In the wake of the failed coup and the tightening grip of the coastal mansion, two new fronts open in the war for Mild's freedom: one built on a hidden past and the other on a desperate legal rescue.
The high-level interrogation room in the prison was cold, lit only by a single flickering bulb. Arthur Vance sat across from Silas Armitage, who looked more like a cornered wolf than a fallen king.
"The Board is losing patience, Silas," Vance whispered. "If you don't take the test, they'll assume Mike is telling the truth by default. Why risk the entire empire over a cheek swab?"
Silas leaned forward, his shackled hands trembling. "Because the test won't just prove Mike is an Armitage, Vance. It will prove what kind of Armitage he is."
