“Scion Sitterson.” Erebus’s voice stops William in his tracks.

“Yes?” William turns. When he glances at me briefly, his eyes are a pale green in the bright floodlights of the Lodge exterior. Gawain’s strength, still lit within him.

“Please”—Erebus gestures toward one of the Mageguard—“take Guard Olsen with you. I’ll join you both in a moment to introduce myself to the other Legendborn.”

The guard throws their hood back to reveal a tall woman with a short blond ponytail. Her hair is shaved above either ear. William nods, turning with her.

I frown as I watch them walk away. “William doesn’t need an escort in his own home.”

At the sound of my voice, the Mageguard turns on her heel, arms at rest behind her back. Her eyes flicker to me, then back to Erebus. I did not intend my comment to be an order, but this Merlin took it as one, and now she is waiting for clarity, from either me or Erebus.

“I apologize, my liege.” Erebus blinks once, twice, appearing genuinely torn. “I sent Guard Olsen to accompany Scion Sitterson, not to escort him. She can offer a more casual introduction to the presence of the Mageguard than the formal exchange of titles and greetings. I thought that this would be easier on a Legendborn unit just returned from the hunt and no doubt eager for bed.”

Erebus pauses, waiting for my response now, too.

Over Guard Olsen’s shoulder, William shrugs.

“Fine,” I say. “Thanks for explaining.”

Erebus dips his head. “Of course.” With a silent look, Olsen pivots back, and she and William walk together to the house.

“Kingsmage Kane,” Erebus says, gesturing to the rear face of the Lodge and the rows of windows marking the residential floors, “which of these is the Crown Scion’s room?”

Sel’s eyes flick up to my window—and darken. “Second floor, third over.”

Erebus’s eyes narrow. “The one with the open window?”

Sel stares at me while directing his answer to Erebus. “Yes.”

I flinch. “That’s my…”

Erebus turns curious eyes my way.

I hesitate. If I say that the open window is my fault and not Sel’s, then I’ll have to admit that I successfully escaped Sel’s efforts to keep me safe. And Erebus will add this shortcoming to Sel’s growing list of apparent failures to do his duty.

“There is a third layer of warding,” I finally stammer, avoiding an explanation entirely, “against the glass and brick, all the way around.”

Erebus makes a thoughtful sound while studying the building. “A ward against impact and intrusion?” he asks Sel.

“Yes,” replies Sel.

Another hum. A decision made. “Guards Zhao and Branson,” Erebus calls.