Page 195 of The Fifth Heir

The bedframe brightened.

Rafe watched the colors move through it. “That answered several questions.”

“None of yours,” I said.

“Most of mine.”

Sebastian finally turned a page.

I looked at him. “Bastian.”

His gaze lifted.

“Has the headmaster responded to the evidence?”

“He ordered us to bring the originals to his office after breakfast. He will examine them with Malcolm present before deciding whether to open a formal inquiry.”

“Did he name any suspects?”

“The delivery signature remains unreadable.”

“And Malcolm?”

“Still overseeing the Trials.”

Torren sat up behind me. “Why?”

“Because the Keeper can be removed only by the crown or by unanimous vote of the seven territorial councils.”

Rafe dropped back onto his pillow. “Convenient.”

“Until the meeting, Malcolm retains his authority,” Sebastian continued. “The headmaster can restrict access to specific chambers while evidence is reviewed, but he cannot remove a Keeper unilaterally.”

“He can still control the Trials,” Torren said.

“By law.”

The blue curtains opened.

Leander stepped out fully dressed.

Of course he did.

He glanced at the crystal bed, then at Torren’s bare chest. His expression gave away nothing.

“The law also prevents him from delaying the final Trial indefinitely,” he said.

I tied my robe. “Final?”

“The council review concluded while you slept. Since the First Trial produced no winner and the demonstration was not sanctioned as a Trial, the academy intends to proceed to a determining challenge.”

“Already?”

“The current king’s strength is declining faster than expected.”

That information had not appeared in any public report.

“When?” I asked.