Book One, Chapter 12 Summary

Theo arrives at the old Foreign and Commonwealth building that overlooks St. James's Park. This is where both the Council meets and Xan lives. Xan rejected Ten Downing Street as a place of residence and lives in an apartment upstairs in what Theo calls ordered and comfortable simplicity, which can only be enjoyed when one has money and staff.

When Theo is led by a Grenadier into the building, up a staircase, and into the meeting room, he is shocked to be faced by the entire Council. He had been under the impression that it would be a private meeting. Theo is also shocked to see that Xan is wearing the Coronation Ring, which is the wedding ring of England, reserved for royalty. Xan notices his displeasure and says it was Harriet's idea. He says he knows Theo is...