Something else made little sense. Dell glanced toward the door, wanting to make his escape, but he didn’t move. “You’re not Madran, Edmund. Your true loyalty is to a king across the sea. Why are you fighting for King Rhodipus? Why are you spending your gold on spies instead of luxuries like the other ambassadors? Your life should be easy here. I need to understand you. What you’re asking of me… not all of us have had the luxury of being able to put their faith in their king. I see what his wars do to this kingdom every single day. It’s in the gaunt faces of the children begging for food from equally hungry sailors. It’s in the war widows and the knowledge that many of this kingdom’s young men will never set foot on our shores again. I know Madra aided Bela in its war with Dracon… is that enough for you? Because it isn’t for me.”

Throughout this exchange, Camille stayed silent, but she chose now to speak. “The boy’s words hold weight, Edmund. I know why my loyalty is to the Rhodipus name. For the good of Gaule, I must wed Estevan and help him keep the throne. But I know you… I know what it is you fight for. It’s never been about the crown, but the man who wears it. Why have you chosen this one?”

Edmund’s jaw clenched, and he collapsed into a chair. He drained his wine and set the cup down with a heavy clang. “King Rhodipus is cruel, ambitious, and vile, but this world needs stability. Madra must remain at peace if we are to continue rebuilding Bela. We need their trade.”

“No.” Camille narrowed her eyes. “The Tenysons are merchants. They will ensure trade is not interrupted. There is something else.”

Dell watched the fight leave Edmund’s eyes. His lips turned down as a sigh inflated his muscular chest.

Dell crossed the room and put a hand on Edmund’s shoulder. He faced the same dilemma as Dell. Protect a king who only hurt the kingdom, or let the royal family fall.

Edmund bent forward with his elbows on his knees. “I believe in tradition,” he started. “Not in the way Madrans do—with the priests protecting it. But real history and a future that furthers the kingdom’s culture.” He lifted his head to peer up at Dell. “Estevan Rhodipus is not his father. I’ve never been more sure of anything. The king doesn’t hold my loyalty as you’ve said, but his son has every bit of it. Stev is going to save this kingdom. He will save us all.”

Chapter Eight

Helena studied her eldest brother as he paced the length of the council chambers. His steps held the confidence only he possessed.

“You accept?” He stopped in front of Camille. “You will follow through with the betrothal?”