DAD SITS ON the end of my four-poster bed. The room is decorated in pastel blues and whites, with a large fireplace and a chaise lounge. The cheery decor feels out of place with the ominous events that just transpired here, but right now I couldn’t be more grateful for it. If this room were drab and cold I would feel even more disoriented than I already do. Not to mention, now that it’s bedtime, I’m fairly convinced someone is going to spring out of a secret door and cut me open.

“It’s going to take some time to find our rhythm in this new world,” my dad says, clearly recognizing my hesitancy. “And it’s going to be challenging. But I will be here with you every step of the way.”

“And you’re absolutely positive that Brendan isn’t going to come after me with a knife while I’m sleeping?” I say.

My dad smiles. “Rose took him away for a few days. It’s going to be a hard adjustment for him—for all of us, really—but one that is worth making.”

I snort. I remember provoking Brendan at the Academy, asking him if the fact that we’re cousins meant I’m also a contender for the throne. But when I said those words, I wouldn’t have guessed in my wildest dreams that I would have to live with him, much less lead a Family with him. I never wanted to lead a Family in the first place.

“I know your introduction into Strategia hasn’t been an easy one, and I know that Brendan has made it harder than it needed to be,” my dad says like he can read my thoughts. “But I assure you, there is a great deal of good here, even if it’s not immediately obvious. And given some time and space away from Jag, Brendan will have an opportunity to make choices that are his own. I know too well what it means to be raised by that man.”

I frown, frustrated by the possible truth of that answer. “Fine,” I say.

“Fine?” my dad repeats, and the corners of his mouth turn up ever so slightly.

I fidget with the edge of the white comforter. “As much as I hate to admit it, I saw what Conner did to good people like Ash. I can only imagine what it must have been like for Brendan with Jag.”

Now my dad does smile. “I truly wish your mother were here to see the amazing person you’ve become.” His voice softens.

“Dad…,” I begin, not sure what I want to say.

He watches me and waits, his expression relaxed and open, inviting my questions.

I sigh, letting my worries go for right now. There’s been enough turmoil for one day and I’m utterly exhausted by it. “Tell me about Mom.”