CHARLES’S POV:

Charles was in his room with his entourage—minus Malia and Todd, of course. Their faces stared at him like carved statues of disappointment. Mr. Dugan—carrying with him all the weight and power of the government. Mr. Taylor—whose affable nature had dried and become like stone. Who knew what he was thinking? And Grace—who had known Charles since he was a little boy. Couldn’t Charles get through to her?

His arguments were weak and poorly ...