The war is being covered up, at least for now. Lord Davis’s betrayal is being covered up, maybe forever. Selwyn is getting publicly blamed for both, and privately treated like a criminal for mistakes and misunderstandings. And I’m just supposed to go through the Rite like everything’s normal?

Erebus does a three-point turn to swing us back on the road toward the Lodge. I twist around to peer out the rear windshield just in time to watch four Merlins flip the Beast up and over, setting the enormous car gently down on the asphalt. Then my view is blocked by another dark limo pulling by to drive in the opposite direction. Sel’s in there, held captive and restrained by God knows what magic.

Suddenly, desperately, I wish Alice was here. She’s strategic and detail-oriented, just like the Regents. She’d know what questions to ask to trip up Erebus and the others, beating them in their own schemes. Or she might say that all I can do is keep pressing forward, use the power I have now while I fight for more.

“I won’t let you keep him captive for things he didn’t truly do,” I say to Erebus. “After the Rite—”

“The Rite is our mutual commitment to each other, as Regents and the king-to-come. It is the first step toward honoring who you are and Oathing yourself to the good of the Order.” Erebus’s fingers tap on the steering wheel. “You would do well not to make your first act as king the release of an accused criminal. It would be better to command your forces toward more noble ends. The search for Nicholas Davis, perhaps?”

I swallow, tempted to scream at him that if I am king, I should be able to do both. I shouldn’t have to choose between rescuing Nick and letting Sel be punished for crimes he didn’t commit. But then there’s the Mageguard, who report to Erebus and Cestra. I need their resources and their allegiance to find Nick. Would they follow me if I claimed my title only to immediately defy their Merlin laws? Would Lark stand with me after my carelessness earlier today broke his hand, especially when that injury nearly got him killed?

Fury rises in my throat. The Rite has just become twice as critical. Tonight has made it crystal clear that I can’t do anything if I am not king. And if I don’t have more information. All of the information. “Where are you taking him?”

“A Shadowhold. A place suitable for Merlins who succumb to their blood. He’ll be treated with respect. His own quarters and food service until his sentencing.”

“You act like he’s already been found guilty.”