Why was Ian invited? His mother, Lady Tenyson, was not a member of the war council, having no experience in battle. She was a merchant. Yes, the most powerful merchant in Madra, but that wouldn’t do much good when speaking of tactics. But Ian had always been favored. It was why she’d had to suffer his company more frequently than she preferred.

He used to pursue her openly, but that all changed when she embarrassed him in front of her brothers by refusing to spend time alone with him. She’d admit, she was harsh, and it hadn’t helped that her brothers started laughing. Since then, he’d treated her with nothing but scorn.

Hands slid around Helena’s waist from behind and she squealed as her feet left the ground.

“Hiya, sister.” Cole laughed.

She turned when he put her down and threw her arms around him. “Cole, you’re back!”

An identical copy of Cole entered behind him. “Quinn!”

The bastard princes had left more than a year ago with a unit of the army sent to drive off a Madran mercenary force in Cana.

She released Cole and threw herself at Quinn.

He squeezed her tightly. “Missed you, sis.”

She’d missed them. Cole and Quinn’s absence had been wholly felt.

The entire room had quieted and turned to them.

“What are you doing here?” she asked Quinn.

“We wouldn’t miss your ball.” Cole smirked before walking to shake Lady Tenyson’s hand and give Ian a hug. Cole was almost closer to their family than his own.

Quinn crossed to his father and offered his hand.

“Welcome home, son,” the king said.

Quinn then gave Stev a hug and shook a few more hands.

Helena took a tentative step into the room. She caught Stev’s eye. He frowned and studied her for a moment before shaking his head. Relief shot through her, and she lifted her chin. Stev had decided not to tell their father of her trip into the city.

Quinn stepped back to her side and leaned in. “What did you do?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she responded.

“I’ve been here two seconds and can already see the warning looks Edmund is shooting toward Stev. In turn, Stev is glaring at you.”

I gave Stev a grateful smile as I leaned closer to Quinn. “He’s saving me.”

The king finally noticed her presence. “Helena, I’m sure you have better things to do.”

She sighed. As a girl, she’d spent countless hours sitting in on war meetings, fascinated. As she grew older, it wasn’t considered proper. She was second born, meaning her only worry need be the council of merchants she’d one day lead.

As she turned to leave, she felt a set of eyes following her and her gaze met Ian’s. A shiver raced down her spine because everything suddenly made sense. Why he was there.