“And so you didn’t come with us and you don’t want me to tell Ash you’re here because you plan on attacking us while we’re sleeping?” I say.

Matteo grunts a laugh behind me, but Layla doesn’t appreciate my joke.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Layla says. “We’re going to attack Jag in his weak spot.”

Matteo returns to the table carrying a tray with a full teapot, three cups and saucers, and some biscuits on it. He places it in the middle of the table.

“What is his weak spot?” I ask, and Layla sighs.

“It depends on our strategy,” she says. “Think of it this way—Jag’s main concern in any conflict is going to be you and your father. He’s going to focus all his energy there. He won’t anticipate outside help because no one in their right mind would move against him. This gives him a weakness, one that Matteo and I will exploit.”

I glance at Matteo as he pours the tea.

“And how does Ash not knowing play into all of this?” I ask.

“There are a few strategic reasons,” Layla says. “But the most important one is the same—his energy will be focused on Jag. He’ll be forced to plan and act as though he must succeed alone, without the knowledge that he has help. When he falls short, we’ll be there.”

Having the element of surprise makes good tactical sense, and even if I don’t understand all the details, I trust Layla. She’s the smartest person I know.

“Aarya and Ines are with us,” I say.

“Interesting,” Layla replies, and she and Matteo share a look. But she doesn’t seem overly surprised.

“Did you already know that? Did they tell you?” I ask, wondering if there are more layers of secrecy here that I need to sift through.

“No,” Layla says. “But we wondered. They left the Academy with Brendan the day after you and Ash.”

“Brendan?” I say, and nearly choke on my tea. “You’re telling me Brendan’s in London—” I stop short, looking up at them. No wonder my dungeon threat actually worked on him in the dining hall. I’m sure Brendan wanted to attack me that day and probably would have if he wouldn’t also have been risking his own exit. “But why would he leave the Acad—” I pause. “My dad.”

“Your dad?” Layla says. “I don’t follow.”

I put my teacup down. “My dad is suspected of killing the Regent,” I say quickly. “Brendan’s stepfather, Arlo? There’s a big masquerade ball tonight and we’re pretty sure it’s to celebrate the new appointee. What are the chances that the new appointee is Brendan?” But no one looks surprised.

“Yes,” Layla says. “That’s exactly what’s happening.”