“Nick needs you alive. We all need you alive.” William says in a low voice, and my head whips up. William’s gaze holds mine, his brows pinched. “We know there may be a goruchel in the Order’s midst. You are right, Selwyn, that the Regents won’t kill Bree, but that mimic might. We need to make the decision that puts her at least risk.”

“Seconded.” Alice sits back, arms crossed.

“This is not a vote,” Sel spits, pointing at her. “And even if it were, you wouldn’t get one.”

“Hey!” I shout at him. “Lay off her.”

Sel’s lip curls, showing a hint of canines, but he looks away in silence.

“You’re right about one thing, Kane,” Gill says. “This isn’t a vote.”

A new type of stillness overtakes the cabin. I glance between her and Samira, expecting the more experienced Liege to lead us, but Samira’s mouth curves into a rueful smile that drops lead into my belly. William’s eyes are cast down. Alice drops her hand on my knee. I turn to Sel, but all he gives me is a dry, mirthless chuckle.

Samira’s voice is low. “Either decision you make, the Lieges are behind you.”

“I…” A chill drops down my spine. “Me? No, I don’t…”

Sel laughs again. “She still doesn’t get it.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I shoot back.

“It means you don’t get it, mystery girl.” He turns, eyes flashing. “This isn’t a Liege decision. It’s not a Legendborn decision. It’s yours.”

Samira smiles sadly. “It’s like we told you, Bree. We don’t follow the Order. It’s a false kingdom designed by the Regents. We follow the Legendborn, ruled by a king. Crowned or not, that’s you.”

I hold up my hands. “I’m not—”

“The Line is Law,” Gill murmurs.

They are tired. Worn. Broken. Angry. And they’re looking to me like I can lead them through it.

“What will it be, Crown Scion?” Sel says, eyes glittering. “Go into hiding to save your life, or go after Nicholas to save his?”

The cabin waits for my answer.

Sel’s expression shifts to something dangerously blank. William stares holes into the floor. Gill and Samira are two soldiers, waiting for a command and ready to follow it. Alice’s gaze is encouraging and soft.

During the Rite of Kings, I saw Nick’s face. He’d called for me, and I answered. Call and response, a link held taut between us from the moment we met. I’d nearly forgotten the way our connection resonates inside my chest. How inevitable it feels. Like chimes ringing in response to the wind. The tide rising to meet the beach. I can’t be king without him. I don’t want to be.