Ships of every size bobbed in the sparkling water. Colorful sails billowed out as the stiff breeze caught them. Sailors climbed ropes, scrubbed decks, and shouted to each other.

A hand appeared to help her out, and she took it, coming face to face with Edmund.

“Princess.” He grinned. “What a lovely day for a jaunt.”

“Ambassador.” The queen took his hand next. “I hope you haven’t been waiting long?”

“No, your Majesty.” He turned back to the carriage and lifted Kassander out. “The ship has just arrived.”

“Let’s not waste any time now. I’d like to meet this delightful princess who will be a new daughter.”

Edmund bit his lip to contain a laugh. As the queen and their guards walked across the wooden planks of the docks, Helena grabbed Edmund’s arm. “What’s so funny?”

“I’ve just never heard anyone call Camille delightful before.”

“Is she that bad?”

“She used to be.”

They came to an abrupt halt near a long wooden pier jutting out toward a ship that rose with the timing of the waves. The ship collided with the peer and a loud crack rent the air. Helena jumped.

Edmund glanced at her out of the corner of his eyes, an amused grin on his face.

The crowds behind them buzzed with energy but none were allowed near the royals or this mysterious new visitor. Three priests stood to the back of the crowd watching. Always watching.

The guards moved aside to let two dockworkers run toward the ship as someone threw ropes over the sides with shouts of greeting.

Blonde hair gleamed in the sun as one of the men heaved on the ropes, and Helena recognized him instantly.

Dell.

He moved with confidence in everything he did. It was fascinating. Why was she so interested in him?

Dell flicked hair out of his bronzed face and flashed a smile at the other man with him. The second man narrowed his eyes and barked out a harsh “Get moving.”

As he ran the length of the ship, Dell’s lean muscles flexed. Beneath her mask, Helena was sure her cheeks were aflame.

She’d seen those muscles. All of them.

So, he was a sailor? This boy who fought in the middle of the street? Who bathed in the river? He was a riddle, and she wanted nothing more than to figure him out.

Helena had never had a friend before—not that Dell could count as that. But he’d risked himself trying to save her from Stev. He didn’t know there was no need to defend her.

Sure, she’d been surrounded by her brothers her entire life. And she loved them. But there was a distinct difference between the ones always trying to keep you safe and the ones who gave you a reason to take risks.

Which one was Dell?