Then Hollingsworth lets out a laugh, so fake that I almost recoil. But I understand what it means. Someone is watching us. I force a smile, try to act natural.
‘I need to read my mother’s research proposal,’ I say quickly. ‘The one on dragon dialects. It could help us bring an end to the war.’
Hollingsworth frowns and gives me a long, curious look. I can tell that she’s bursting to ask me more, but the Official Secrets Act binds us both.
‘You told me I have a bright future and to seize it,’ I say. ‘Well, that’s what I’m doing. Send me my mother’s research. Please.’
‘Excuse me.’
I spin round. Marquis is standing there, eyeing Hollingsworth coldly. She gives him a courteous nod, but then turns back to me, a hundred questions on her lips.
‘We’ve been summoned to a meeting,’ Marquis says. ‘Recruits only.’
Is he lying? I glance around at all the guests, who are being invited to take seats at the dining tables.
‘Now?’ I say.
‘Now,’ Marquis replies.
I nod goodbye to Hollingsworth and follow Marquis.
‘Why the hell are you talking to her?’ he says.
I follow him out of the ballroom and see the other recruits queuing outside a door to the right of the hall.
‘What are we doing here?’ I ask, ignoring his question.
‘Wyvernmire wants to speak to us before making her grand entrance,’ Atlas says from the queue, rolling his eyes.
Beside him, Dodie fidgets nervously. ‘Do you think we’re in trouble?’
‘Of course not,’ Atlas replies, giving her a reassuring smile. ‘She’s probably wants an update on our progress, to give her something to boast about.’
We file into what seems to be an unused parlour. White sheets cover the furniture and above us a dusty chandelier flickers with pale yellow light. Prime Minister Wyvernmire is sitting on an uncovered armchair upholstered in red velvet. Both Ralph and Owen are standing behind her. I want to ask her where Ursa is, and why she took her when she promised she wouldn’t. But I can’t do that without admitting to the dracovol.
‘Good evening,’ she says, ‘I trust you are enjoying the celebrations?’
We all nod and murmur an agreement as we try to guess what might be about to happen. Two more Guardians enter the room behind us.
‘I wanted to greet you all personally before making my appearance at tonight’s Christmas Ball,’ she says. ‘We have a lot of distinguished guests this evening, but none are quite as important as you.’
Atlas lets out a loud cough.
‘You have had almost a month to settle into your roles at Bletchley Park,’ she continues. ‘And in that time the rebels have grown bolder. I am sure you were as disturbed as I was to learn about the recent attacks on civilians in the country’s capital.’
I think of the two very different radio reports on the conflict at the Academy. How did Wyvernmire react to the rebel radio infiltration?
‘I’m afraid I bring to you some even more unsettling news. It seems that the Scots feel more sympathetic towards the rebel groups than we previously suspected. While the British Army put up a good fight, many Scottish citizens have turned their coats, so to speak. As of tonight, the rebels occupy most of Scotland.’
Loud whispers fill the room. I stare at Marquis, who is standing close to Karim. A whole country under rebel control? How can the rebels be making so much progress whenweseem to be making none at all? I’ve barely heard any reports of government victories – how can that be possible with an entire army at its disposition? I thought the rebel movement was supposed to be small.
‘My parents,’ Karim croaks. ‘They live in Aberdeenshire, and they’re loyal to the government, I swear—’
‘Not to worry, Karim,’ Wyvernmire says. ‘We extracted your parents from Scotland last week.’
I look at her in surprise.
‘Why?’ Karim says.
