The only thing Stev had in common with their father was his great mind and his ambition. But he wouldn’t drain the treasuries and issue overbearing taxes for his determined ways. He knew enough not to follow the priesthood blindly.

“Nothing,” she said quickly. “It’s nothing, Stev. I just… I love you and one day you’re going to fix us.”

They’d reached the residence to find Cole and Quinn lounging on the red flowered couches. Kassander sprawled in front of a fireplace crackling with flames. Stev stopped at the edge of the room, uncertainty entering his gaze. It killed Helena that her brother didn’t feel comfortable with the rest of them.

“I have business to attend to.” Stev turned on his heel and marched back into the hall.

Kassander jumped to his feet and ran toward her. “Where is Stev going? He promised he’d take me for a ride today.”

“I’m sorry, Kass.” Helena gripped her brother’s shoulder, truly feeling bad for the kid. He idolized Stev. Stev loved the youngest Rhodipus, but he didn’t realize how much his sternness could cut sometimes.

Helena walked farther into the room. Cole still watched Stev’s retreat, his eyes flashing with irritation. He shook his head as if returning to himself and smiled up at her.

Quinn moved over to create space and Helena sank into the couch between the twins.

“Camille has agreed to the betrothal.”

Cole snorted in disgust. His feelings for Stev had always been plain.

Quinn wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “That’s good news. Looks like it’s certain I’ll be headed to Gaule after the ball.”

Helena laced her fingers with his and leaned her head on Cole’s shoulder. Kass climbed up on Quinn’s other side. Helena used her free hand to remove her mask.

No one made her feel as safe, as loved, as her brothers. Nothing could destroy her bond with them. Not tension with her father or the distance that was between them when the twins were off with the army. Not even Kassander’s eventual role in the priesthood she hated so much.

Some small hope inside her thought maybe Stev would be the king to abolish the priesthood once and for all. Madra no longer needed their traditions and laws upheld. They didn’t need the priesthood’s harsh prison when the palace had unused dungeons. No future princess should have to wear a mask for her entire adolescence.

Unlike her father or his father before him, Stev had a heart. Helena might be the only person he showed it to, but she knew it was there.

Each of her brothers kept secrets from the entire world, but she saw them. Quinn hated army life. He talked as if it was a grand adventure with travel and excitement. But he wanted more than anything to just fall in love and live quietly.