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  With a dagger in each hand, she peeked around the other side of the tree. The man behind the boulder focused on the front door, his back to her. If she ran straight at him, she could strike him from behind. The hit would have to be hard and well-placed in order to do any damage. And she’d have to be quick before the man in the tree shot her. Taking a deep breath, she prepared to attack.

  Rick’s axe flew through the air, startling Reid. After a sickening crunch, a man tumbled onto his side, an axe protruding from his head. Vomit rose in her mouth. She hadn’t even seen the third assassin hidden behind the tree about twenty feet away. Rick burst through the area, heading straight for the fallen man.

  He must be running for his weapon—which meant he was exposed to the man in the tree. Whirling, Reid aimed her dagger at the archer, who already had his bow trained on Rick. Reid threw her weapon, the dagger striking the assassin’s arm. His head swung to the side, easily spotting her from his elevated position. A cruel smile twisted his lips.

  Rick put his booted foot on the fallen man, his hands wrapping around the handle of his axe as he yanked it out of the guy’s head. The assassin behind the boulder had withdrawn his sword, and he stalked toward Rick.

  Reid squinted at the archer in the tree. She only had one dagger left, so she couldn’t afford to throw it at him. There were several smaller rocks on the ground. Keeping her eyes on the archer, she squatted and picked up one the size of her hand.

  The archer pointed an arrow directly at her. She hid behind the tree so he couldn’t strike. Her heart beat frantically as she readjusted the rock in her hand. Peering around the trunk, she breathed a sigh of relief the archer hadn’t moved from his spot.

  Rick and the third assassin circled one another, neither sparing her a thought.

  Sucking in a breath, she chucked the rock at the archer’s head as hard as she could, striking him in the temple. He fell from the tree, landing on his back, his bow snapping in two. Reid ran at him, dagger in hand, prepared to make the killing blow.

  The archer sprang to his feet, facing Reid. She skidded to a halt. His fingers curled as he came at her, swinging his fist toward her face. She ducked, twisted, and rammed her dagger into his exposed stomach. Grunting, he punched her in the side. She stumbled to the ground, gasping in pain. He reached down, picked her up, and threw her. She sailed through the air, landing five feet away flat on her back. Pain exploded through her body, stars floating across her vision. Reid couldn’t breathe.

  Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Rick hack off his assailant’s arm. Unable to watch, she choked back a gag and focused on the archer stalking toward her. He withdrew her dagger from his arm, then stood above her, glaring as she lay on the ground, unable to move or defend herself.

  A hissing sound reached her ears. The archer crumbled to the ground, an axe protruding from his back.

  Rick knelt next to her. “Are you okay?”

  Tears slid down her face. Everything hurt. “Are they dead?” she wheezed.

  “Yes. All three are dead.”

  “Good.” She stared up into his face. “Thank you. I’m glad you know how to fight. I wouldn’t have survived on my own.” Breathing was painful, and she feared she’d broken something.

  His grin was fierce. “I’ve chopped a lot of wood over the years. Never realized how handy my axe was until now.” He reached down to help her sit up.

  She hissed, pain piercing her side.

  “It’s okay,” he said. “I’ve got you.” He picked her up, then carried her toward the house.

  Chapter Fifteen

  The door flew open. “Is she all right?” Dexter demanded.

  “She’s fine,” Rick said. “I think she may have a broken rib.” He stepped into the house, carefully setting Reid on the bed.

  “You can come out,” Dexter called to Ava.

  Ava stepped out from the closet, a kitchen knife in hand. Rick rushed to her side, enveloping her in a hug.

  “Reid,” Dexter said, sitting beside her on the bed. “Look at me.”

  She did as he asked, tears streaming down her face.

  “How many fingers am I holding up?”

  “Two,” she answered.

  “Does it hurt to breathe?”

  “It’s getting better.”

  He lifted the hem of her shirt, examining her stomach. “I’m going to touch your ribs. Let me know where it hurts.” His fingertips trailed over her right side, then her left.

