid called.
“I was hoping you’d be awake,” Idina said as she stepped into the room. “Kamden told me you like black tea.” She held a mug in her hands.
Reid eyed her. “I thought you refused to serve others.”
Idina shoved the mug at Reid. “Just take it.”
“What do you want?” Reid took the steaming mug, wrapping her hands around it.
“Why do you think I want something?”
Instead of answering, Reid held up the mug as if that were proof.
“Fine.” Idina sighed. “Since I’ve been staying here, Kamden and I became friends. I don’t think it’s fair to keep her cooped up in Ellington. She deserves to see more of the kingdom. I’d like for her to come with me to the castle as my personal friend. I’d like to show her around. Introduce her to eligible men.”
Reid tried not to let it bother her that Idina and Kamden had become close. She should be happy two people she cared about were also friends. “Don’t you think you should be asking my father’s permission?” After all, he was still the duke and in charge of Kamden.
“You’re going to be the queen. It will be up to you to decide who resides at court.”
“Just so you know, I plan to reside in the City of Radella.” Not only was the palace Dexter’s home, but it was also far more welcoming than the castle in the City of Buckley.
“Can we come with you?” Idina pushed her red hair behind her ears. “I hear Axian is far more accommodating than here.”
“I don’t see why not. I’m going to need some women I trust around.” And it would be nice to have Idina and Kamden nearby. A log shifted in the fireplace. “Do you know who made sure my fire was burning?” It unnerved Reid that someone had been in her room, and she’d had no idea.
Idina placed her hands on her hips. “I had Gordon tend to it before he went on watch about an hour ago. But don’t worry, I came in here with him. He was the perfect gentleman.”
“I should hope so seeing as how he’s married and his wife is pregnant.” Reid took a sip of her tea.
“Don’t remind me.” Idina shivered even though the room was toasty. “I do have another question.”
“What is it?” Reid asked, curious as to what Idina