“We have people in place for when the rebellion begins. There is nothing more you can do Dell. It’s because of you Reed told us our most crucial piece of information. There is someone very close to the royal family making a power play. Now it’s time to consider your own safety.”

“I can’t!” The words burst out of him. He clamped his lips shut and looked to the people on the nearby dance floor. They still couldn’t hear him. “Edmund, listen to me. My brother… they have half a dozen barrels of explosive powder.”

Edmund’s grip on his arm tightened. “Are you sure?”

“I know what it looks like, Edmund. Where would they get it?”

“The mines of Dracon.” He sighed and pried his hand free of Dell’s arm.

“That’s why whoever is planning this needed my brothers. There’s no way that much explosive powder could get through the ports of Bela or Gaule. Tenyson ships must have been going into Dracon in secret.”

Edmund’s eyes scanned the room. “I need to go deal with this, Dell. We must prepare. This changes nothing for you. If you’re found in Madra by someone connected to this rebellion, they’ll kill you. Get to the ship. I’m going to send Camille to you once the ball ends and I can get her out of the palace. When you arrive in Bela, tell them you must speak with the king or queen. They will protect you should Madra be taken over.”

“What about you? Edmund, this isn’t even your kingdom. You need to come with me.”

Edmund shook his head, his eyes drifting to the table where the crown prince sat masked beside his future bride. “There are reasons…” He met Dell’s eyes. “I grew up in Gaule. Bela is my home. But my heart resides here, and I will protect him with everything I have.” His eyes widened, realizing what he’d just revealed.

Dell took a step back. It all made sense now. Why Edmund would fight for a king such as the one they had. Why he had so much faith in the prince.

Edmund was in love with Estevan Rhodipus.

And that love was going to kill him because they couldn’t win. Not against a mostly unknown enemy who had such tools at their disposal. Not when the king they protected wasn’t beloved by the people. Who would fight for him?

Edmund would fight for Stev.

Dell was leaving.

They’d already lost.

The princess drifted by, still in the arms of Ian. Everything about her was stiff, but there was something so familiar in the way she held her head high as if nothing in the world could hurt her. Not Ian. Not the mask she had to wear.

“You need to go now, Dell.” Edmund gripped his shoulder. “Before the magic wears off.”