She scanned the courtyard for any hint of the priesthood that controlled the lives of Madra’s royal family. Her fingers grasped Stev’s as if she’d fall apart without him. How was she supposed to face her father after she’d been caught breaking one of the most sacred laws of Madra? It didn’t matter that it wasn’t fair. That she thought a princess should have as much freedom as any prince.

He would be so disappointed. Her relationship with her father and eldest brother wasn’t always smooth, but she didn’t want to let them down.

With a sigh, she gripped Stev’s hand tighter. “I’m sorry.”

His stern face softened, and he ran a hand over the top of her head. “I don’t mean to always be so… rough with you, sister. But if something were to happen to you…”

“It won’t. No one in the city even knows I’m a girl.”

“That boy—”

“Dell? He’s harmless… I think. Honestly, I don’t really know. He’s a bit full of himself. But Edmund knows him. Do you trust Edmund?”

“Of course.”

She smiled. Edmund was the one person who could always bring out a lightness in her brother.

“I won’t do it again,” she said, squeezing his hand.

He scrubbed a hand over his olive-toned face. “Don’t make promises you won’t keep, Helena. You’ve seen so little of what’s outside these palace walls. But I won’t stop coming for you. You’re the one person…” He trailed off.

She couldn’t remember a time when her brother said so many words to her at once. He wasn’t one to talk about his feelings.

She didn’t have time to respond because Edmund awaited them amid the stone columns leading up to the steps at the front of the palace.

“Have a fun jaunt?” he asked.

She glared at him. “And just how was it that Stev knew exactly where to find me?”

Edmund fixed her with a disapproving stare.

“I had to know,” she huffed.

“Know what?” Stev asked.

Edmund didn’t take his eyes from Helena. “Is this about the magic or the boy?”

Stev’s eyes widened. “Len knows about Mari and Corban’s magic?”

Helena stumbled away from them. “You know?”

“I am heir to the throne of Madra.”

As if that answer explained anything. The king had many spies throughout the city. Did Stev have some as well?

“Come.” Stev climbed the steps briskly.

Once inside the family quarters of the palace, Helena relaxed. It might have given her freedom to be without the mask, but it still seemed unnatural.

Her maid appeared, a frown etched onto her withered face. Sophia had been with her since birth.

“Child,” the old woman tsked, scanning her clothes up and down.