Helena sighed as her maid led her into her room and helped her dress. As Sophia pulled the corset ties tight, Helena reminded herself if it meant venturing into the city, she’d wear anything.

That thought broke away as she tied her mask to her face. This wouldn’t be like before. This trip wasn’t about freedom. It was the opposite. She was showing the people that their royal family adhered to the ancient laws.

A carriage waited at the bottom of the palace steps. Her mother and Kassander were already seated inside. She ran a hand over the soft white coat of one of the horses before climbing inside and shutting the door. A host of guards on horseback formed up around them and they thundered through the gates and onto the road that led to the docks.

The guards cleared the street in front of them so the carriage could pass easily between the buildings that were packed together. A crowd formed to watch them go by.

“I wish I could go on a ship,” Kassander said.

The queen smiled at her son. “Maybe one day we’ll go see the rolling hills of Bela.”

Helena stayed quiet as she glanced out the window. They all knew they’d never be allowed to venture outside Madra. Maybe Kassander would as a member of the clergy. But the king always said the world wasn’t a safe place. The queen and princess would stay within the Madran borders.

“Mother,” Helena began. “Why was I allowed to come today?”

Sadness flickered across the queen’s face. “We are welcoming a foreign princess. You will help her adjust to Madra.” She paused, but Helena could tell she wasn’t finished. “I know the mask hasn’t been easy for you and I wish I could take away all the suffering it has caused. But we must obey your father and he must follow tradition.”

The corner of her mouth curved up. “But I won’t tell him about your trips into the city.”

Helena’s jaw dropped open. “How—” Her eyes found Kassander, and she laughed. “Of course.”

Her mother’s face grew serious. “But Len, you must not go again. It’s dangerous to disobey the priesthood. I don’t worry about you without your guards because you can take care of yourself. I worry about what will happen if others find out you’ve revealed your face.”

“No one even knows it’s me.”

“And if they found out? Promise me you’re finished and I’ll keep it to myself.”

Helena sighed, fingering the knife she kept in a hidden pocket of her dress. “Fine.”

The carriage came to a stop and Helena waited for someone to open the door. As soon as it swung wide, she sucked in a breath.

The docks.