His lips crashed into hers and he pulled her against his lithe frame. She returned his kiss, no longer caring she’d only just met the man. Something about him spoke to her, told her to trust him. And she felt seen for the first time in her life.

Not the princess.

Not the girl dressing in her brother’s clothes.

Her.

Helena.

She pulled away, breathing heavily, and rested her forehead against his. “Who are you, Andrew Isaacs?”

He pushed her back and seemed to gather himself. “I’m someone who shouldn’t be here.”

She didn’t take her eyes from his and as a flicker of light from the nearby torch passed over them, she would have sworn they shifted, becoming rounder and losing the angular tilt.

She knew those eyes but from where?

He took a step back from her scrutinizing gaze.

“What’s happening?” she asked. “Your eyes… they changed.”

He snapped his head up. “I have to go.” He turned to stalk across the garden.

“Wait.” She ran after him, her short legs struggling to catch up with his long strides.

“I can’t be here.” He sped up, yanking open the door as they passed the guards Stev had sent after them.

The commotion at the door caught the attention of more than a few onlookers, but Lord Isaacs didn’t pause.

“Helena,” her father scolded, appearing at her side as she marched through the crowd. “Why on earth are you carrying your shoes?”

“They’re glass, father,” she said, shoving the shoes into his chest. “Figure it out.”

Lord Isaacs reached the hall, and she chased after him, not catching up until he stood at the top of the stairs leading down to the carriages.

“Please.” She hated the pleading sound of her voice. “Tell me what’s going on.”

Lord Isaacs finally turned to her, but his dark hair had turned into a light brown and grew lighter still. “They’re coming for you, Princess. Keep yourself safe. Trust only Edmund.”

What did he know of Edmund?

“Who are you?” she asked. “Are you threatening me?”

How had she gone so wrong in trusting his sweet smile?

“No.” He ran a hand through his now blonde hair. “God, no. If something happened to you…” He glanced to where his carriage appeared, pulled by a horse she would have sworn was shrinking as she watched it.

He reached into an inside pocket of his jacket and pulled something free before pressing it into her hand.

“I wish I could give you the freedom you wanted, Len. But I’m going to do everything in my power to protect you. I promise you that.” As if losing a battle within himself, he lurched forward, his hands cupping her face gently as he kissed her confused frown.