“Is he with the royal family?” She pointed a long finger toward a raised platform.

Dell’s eyes passed over the king and narrowed. He didn’t know what to think of Prince Estevan. The queen sat in her wing-backed golden chair with all the grace they knew her for. Unlike the other royals, she made an effort to help city-folk by handing out food.

The twins were mostly unknowns. They hadn’t grown up in the public eye and now spent much of their time leading units of the army overseas. The young Prince Kassander had a grin on his face you couldn’t help but reflect back at him.

Sitting beside him was the reason they were all there. It wasn’t the first time Dell had seen the princess. He’d been shocked when she appeared with her mother at the docks. Even though he’d made a fool of himself, he’d needed to get a closer look at her, to see what was under those pretty masks.

Then, she’d laughed with him. Now, she looked… uncomfortable.

A frown tugged at the corners of her delicate painted lips. She was so close as the platform sat right near the boxing matches, yet her dark eyes said she wasn’t there at all.

The king leaned across his wife and said something to the princess. Her spine snapped straight, and she pasted a fake smile on her lips.

A boxing match ended with one contestant unconscious. As someone dragged him away, they drew a new name.

“Orlo Willard,” they called before pulling out another. “Ian Tenyson.”

Dell reared back as he tried not to grin. He shrank away from the boundary line to hide himself among the crowd so Ian didn’t see him.

Orlo paced the length of the square, waiting.

When Ian finally appeared, Dell sucked in a breath. A bandage held his arm to his chest. When had he been injured?

Ian turned to the crowd, sleazy charm oozing from every orifice. “I am honored to get my turn against this noble man.” He nodded toward Orlo. “As a member of the merchant class, I’m ashamed to say I must invoke an old rule. If a competitor cannot compete due to injury or illness, they can uphold their honor should they appoint someone to fight in their name.”

Reed appeared next to Dell. “Sorry, brother.”

“About what?” Dell glanced sideways at him.

Ian continued. “I choose a fighter with much skill who will uphold my family honor because it is his honor as well.”

No. Dell shook his head and took a step back. Reed grabbed his arm.

“My brother.” Ian’s stare burned into Dell. “Dell Tenyson.”

Reed shoved him across the boundary line. Dell stumbled before righting himself and glaring at Ian.