Oathbound (Legendborn, #3)

by Tracy Deonn

I have lived beneath your violence; I have seen what you seek to hide, not just here but everywhere. And in my time away from this court, I have seen and felt your truths more clearly than ever.” “What truths?” “Your supremacy,” Nick says, brows tight. “Your misogyny. Your racism. Your cowardice.” Aldrich snarls. “Scion Davis—” “I only state out loud that which you enact in plain sight. That which we can all see, if we can stand to bear witness.” Nick seethes. “Will you punish me for doing so? Your chosen son?” The Regents are silent. “Briana Matthews cannot be the only voice that speaks against you.” Nick’s face turns derisive. A bright fury, rising beneath his skin. “Not when she bears our burdens for us and goes so unprotected. Not when you erase her humanity to guard your own power and protect your own whiteness.” Aldrich and Gabriel both sputter, while Cestra’s face turns red. The High Regent shoots to his feet. “Scion Davis—!” “I’m not done!” Nick roars back. “And I wasn’t just talking to you.” Nick turns to the room, to the other Scions and Squires, to the Lieges up above. “We have to know these sins. We have to name them. Not only in Bree’s presence”—at this, Nick looks at the Southern Chapter, at me—“but in her absence, too.”