Ian pressed the knife harder, drawing a line of blood. “Interesting.” He removed the knife and wiped the blood with his thumb before drawing a crimson line down Edmund’s forehead. “You fight for no king… yet still you act against us, Madra’s rescuers.”

“You rescue no one,” Helena growled.

Ian issued a quick kick to her side. “I’m not speaking to you. You’ll learn to obey me once we’re wed.” A threat deepened his voice.

“You think you’re on the right side in this, Ian Tenyson.” Edmund lifted his eyes. “But I have been through war. I have seen kingdoms torn apart from within and enemies on the outside. War doesn’t heal. It only destroys. There is only one side here. Madra’s. And if you insist on rebellion, you act against the freedom you say you’re fighting for.”

Ian’s knee collided with Edmund’s chest and the blonde man fell sideways with a grunt of pain. “The Rhodipus line and their precious priests caused this, Edmund. Not us.”

Edmund lay on his side, unable to rock himself back to his knees. As his eyes scanned the hall, and they connected with Dell’s from his place hidden in the shadows.

He flicked his gaze from Helena to Dell. What was he trying to tell him?

Dell stepped forward, sword in one hand, knife in the other, but before he could make a move, the sound of many heavy boots entered the hall, stealing all chance of saving Helena and Edmund.

Ian’s new ally strode up beside him, a frown marring his face.

Cole Rhodipus had arrived.

Twine cut into Helena’s wrists as she stared up at the brother she’d revered only yesterday. Every one of her brothers had been heroes to her. No flaws. No weaknesses. They protected her and provided a barrier between her and their father.

She’d never thought she’d need protection from one of them.

Her mother’s face flashed before her eyes, and all love she had for Cole drifted away on a current of hatred and desperation.

Ian Tenyson stood at his side. Her father’s old ally fixed an intense gaze on her, cocking his head to the side as if he couldn’t quite figure something out. He looked to Edmund who lay beside her and seemed to stare off into the shadows.

“Sister,” Cole began.

Her lip curled. “Don’t call me that. I am not your sister. Not anymore.”

She’d have sworn she saw sadness pass his features, but he shook it away. “Whatever you may think of me, Len, I do love you.”

“Just not mother and father, right?” Hot tears burned her eyes.

Cole sighed. “She was not my mother.” He put a hand on Helena’s shoulder. “But I know you loved her. I am sorry for that.”