Chapter Seven

Lore prepares for Prince Bastian’s Consecration in the Citadel, choosing a sage-green dress that fits her too well. The tailored clothing reminds Lore that the Presque Mort have been watching her for years, which deepens her unease and grief over losing Val and Mari. Lore forces herself to adapt, deciding survival now means playing noble under the control of King August and Anton.

Anton, Malcolm, and Gabriel wait outside. Gabriel is dressed as Duke Remaut rather than as a monk, and Gabriel’s visible misery at returning to court makes Lore pity him. Malcolm leaves for the library, uncomfortable in the Citadel, while Anton leads Lore and Gabriel to the ceremony grounds behind the palace.

The Consecration is staged in an elaborate field setting with pews, incense, a golden dais, the Compendium, and an unexpected golden knife. Lore and Gabriel sit near the back, largely ignored by the courtiers. Gabriel briefly steadies Lore’s anxious hands and tells Lore that ordinary Consecrations are far simpler, making both of them aware that Bastian’s ceremony includes unusual elements.

Lore feels an uncanny pull and turns to see Bastian approaching in white. As Bastian nears, Lore recognizes Bastian as the man who watched her from the gardens when she arrived at the Citadel. Bastian winks, then mounts the dais to public cheers, while August watches rigidly and drinks from a chalice.

Anton recites the expected holy tract, then unexpectedly turns to Tract Fourteen and speaks of life, death, darkness, light, and holiness. The court grows confused, and even Bastian appears surprised, but Bastian masks the tension with a joke. At Anton’s command, Bastian allows Anton to cut a mark into Bastian’s palm with the golden knife.

For a moment the sky brightens, and the court applauds Bastian’s consecration as future Sainted King, while August looks stricken. Bastian theatrically wipes blood on his white clothing and entertains the crowd, but Lore notices that August remains shaken. As Lore and Gabriel leave, Lore looks back and realizes with certainty that Bastian is staring directly at her from across the field.