I led our group back through the sea path and entered the palace grounds through the old gardeners' gate. The rain had stopped, but the wind off the coast cut through my wet clothes. Sloane had wrapped her side in a fresh bandage. My mother carried the ledger in a canvas bag. Greer walked between her and Julian, unarmed and silent.
The command wing occupied the north side of the palace. It had two entrances: the main hall and a service stair that passed through the old map room. I chose the service stair.
At the lower landing, I paused to listen. Voices came from above. One of them belonged to Rusk.
"Once the statement airs, the council will recognize the emergency authority," he said. "The prince will have no role in the transition."
I looked at Julian. He had heard every word.
He le
