Her fists clenched at her sides. She couldn’t think that way. Estevan gave his life to save her and Kassander, he was too good to betray his family. She knew them. She knew Quinn.

He’d come.

At the top of the hill, a small shack sat with a deck surrounding it. Helena had spent each excruciating day since her arrival sitting there. Waiting.

She wiped the rain from her face and yanked open the door. Aron turned at the sound of her entrance, a grim set to his handsome features. Shaking his sopping chestnut curls out of his face, he regarded her with surprise.

Dell pushed through the door behind her. “I thought you’d finally gain some sense and stay inside today.”

Helena moved to one of the windows spanning the far wall. “I’ve never claimed to have sense.”

Aron nodded as if that was a perfectly acceptable answer.

“I tried to stop her.” Dell wrung water from his dripping tunic.

Helena grunted.

A scowl marred Aron’s face. “She has her own mind. Let her use it.”

Helena barely heard their continuing conversation as her eyes scanned the countryside. She’d never seen anything so beautiful as Bela, but it wasn’t the vast thriving forests or plains of wildflowers she searched for today.

“Anything new?” she asked.

“Nothing more than a few traders from Dracon. The roads are clear.” Aron stepped closer to her near the warm hearth. “We’re unlikely to see much on a day such as this. Even with my gifts.”

Helena would never grow used to the incredible powers existing within Bela. Aron’s gift allowed him to see things others could not, and at great distances. Queen Persinette enlisted him to watch for the last Rhodipus sibling in case he did not arrive as a friendly visitor.

Still, Helena had faith in Quinn.

Aron moved around the small room with confidence, sliding chairs out of the way as he set about to stir up the small fire attempting to thrive in the stone fireplace.

Dell’s gaze held thinly veiled hostility. He’d never warmed up to the young man, and Helena knew he didn’t trust him. Then again, he didn’t trust anything in Bela, much to her annoyance.

Helena couldn’t fault him for that. She had a hard time believing Persinette and Alexandre had no motives other than helping them.

Aron turned from the fireplace. “I really should get back outside.”

“But it’s pouring rain out there.” Helena gestured to the window.

“I have a job to do and I see much better outside. My queen has entrusted me with this and I will do what I must.” He dipped his head once before slipping out just as another crack of thunder shook the walls.

“That man is crazy.” Dell flicked his eyes to the window.