No. She wasn’t his. He had no claim and never would.

They didn’t find royal guardsman in the streets but the signs they’d been there were everywhere. Overturned crates, rotten food scattered across the road, horse droppings.

Horse-Ian snorted as Dell tugged on the reins, turning them toward ambassador row.

When they stopped near Edmund’s gate, it opened quickly.

A frazzled Edmund froze, his eyes widening. “Len.” He rushed forward to help her down from the horse. “We’ve been searching everywhere for you.”

“Edmund.” Her voice softened. “I’m okay. I needed to get out of there.”

He shook his head. “I don’t think you understand how much trouble you’re in. The king—”

“Not here, Edmund.”

He looked up at Dell as if seeing him for the first time. “Len, get inside. I’m going to have a word with Dell.”

She shot him one last apprehensive look before disappearing into his house.

“Dell Tenyson.”

Dell had never heard such anger in Edmund’s tone. He held his hands in front of his chest. “Look, I’m sorry. I was just helping her get away from Ian.”

Edmund swallowed hard, evening his breath. “I know you do not understand what really happened today, so I’m going to explain something to you.”

“I know everything,” Dell stated.

“No, you don’t. Listen to me, Dell. That girl is special. I’m not going to explain how much to you because Madran tradition must even guide a Belaen man inside this city.”

“I have no idea what that means.”

“Of course you don’t. So, here’s what will happen: you will forget about Len. You don’t know her. Everything you think you know is a lie. You will never see her again.”

“You can’t—”

“Oh, but I can. This is the bargain you’re going to make with me so I don’t turn you in to the king for abducting her today.”

“I didn’t…” Dell narrowed his eyes. “I was trying to protect her.”

“If you want to protect her, you will help me keep the Rhodipus in power. You will prevent your family and their allies from throwing Madra into chaos. That is the only thing Len needs from you. She lives in that palace. What do you think happens to her if it’s invaded?”

Dell didn’t voice the answer he knew in his bones. Rebellion meant death. Any smart rebel leader would want those connected to the king put to death.

Len.

He lifted his eyes to the door she’d disappeared through. She didn’t even know the danger she was in. The same feeling that had come to him when the prince showed up at Mari’s rushed through his veins, and he knew with a sudden clarity which side he was on.

Not for the king, but for those protected by his power.