Camille nodded solemnly. “My kingdom needs this of me. They have assured me you are a man worthy of our alliance.”

His shoulders relaxed, and he blew out a breath. “That’s good news. Very good indeed.” He peered into her eyes. “I promise you, Camille Durand, I will be a good husband to you. We will lead Madra into a golden age of prosperity and safety together.”

The ambassador of Gaule stepped forward and clapped his hands together. He was a little man who’d had nothing to do with Camille since she set foot in Madra. But now he got his chance at being front and center, and he would not pass it up.

“Wonderful! This is fantastic. I am so pleased we could come to an agreement. Now, we must discuss the details. Gaule needs troops and soon.”

Helena’s father chose then to intervene. “We have already begun preparations. After the ball, my son, Quinn will lead the men into Gaule. We will put these rebellions to bed.”

“Fantastic.” The ambassador scanned the room. “Maybe we should speak in private, your Majesty.”

“Of course.” The king shot a look around the room, and each person present knew the meaning without explanation.

Stev walked with Helena back toward the residence.

“I’m proud of you, brother.” She smiled, her cheeks pushing up against the mask.

“For what?”

“For being the kind of prince another kingdom wants to tie themselves to. From what I’ve heard, Queen Catrine cares deeply for her children. Yet, she’s willing to give her only daughter to Madra for your wife.”

“Rulers do what they have to keep their kingdoms safe.”

Helena touched his arm. “You’re going to make a great king. I’m not sure I’ve told you that yet.”

“Why do you say that?”

The crack in his confidence stunned Helena, but she didn’t let it show. “I heard that a shipment of food meant for the palace, veered off the path and ended up in the Eastern part of the city. It quite upset father he couldn’t have fresh berries for his crème yesterday. You wouldn’t happen to know what caused the royal troops escorting the food to get lost on the way from the docks, would you?”

He shrugged. “Quinn was leading them. Ask him.”

She laughed. “I did. He told me the idea came from higher up the food chain. I highly doubt father authorized it.”

“It’s not up to me to decide what you believe.”

“Dammit, Stev.” She yanked on his arm, pulling him to a stop. “Everyone knows you have a brilliant mind. Why don’t you want them to know you have a heart as well? That you aren’t…”

“Aren’t what?”

Accusation shone in his eyes. She’d almost said he wasn’t like their father. Cold. Calculated. Uncaring.

But she’d never spoken those words out loud.