  She hissed. “Right there. In the middle.” Where the archer had punched her before tossing her like a rag doll. Her back and arms felt scraped raw, but that was nothing compared to the stabbing sensation in her torso.

  “It’s already turning purple.” He lowered her shirt. “You probably have a broken rib. First, I need to clean up the mess outside. When I come back, I’ll wrap your torso to help with the pain.”

  “What about your shoulder?” she asked.

  “I had Ava sew it when you left to use the privy. I know how much you hate that sort of thing.”

  Reid hadn’t realized he’d noticed her reaction when he’d sewn Colbert up. “Please be careful. You don’t want to split it open.”

  He nodded, then instructed Ava to stay with Reid while he and Rick went outside to dispose of the bodies before they attracted attention—whether animal or human.

  “If you’ll allow me,” Ava said to Reid, “I’d like to clean you up while the men are out.”

  Reid gratefully agreed, not wanting Dexter to tend to her ribs. His touch on her skin was too intimate.

  Ava made a paste to help reduce the swelling, then applied it over the already-forming bruise on Reid’s ribs. When she finished, Ava wrapped a strip of fabric around Reid’s torso to help stabilize her ribs. Sitting up and being bandaged brought tears to Reid’s eyes.

  “There now,” Ava said when she finished. “Let’s put a clean shirt on you. This one has some blood.” Setting Reid’s shirt aside, Ava then retrieved one of her own and helped Reid put it on.

  “I’m so sorry we’ve barged into your life like this,” Reid said, sniffling.

  “It’s fine. A little excitement now and then is good. Of course, this is enough to last us for years.” She smiled. “Should I start a fire?”

  “No. There could be more assassins out there.”

  “I’ll get some blankets then. The temperature will drop drastically now that the sun has set.” After shutting the curtains, she lit a candle. She put one quilt on the bed and one on the floor. “I never managed to cook supper.”

  “Just some bread will be fine.” Reid wasn’t hungry, but she needed to eat to keep her strength up.

  Silently, they ate two slices of bread each. Sometime later, the men returned with wet hair. They’d probably washed off in the nearby river after getting rid of the bodies. After the men ate and it was time for bed, Ava and Rick insisted on sleeping on the floor. No amount of protesting on Reid’s part could change their minds. She made a mental note to send this kind couple something special once she returned to the palace, so they would understand how thankful Reid was for their hospitality.

  Dexter took the first watch. In the middle of the night, he crawled in bed and Rick stepped out to take the second watch.

  Freezing, Reid snuggled next to Dexter, trying to stay warm in the frigid house.

  The following day, Dexter was eager to start their journey home. Since Rick didn’t have any horses, Dexter and Reid had to walk. Although it would take them longer on foot, Reid was secretly glad she didn’t have to ride in her condition.

  With the possibility of more assassins showing up, Rick and Ava decided to leave the comfort of their home and travel south, no plans to return for weeks. Once safely back at the palace, Dexter intended to send soldiers to patrol the area to ensure no further harm came to the couple.

  Armed with daggers, knives, and bread, Dexter and Reid set out, heading southeast.

  “Are you sure you can walk?” Dexter asked for the tenth time in less th
an thirty minutes.

  “If I said no, what would you do? Carry me?”

  “Hmmm,” he murmured. “Possibly.”

  She glared at him over her shoulder, making him chuckle. He’d insisted on remaining behind her in case she stumbled or slowed.

  “Head more to the left,” he said.

  “How do you know where we are?” Everything looked the same to Reid. With the trees towering around them, it was hard to keep track of the sun’s position.

  “I’ve studied Axian’s land and terrain all my life. Aren’t you intimately familiar with your county?”

  “The land around my castle, yes. But not all of Ellington.”

  “I suspect that’s because your father was hiding you. If you’d been a normal male heir, you would have traveled throughout Ellington. You’d have ended up knowing most towns and lakes.”

  Every step sent a sharp pain shooting through Reid’s torso. Each breath made her cringe. How could one little broken bone hurt so badly? She focused all her concentration into putting one foot in front of the other.

