“Regent Aldrich.” John steps forward, wrapping his wife in his arms. “We knew it would be dangerous for our son to Squire. But this demon didn’t just take our son from us, it pretended to be him—” The Congressman stops. Starts again, this time with the steel and passion of a man in politics, used to swaying an audience to his goals. “We want to know how and when our son was killed. When was the last time we spoke to the real Evan and not this Rhaz creature? How long did we welcome this demon into our home?” The Congressman opens his arm wide, gesturing to the other families seated around them. “We are not the only Legendborn parents grieving today. I know I speak for others when I ask, ‘Where is this chapter’s leader?’ We deserve answers from the Scion of Arthur about what has happened under his watch! Where is Nicholas Davis?”

Lark’s hand hovers over my knee. To guard against someone who might know my identity and attack me here in the crowd or to preemptively stop me from standing and revealing myself, I’m not sure which. No need to worry about the latter; I am frozen to my seat, deathly scared of what the Lord Regent Aldrich will say next.

At the Selection Gala, Lord Davis publicly predicted that Camlann was nigh in front of hundreds of Order members. Less of a prediction than a warning, since he was the one orchestrating and accelerating it behind the scenes. But it was too late, and word spread.

“A worthy question, and I can provide an answer.” Aldrich looks out over the crowd.

What is said here today will not remain within this aether barrier. It will spread like wildfire to Vassals, to other chapters, to Legendborn families across the world—and potentially to our enemies.

The glint of readiness, of anticipation, in the High Regent’s expression sends a chill slipping down my spine. This man is Lord Regent for a reason. He came prepared for this moment.

“The four young men we honor today fell in the recent wave of increased Shadowborn activity surrounding the four cardinal chapters of our Order. We have shared that Nicholas Davis and his father are preparing for the coming of Camlann, but I feel I should…” Aldrich tucks his chin, takes what appears to be a considering breath. “No. I feel I must share with you that this is not the complete truth of our situation. Nicholas Davis and his father are not on a leave of absence to prepare for his ascension to the throne.”

A ripple of shock and uncertainty breaks across the lawn. I suck in a breath, exchanging glances with Lark. He shakes his head, eyes sharp on the stage and jaw tight with focus. He doesn’t know what the Lord Regent is doing either. Shit.