Facing Gordon, she forced a smile. “This cage is one of your father’s making. One whose bars I intend to break.”
Gordon snorted. “Normally, I’d argue with you, but I won’t. You’ve accomplished more than I thought possible. If you say you’re going to change things, I believe you will.”
He tended to side with the old ways, believing a woman’s place was beneath a man’s—in more ways than one. “I know you weren’t in Axian long, but you must admit it is a beautiful county. Women work, own property, and are treated equally. It’s prosperous—and everything I want northern Marsden to be.”
He scratched the back of his head. “I guess.”
“You guess?” she said a little louder than necessary.
Dexter glanced over his shoulder, eyebrows raised.
Reid shook her head, indicating everything was fine. As Dexter turned around, he paused, then looked at Gordon. Brow creased, he turned his lips downward before facing forward again. Reid wondered what had caught his attention.
The road turned to the right, then the town came into view. Nestled next to the forest, the buildings were mostly two-story structures, some leaning precariously to the side.
After tying their horses up, they headed into the first tavern they came across.
Dexter wiped his brow. “Is this one of your smaller towns?”
As Reid’s eyes adjusted to the darkness inside, she headed to a table in the center of the room, hoping they’d be able to hear more conversation from that location. Taking a seat, she cleared her throat and lowered her voice. “No. This is one of our larger ones.”
“Why aren’t the streets paved? Why aren’t there any stone buildings?”
The notion of a town not having those luxuries seemed like a foreign concept to Dexter. Reid tried her hardest not to smile at his naïveté. “We don’t have those amenities here.”
When the bartender came over, Gordon ordered a round of drinks.
The man wiped his hands on his apron, eyeing Reid. “Where’d you say you’re from?”
“We didn’t,” Reid replied, her voice not as deep as it should have been. Not using her male voice for so many weeks had gotten her out of practice.
The man opened his mouth to argue when Ackley slapped his shoulder. “Don’t mind my brother. He can be a pain in the arse. We’re hoping he finally gets some hair on that dainty chest of his. I’m tired of watching out for him all the time.”
The bartender nodded. “I have a younger brother. He’s a pain. Make sure you don’t let him drink too much.” With that, he turned and lumbered away.
Dexter scanned the room. “Women are honestly not allowed to be in here?” It sounded like the mere thought was ludicrous to him.
“A woman is only allowed out in public with the proper protection—meaning a man at her side.” Ackley leaned back in his chair, smiling at the absurdity of it.
“If Reid is allowed to be here so long as she’s with us, then why the disguise?” Dexter whispered.
“Because even though it’s allowed, it is frowned upon. Women should be home tending to the children, not at a tavern drinking.” Ackley winked.
“And women aren’t allowed to wear pants,” Gordon reminded him. “It’s against the law.”
The bartender returned, passing each a mug filled to the brim.
Dexter took a drink. When he set his mug down, he studied Reid. “You are starting to make more sense to me.”
Ackley laughed. “There is no making sense of Reid.”
Reid whacked him. He only laughed harder.
Reid’s castle came into view. She hadn’t realized how much she missed this place until seeing it again. Tears filled her eyes. It was like a warm blanket offering comfort after a chilly day. This was home. Gray clouds covered the sky, promising rain.
Royce stepped out of the stables, blinking. “Lady Reid?”
“The one and only.” She dismounted, handing the reins of her horse to her 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.