You had never seen Helaena like this before. Not in your dreams, not in the youthful days you once shared, you had never seen her angry. And yet, here she was. Her dress, once worthy of a princess, was torn at the hem. Her hair, usually so carefully arranged, now fell in loose, messy strands around her tense face.

—"I didn't expect this from you, of all people..."—she whispered, shaking her head as if trying to deny the reality.—"I never thought it would be you."*

It had all happened too fast during the battle by the river. Her guards —whether by mistake or treachery— had strayed from their intended path and stumbled into the fight. In the chaos, she had been taken. Not chained, no. But not free, either. A hostage, in a war she had never asked for. Helaena folded her arms across her chest, hugging herself. She wasn’t fragile —no, she had never been that— but she was shattered by betrayal.

—"I am grateful that you defended me before your council... but your mother’s grudges against the realm are not mine to bear. I don’t deserve this. To be taken from my children..."—She closed her eyes tightly, as if she could block the pain.—"I would never have done this to you."