“So what are we to do?” Whether or not I could accept his honesty seemed superfluous. I wasn’t going to be able to help anyone. I couldn’t wrestle a bird. “I’m in no condition-”

“-to fight? On the contrary, your condition is perfect. It’s one reason we must move quickly. You are in shambles, yet quite competent to take part in the test of parentage. When the Preceptors examine you, they’ll see the truth.”

“No use putting off what will happen anyway.”

“Exactly. The boy will be proved. The Lords will think they’ve won.”

“My life will not be worth much after that.”

“Also true. But we will control the situation. As you said, no use putting off what will happen anyway. I’m sorry, my Prince…” And then he proceeded to tell me his plan, and how it was I would have to die.