The three of us entered the debrief room together. The Viceroy was already there with his mate Linnae, and so was Tau. The big orange moth was sitting near the back of the room alone, a contemplative expression on his face and his wings lowered, tail twitching from time to time. 
I couldn't see Divana, though, the princess' spot next to her father notably empty, and Bellae was gone as well. 
The Viceroy perked up as soon as we walked in though, his long, thin antennae rising up and pointing in our direction, and he stood up to greet us. 
Good evening, my sobris, he said to Ezra and Fritillary. He dipped his head at me with a warm look in his eyes. Hello, sir Tracey. I hope you all slept well? 
It was fine, Uncle, Ezra replied. I hope your day went well. 
Very well, the Viceroy affirmed with a laugh. Are you and Tracey ready for the test tonight, Ezra? 
I'm as prepared as I can be. Ezra nodded firmly, lifting his chin and squaring his shoulders. I'm optimistic about how it'll go. 
Which was totally a lie, based on his behaviour earlier. 
But the Viceroy bought it, nodding. I'm optimistic, too! And I'm looking forward to see what you will choose to do. 
Uncle, Fritillary cut in, where is the Maggodin? 
Atlas is sleeping, right now. He went to sleep in the afternoon and will be awake later tonight, maybe around midnight. 
The three of them started talking, discussing this, but movement caught my eye from the right side. 
I glanced over and found Tau standing now, stalking closer. When he saw me looking, though, he paused, then lifted a hand and waved at me, gesturing for me to come over. 
I glanced back at Ezra, then crept over to his father, tilting my head at him curiously. 
Is everything okay, your highness? I asked him as I stopped in front of him. 
Withdraw from the test today, he said quietly. Tell Bellae and the Viceroy that you won't be accepting it. 
I found myself confused, and a little shocked. ...excuse me? 
You heard me. Back out of the test. 
Why would I do that? 
He scoffed. Why would you be foolish enough to accept it? Turn it down. Let Ezra do this alone. 
This is a huge opportunity, I said slowly, wrapping my tail around my legs. I'm- 
You're unworthy, he interrupted. A lowly Chiro such as yourself should never have an opportunity to run the city, especially not alone, side-by-side with a monarch. Chiros don't run things. Lepidopterans do. 
I couldn't help but to frown. Bellae thought I was worthy. She thought I was more than just a 'lowly Chiro'. 
But I couldn't argue with a monarch, could I? 
That's unfair, I dared to say, lowering my head. Bellae said I could do this. 
Bellae doesn't know what she's saying, Tau spat. I'm tired of hearing the things she says about you. You'll never be on the council, you'll never rise in rank, and you'll NEVER be monarch. Do you understand me?? 
Monarch?? What was he on about?
I'm not trying to be a monarch, sir. I shifted on my feet awkwardly.