Why had she never been happy within these walls?

Maybe for the same reason Stev hadn’t been. Under the watchful eyes of their father, they could never let their desires shine through.

The shock of seeing Stev and Edmund together had worn off, replaced by guilt. How had she not seen it before?

Had she known her brother at all?

The answer to that was simple. No one knew Stev Rhodipus. He made sure of it. She hugged her arms across her chest, hoping he at least let Edmund see who he truly was.

And who he wasn’t.

Estevan Rhodipus was not their father and he never would be.

Sometimes Helena thought she was the only one who saw that.

Twisting her tangled hair over one shoulder, she slid from the bed and padded to the window. Pushing open the glass panes, she sucked in a deep breath of the chilly morning air.

What was this week going to bring for her?

Was it all a formality when her father could force her into a marriage with Ian Tenyson?

The silent courtyard below her window was awash in silver moonlight as she leaned out to scan her eyes across the palace grounds. In the distance, beyond the palace walls, the city would wake soon and prepare.

The Madran games, held every four years, were sacred. All those who were able, crowded into the circular arena at the edge of the city to watch events such as boxing matches, javelin throwing, and discus.

Any man who wanted to be considered a suitor for the princess’ hand competed, hoping to show their abilities.

On the horizon, the sun battled with the moon, day wanting dominance over night.

Helena shut the window just as the door to the room connected to hers opened. Sophia emerged and froze.

“Princess, I was expecting to have to wake you this morning.”

Helena offered a small smile. “Just basking in the last moments of the day’s peace.”

The old woman’s face softened. “Do not be afraid, child.”

How did Helena explain it wasn’t fear coursing through her this morning, but something else entirely? Acceptance. Resignation. She’d marry a Madran man and live within the palace for the rest of her days. Estevan would wed Camille and one day become king. Madra would struggle along as a warring kingdom. Nothing was going to change.

And today, they’d look into the faces of common people who never had enough to eat. Wealthy merchants would mingle with those working for them who barely survived.

And all the while, the already empty treasury would pay for the extravagance.

But she was Helena Rhodipus. She couldn’t voice any of that.

“I’ll try not to be,” she said instead.

Sophia’s face creased in understanding, when in reality, she didn’t understand at all.

A knock sounded on the door.

Sophia unlatched it and let the queen into the room.