Normally, he’d head straight for Mari’s shop to see if Corban could ease his pain. But he wanted to feel every bit of what his brother did to him this time.

Dell loved boxing, but fighting Orlo was a different kind of battle and Ian had known that. It was why he’d arranged it.

Hatred for his brothers burned in him. One day, he’d be free of him. He’d be free of all of them.

Dell’s grip on Helena grew weaker by the moment and she feared he’d slip right off the horse.

“We have to get you to Corban,” she said.

“No.” His large hand squeezed her side. “Keep riding.”

The warm breath on the back of her neck sent a chill over her. Helena had never been so close to a man who wasn’t related to her… other than Edmund, but he might as well be a relative.

What was her family thinking now? The princess disappeared from the Madran Games being held in her honor. Soon, the city would be in an uproar looking for her. Quinn would never trust her again after she broke her promise.

But for the first time in her life, she felt like something other than the caged bird she’d been all her life. She wasn’t slinking through the streets on her own as she had before. This time, she rode proudly with a man whose very touch caused the hair on her arms to stand on end.

Dell wasn’t like anyone she’d ever met. While wearing her mask, she’d entertained many of the city’s merchants at the palace. The young men thought much of themselves, always preening and taking great care with their appearance. They’d cared more about being able to say they spent time in the princess’ presence than actually paying her any attention.

It was why the Madran Games intrigued her. Those same men were put into a fight where skill mattered more than appearance. Any man of station in Madra trained in boxing from a young age. But training in your own courtyard differed greatly from facing crowds of common folk who wanted to see you hurt.

Dell… he was quick on his feet, but had been no match for Orlo’s strength—until he saw Ian with her.

Why did he feel the need to protect her?

He still thought she was a prince’s mistress for priest’s sake.

Madra was not like the other kingdoms she heard about from stories. People of differing stations didn’t look out for one another. They didn’t join the army out of some pride for their king and country. Those who fought did so because it was an alternative to an empty belly.

She had no illusions about the people’s loyalty to her father.