Page 158 of The Fifth Heir

“And if she loses control next time?”

“Then we help her learn control.”

The adviser looked at my father.

Neither appeared surprised by my answer.

“You have changed your position,” Father said.

“I have more evidence.”

“You stood in this chamber yesterday and agreed her power required identification.”

“It still does.”

“Then why oppose temporary suspension?”

“Because the demonstration proved the fifth selection was not an accidental discharge. Talia possesses an unknown power directly connected to the other four heirs. Suspending her removes the one person who understood the First Trial well enough to prevent our deaths.”

“It also prevents another uncontrolled event.”

“She did not create the event.”

“That has not been proven.”

“The reversed channels have.”

“Not intent.”

“No,” I said. “Only opportunity.”

Father’s expression hardened.

“You should consider what you are implying.”

“I am.”

“Malcolm has served Crown Wing Academy for thirty-eight years.”

“And Talia has been an heir for less than two weeks. That makes her the easier person to blame.”

The advisers exchanged a glance.

Father closed the folder.

“The emergency review begins in ten minutes. The Northern delegation will support suspension until her manifestation is identified.”

“I will not.”

“You represent yourself as an heir. The council represents the North.”

“I understand.”

“You will stand against your family publicly.”

“If necessary.”

“Over a rival?”