  When it became too dark to safely travel, they stopped. Since neither had a traveling bag, they’d taken one blanket from Ava, who’d filled it with bread. Dexter untied the blanket, then handed Reid half a loaf. After eating, they nuzzled next to one another, trying to stay warm. Instead of spreading the blanket on the ground, they used it to cover their bodies.

  “We shouldn’t be in this position,” Reid mumbled as she tried to get comfortable. The leaf-coated ground was damp, a trail of ants not far away. Closing her eyes, she tried not to think about what else could be crawling around nearby.

  “I know,” he said, his whispered voice tickling Reid’s ear. “I should have had more guards with me. I apologize for our predicament.”

  “I meant we shouldn’t be next to one another like this.” The back of her body pressed against the front of his, every inch of her touching him. Although, it was easier being this close to him when she didn’t have to look at his face. For some reason, when she noticed him watching her, it made her breathing speed up, her stomach clench, and her face warm. His gaze was too piercing, he saw too much, and he noticed everything.

  “Since we’re already in a compromising position, this shouldn’t matter.” He wrapped his arm over her hip, resting his hand against her stomach.

  She froze, unsure what to think or do. He was touching her—not in any sort of a romantic way, of course—and he was purposefully doing it. And…she liked it.

  “Are you okay?” His voice vibrated through her body.

  Why did he have this effect on her? No one had ever made her feel this way before. On a few occasions, she’d felt the start of something with Gordon. But nothing like this. This—this scared her because she was starting to like the man curled around her. “I’m just cold,” she said, shivering.

  After tucking her head under his chin, he tightened his arm around her body. Her heart pounded so loudly she feared he could hear it.

  “Better?” he asked.

  “Yes.” Her voice came out hoarse.

  “How’s your rib doing?”

  “It’s sore but manageable.”

  “Good. I want to look at it tomorrow.” He trailed his fingers up her torso, skimming lightly over her ribs. “If it gets any worse, please tell me.” His fingers hovered just below her left breast before he swept them down her torso, stopping at her waist.

  Reid wanted to press against his warm body, but she forced herself to remain still. She didn’t want to embarrass herself by acting like a love-struck idiot. Not that she was love-struck by any means. They were simply acquaintances who were getting married. Well, maybe they were more than mere acquaintances. She supposed they were friends now. Probably friends. Becoming friends at least.

  “Reid,” he murmured, sending a chill down her spine.

  “Yes?”

  After a pause that lasted a little too long, he whispered, “Never mind. Go to sleep.”

  Sleep was a long time coming.

  Reid peeled her eyes opened. At the sight before her, she jerked her head back, smacking into Dexter’s chin. He cursed.

  “What are you doing?” Gytha demanded. She squatted in front of Reid, inches from her face. A dozen soldiers stood fanned out behind her.

  “We were sleeping,” Dexter mumbled.

  Gytha’s eyes narrowed. “We killed six assassins. According to the one we questioned, there are still six unaccounted for. And you were sleeping?”

  It was too early for this. Yawning, Reid rubbed her eyes.

  “Three,” Dexter said.

  “What?” Gytha asked, her brow wrinkling.

  “Reid killed three, so only three are unaccounted for.”

  “Lady Reid killed three men by herself?” Gytha asked, her voice betraying her doubt.

  “Yes. Now, take the soldiers at least thirty feet away and wait there for us. I need a moment alone with Reid.”

  Face blank, Gytha stood and gave the order.

  Once they were gone, Dexter asked, “How are you feeling?”

  “Better.” Reid rolled onto her back, grimacing from the pain. Not only did her ribs hurt, but so did her side from sleeping on the hard ground.

  Dexter chuckled. “I hate to break it to you, but you drool. There’s a line of dirt stuck to your face from the corner of your lip to your ear.”

  “And I hate to break it to you, but I don’t care.” Using her sleeve, she wiped her face off. She probably had dirt and leaves stuck in her hair as well. “And just so you know, you snore.”

  “I do not.”

  “Except you do.” She smiled at him.

