Bree arrives at the Lodge in the rain, where Evan greets her jokingly as the Page who brought Nick, the "knight-errant," back into Order life. Evan’s easy attitude about lying for a cause makes Bree think about her own secrecy with Alice and Nick. Nick appears and leads Bree upstairs, away from Evan’s teasing.

On the second floor, Bree and Nick run into Felicity and Russ leaving a room together. Felicity is embarrassed, while Russ is amused; when Felicity pushes Russ away, her new Scion strength sends Russ flying. Nick checks on Felicity’s adjustment to Lamorak’s power, and Felicity admits she is still getting used to both the strength and Lamorak’s temper.

Nick takes Bree to the unused room his father keeps for him at the Lodge. The room feels impersonal except for a few childhood items, including a family photo from Edinburgh at Arthur’s Seat. Nick avoids talking about his mother, then turns serious and tells Bree they need to discuss his Arthurian Line and the danger of Camlann.

Bree confronts Nick for not telling her that he is one of Arthur’s descendants. Nick argues there was no time and says last night’s attack changed their deal: if Camlann is near, becoming any Scion’s Squire would trap Bree in the Order during a war. Nick fears Sel could be ordered to force her into bonding quickly, exposing Bree to Abatement and possible early death.

Bree refuses to quit because joining the Order remains her only path to the truth about her mother. Bree says she is willing to risk Abatement because her mother would have done the same for her. Nick dislikes the decision but accepts her resolve, and Bree realizes his fear is both for her and for himself.

Nick explains that his earlier renouncement was political and symbolic because no one expected Arthur’s heir to be Called. Now he may have to restore the Order’s faith in him and lead if Arthur Awakens. Nick admits he does not want glory or kingship; he does not want the world to be in such danger that it needs a king at all.