She ripped her arm free of Ian, searching for the one man who could give her answers. Edmund stood with Stev on the edge of the dance floor. No one could tell they were anything more than friends just by looking at them.

But she could see it now that she knew. The small smiles Stev directed Edmund’s way told all. Estevan Rhodipus was as serious as they came. But not with Edmund.

“They won’t be able to save you,” Ian said, brushing the errant strands of hair from her neck.

His touch burned her skin, and she stepped away.

“I don’t need them to save me.” Her stare could have cut glass. “I can save myself.”

She took off across the room, ready to demand Edmund tell her everything. Before she reached him, a line of guards burst into the room, their heavy boots thundering across the marble floor as they formed up. The king followed behind them.

All music ceased. Chatter faded into silence as guests watched the drama unfold.

The king’s searing gaze made the crowd step back until he fixed it on his eldest son and the man at his side. “Edmund, Ambassador of Bela, you are under arrest for conspiracy against the crown.” He nodded to his guards. “Take him away.”

“Father…” Stev glanced from Edmund to the king. “You can’t believe Edmund would betray us.”

“I need not believe anything, Estevan. I have proof. The guards found explosive powder in his home.”

Helena pushed past a guard to arrive at her brother’s side. “It’s not true.” She stepped toward her father and dropped her voice. “Edmund is more loyal than anyone in your guard. If you take him away from us… I promise you’ll pay.”

She had to make him see. Edmund would protect them against whatever was coming—even against her father. But he couldn’t do that from a prison cell.

“Helena,” her father barked. “This is the kingdom’s business, and a princess has no place in it.”

“No place?” She let her voice carry over the enraptured crowd. “I have let you use me my entire life as the symbol of this kingdom. Unattainable. Hidden. Pure. Something that every man should aspire to look upon. Edmund is no traitor.” She lifted her hands to the ties at the back of her head. “And I am no symbol.”

It happened in slow motion. Priests she hadn’t even noticed before ran toward her as her father barked orders.

A few people in the crowd cheered as others gasped.

All Helena heard was the thumping of her own heart as she met Edmund’s eyes and removed the mask from her face.

Time stood still as a breeze struck her face, pushing her hair away from her shoulders. Edmund’s magic wrapped her in a confident shroud until someone slammed into her, forcing her to the ground and throwing a cloak over her head.