  After rising, he brushed the dirt from his body. He grabbed the blanket, folded it, and set it aside. “I’ve broken a rib before. It’s no fun.” He squatted next to Reid, then helped her to a sitting position.

  Being sure to move slowly, she got to her knees before attempting to stand. Everything hurt worse than it did yesterday.

  “I was going to help you up.”

  Shrugging, she replied, “I didn’t need your help.”

  He placed his large hands on her shoulders, forcing her to meet his eyes. “I know you don’t need my help, but you can’t fault a guy for trying.”

  No, she supposed she couldn’t.

  He released her. “My soldiers will escort us back to the palace now.”

  As she followed him, she thought about what Gytha had said—they’d killed six of the twelve assassins. Had Gytha’s group encountered them while searching for the prince? Or had the assassins managed to infiltrate the palace? If something had happened to a member of the royal family, Gytha would have mentioned it. Reid had to assume everyone was all right.

  “We thought you’d each have a horse,” Gytha said as Reid and Dexter approached.

  Reid didn’t want to ride a horse right now. The animal’s movement would be too jarring.

  Dexter ordered a smaller soldier to dismount and double with someone else. After, he told Gytha to ride that horse while he commandeered hers. He brought the animal to a stop in front of Reid.

  Skeptically, she eyed the huge beast, knowing she couldn’t climb on it in her condition. Dexter must have realized the same because he slid his hands onto Reid’s hips, hoisting her up. After she settled in the saddle, he mounted behind her.

  “What are you doing?” she asked, thankful she had pants on and could sit normally.

  “You’re small, and we’re short a horse.”

  Well, yes, she knew that. But it didn’t mean he had to ride with her.

  “Would you be more comfortable with Gytha?”

  Quickly, she shook her head.

  “That’s what I thought.” Reaching around her, he grabbed the reins. “By sitting so close to you, I’ll know if the horse jars you too much. If it does, we’ll stop for a break.”

  His thoughtfulness surprised her. Instead of thanking him, she mumbled, “I’m perfectly capable of steering the horse.”

  �
��I know. But this way, I can make sure you don’t topple off.”

  She sighed. His soldiers would think she was an incompetent fool who couldn’t care for herself.

  “Listen up,” Dexter said, addressing everyone. “My fiancée, Lady Reid, is injured. She has at least one broken rib. In addition, my shoulder is recovering from an arrow wound. We’ll be riding slow.”

  With that, Gytha gave the order to set out. The rocking movement only hurt Reid’s ribs slightly.

  “You can lean against me,” Dexter said. “I won’t bite.”

  He may not bite, but she was afraid she would enjoy the comfort and warmth of him too much. She tried to remain slightly forward, away from him. However, it was no use. Giving up, she relaxed against him.

  “Gytha,” Reid said, capturing the woman’s attention.

  Gytha rode directly in front of them. Shifting her horse to the side, she waited for them to catch up until they rode side by side. “Yes, Lady Reid?”

  “How did you know Prince Dexter had been attacked by assassins and was in need of assistance?”

  “Princess Nara sent us after the prince. She said he’d left the palace with only four soldiers, which was simply inadequate. We stumbled upon the wagon. One of our soldiers was still alive. He told us what happened and which direction you’d gone.”

  “Did you send him to the palace for medical treatment?” Dexter asked.

  “Yes. I don’t know if he’ll make it,” Gytha said. “But I had two soldiers escort him back.”

  They exited the forest and turned east, traveling on a dirt road.

  “We’ve been searching for two days,” Gytha said.

  “I’m sure I’ll get a long lecture when I get home,” Dexter muttered.

  “As you should.” Gytha nudged her horse. The animal sped up, returning to its previous place in front.

  “When we stop, I’ll need to check your wrapping,” Dexter said.

  “Gytha can help me with that.” Reid had no intention of removing her shirt in front of Dexter.

  He chuckled. “I can tell it’s no use trying to convince you that I’m better than Gytha at treating injuries. I know I am, and I’m fairly certain you do, too. In that case, you must be serious and your mind unchangeable if you want Gytha’s help.”