Helena’s eyes slid over the blue dress she’d almost forgotten she still wore. Her mother loosened the laces, and the dress fell to the floor, leaving Helena in only her underclothes. She entered the maid’s room where a small chest contained a few articles of clothing.

Pulling out a woolen skirt, tight fitting linen shirt, and an apron, she dressed. Her mother worked to unpin her hair before pulling it into the bun favored by servants.

The maid’s shoes being three sizes too large and her mother’s too small, she realized she’d have to go barefoot through the halls.

As she walked to the door once more, her hip hit the table, sending its contents to the floor with a crash. The mask she’d left there sailed through the air, the glass pieces shattering on impact.

A small smile lit Helena’s face. She was no longer the hidden princess. Maybe after today, she wouldn’t be a princess at all. For the first time, she felt like the person she was meant to be.

And that person would fight for her family.

Even if it meant taking down one of her own.

The door burst open moments after the noise, but before Helena could react, her mother flipped a knife in her hand and plunged the tip deep into the rebel’s chest. He stumbled back in shock before crumpling to the ground.

The queen pulled her knife free, wiped it clean on her skirt, and extended the hilt toward Helena.

Helena took it tentatively.

“No hesitation, Helena.”

She nodded. “No hesitation.”

Her mother glanced toward the open door then back to her daughter. “Listen to me, Len. Whatever happens, I love you with my whole heart.”

“Mother…” Her words sounded too much like goodbye.

“No, Len. You have to hear this. The throne is not worth protecting. It does nothing but destroy. You… your brothers… you’re worth it. Whatever happens, I need you three to make it out of this. Get free of Madra. Make it to Quinn. He’ll protect you.”

“But Cole…”

Her mother shook her head, fire entering her eyes. “They may be twins, but Quinn is not Cole. Promise me you’ll find Kass and Stev and leave this place behind. Promise you won’t try to win back the throne. It’s not worth your life.”

Shouting entered the hall, and Helena fixed her eyes on the open doorway, preparing herself. “I promise.”

Without warning, her mother ran into the hall, ball gown whipping around her legs. The sound of steel crashing together was the only thing ringing in Helena’s ears as she followed blindly. Her mother twisted and ducked, fighting two rebels at once with a skill Helena had rarely witnessed.