Chapter 3: Lessons in Power and Friendship

I could climb trees too.

But I’d never taken a bird’s nest.

The birds were raising their chicks just fine—why break up a family?

I would be president one day; I had to have a good heart.

But I smiled gently. "Lucas—what was your name again?"

They jumped in fright and quickly stood at attention. "Good afternoon, Ms. Quinn! I’m Lucas Sterling."

Lucas looked up at me. "Jamie, do you want to come? It’s fun."

I smiled slightly. "Sure."

One of them, the oldest grandson of the Adams family, looked at me coolly. "Jamie, you’re the president’s kid—this is beneath you."

I asked kindly, "And you are?"

He nodded. "I’m Sam Adams."

I nodded. "Then you should come too."

He was unwilling, but since I’d spoken, he didn’t dare refuse.

So a group of us marched grandly to Maple Heights Park. I watched as Lucas shrugged off his jacket and nimbly climbed a tree like a monkey. He shouted in excitement and brought down a nest. Inside was a fledgling. "Jamie, this is for you."

I smiled. "What would I do with it?"

He blurted, "Roast it, or play with it."

I nodded. "All right."

Sam Adams watched coldly, saying nothing.

I turned to my aides. "Since Young Mr. Sterling suggests it, don’t let him go home for a few days. Let him stay in the stables—he can feed the horses or chickens."

Lucas was dumbfounded. "Jamie, why—"

Part of me wanted to laugh it off, but another part—the part that remembered what it felt like to be small and scared—wouldn’t let it slide.

I said seriously, "Lucas, if you compare the bird’s age to a human’s, it’s about the same as you. If you can separate it from its parents, why shouldn’t you experience the same?"

I sighed. "General Sterling is famous for his strict discipline—even when surrendering a city, he keeps order for the people’s sake. But, Lucas, what did this fledgling ever do to you?"

Lucas was already standing awkwardly. Sam Adams’s expression softened; he just stared at me.

I said, "Take Lucas away."

After the others left, Sam Adams gave me a deep, formal nod.

"I failed to appreciate your wisdom and spoke out of turn. You really are kind—I was arrogant and presumptuous."

I helped him up personally. "With your advice, Sam, I can keep my conscience clear."

Sam Adams, eldest grandson of the Adams family, had been brilliant since childhood, always by his grandfather’s side—a sign of his family’s favor.

The Adams family is the mouthpiece of all the academics. If I want them to back me, the next family head must be loyal to me.

In the end, everything comes down to people.

Today’s little drama was all for Sam Adams.

My heart hammered with the thrill of seeing my plan work—the first piece on the board moved into place, just as Dad always taught me during our late-night chess games in the West Wing.