“You?” The king’s eyes shifted between his children. Stev was the heir, the boy who’d always followed his father’s every command.

Cole’s jaw tightened. “Are we quite finished, father?” He said the last word as a curse.

Helena was the one who answered him. “Yes, Cole. Father and I are very much done. I have a ball to prepare for.”

She pulled Camille along with her toward the door to her room. As she shut it behind them, it surprised her to find her mother and Sophia waiting for her.

Chloe Rhodipus rose from her seat to envelop her daughter in a soft hug. “We heard everything,” she whispered. “I wish I could have helped you, my sweet girl.”

For all the strength and wisdom the queen possessed, she had little power over happenings in the kingdom. But the power to soothe her daughter… that belonged to her wholly.

The tears she’d been holding back flowed freely, soaking into the fur collar of her mother’s dress.

Chloe pulled back, untying Helena’s mask as she did. “There’s my beautiful girl.” She smiled. “It looks like you’ll have a bruise.” Her thumb rubbed gently over where the king had struck. “But nothing your mask and some cream won’t cover up. Now, let’s prepare you for your night. Madra hasn’t seen a princess’ ball since…”

“Father’s aunt, right?” Helena asked.

Her mother shook her head. “No, my dear. Your father’s sister.”

“I didn’t know he had a sister.”

“She disappeared soon after the ball. Some said she was taken by pirates, but most knew the truth.”

“What was the truth?”

Her mother sighed, running a hand down Helena’s arm. “You cannot keep a princess hidden her entire life and then expect her to suddenly help with the running of the kingdom once you deem her worthy enough to strike the chains from her wrists.”

Sophia chose that moment to chime in. “There were no chains on that girl’s wrists. I would know. I was her lady’s maid before yours.”

Helena touched the edge of the mask her mother had laid on the table. “It’s a metaphor, Sophia.” She smiled sadly. “The mask carries the weight of manacles.”

Sophia huffed. “I’m going to go prepare you a bath, princess. When you stop speaking nonsense, come scrub up.”

She left and Camille released a breath. “You need a new maid.”

Helena shook her head. “Sophia is a stubborn woman, but she’s loyal and she loves this family.” She dropped into a chair. “I wish tonight was about more than appearances, Mother. The people of Madra think I will choose my husband. But father has already chosen, hasn’t he?”

Her mother nodded and reached across the table to grip her hand. “I’m sorry, darling.”