Chapter 887 - 887: The crown prince makes his move

Liam, too, offered nothing.

That was what caught Julian's attention.

His uncle had barely spoken since the King raised the matter of the southern territories. He did not try to demonstrate his usefulness, nor did he take the opportunity to draw attention to his own branch of the family. Even now, while the royal family discussed a marriage that would bring House Astran closer to the throne, Liam remained silent.

It was unlike him.

Liam understood the value of royal favor better than most. He was not a man who overlooked an opportunity without reason, especially one presented so openly.

Julian let his gaze rest on him for a moment.

The trouble in the south. The King's interest in the duchy's military strength. The old shadow of Valthor.

And Liam's silence.

None of it proved anything. Julian knew better than to turn suspicion into certainty simply because several pieces appeared to fit together. Yet the possibility begun to take shape in his mind, and he could no longer dismiss it as easily as before.

Perhaps Liam knew something about what was happening in the south.

Perhaps he was involved.

Julian would need something more concrete before drawing any conclusions, but he intended to pay closer attention to Liam from now on.

Across the table, Vanessa listened as the conversation moved away from her engagement. She answered when addressed and smiled when courtesy demanded it.

She looked calm, almost untouched by the talk of her future. Only someone who had seen her on the balcony at night would wonder how much of that calm was real, and how much was training.

The banquet continued as the remaining courses arrived one after another. Conversation gradually returned to lighter subjects, and the tension that had accompanied the earlier discussion faded into the background.

Yet the evening had already accomplished what the King had intended.

He reminded House Astran of their friendship, secured a promise of military cooperation, and allowed the royal engagement to take another small step toward the public eye.

**

At last, the King set down his cup and glanced toward the Duke.

The gesture was slight, but the Duke understood.

He rose from his seat.

"Your Majesty, Your Highnesses. I hope the morning has been to your liking. The journey from the capital must have been tiring, and I imagine you would appreciate some rest. Allow me to escort you to your quarters."

The Queen Mother regarded him with faint amusement.

"How considerate of you, Duke. Though I must say, your hospitality has kept us at the table rather longer than I expected."

A few smiles appeared around the room.

The Duke bowed his head, accepting the gentle rebuke.

"I shall take that as a sign that the evening has not been entirely unpleasant, Your Highness."

"That depends on how comfortable the beds are," she replied.

This time, the laughter was less restrained.

Even the King smiled as he pushed his chair back.

"Come, Mother. We can judge his hospitality properly in the morning."

The Queen Mother rose, allowing a servant to assist her, while the Crown Prince stood beside Vanessa and offered her a courteous nod.

"Until tomorrow, Lady Vanessa."

"Until tomorrow, Your Highness."

Their exchange was brief, perfectly proper, and watched by more people than either of them acknowledged.

Julian noticed that, too.

The royal family had come to Astran under the appearance of an old friendship. By morning, the kingdom would have one more reason to watch the duchy closely.

**

With that, the banquet hall soon emptied.

The commanders and knights returned to the walls and corridors, tightening the duchy's security for the night. Maids moved in at once, clearing plates, gathering cups, and restoring the long tables to order.

Olivia and Vanessa remained behind to attend to the visiting nobles before they were guided to their quarters. Within minutes, the grand hall that had been filled with ceremony and conversation stood almost empty.

Julian followed his father as the royal family was escorted toward their resting quarters.

Ahead of them, the King, the Queen Mother, and the Duke walked together, speaking quietly about their younger days. Their voices carried only faintly through the corridor as servants lined the route and bowed at intervals.

Then the Crown Prince slowed. He allowed the others to move a little farther ahead before falling into step beside Julian.

For several moments, he said nothing.

He walked with the same calm expression he had worn throughout the banquet, as though this were nothing more than a casual walk between two nobles.

Julian knew better.

The prince had waited until they were away from the table for a reason.

"Lord Kraven," he said at last.

Julian turned slightly and offered a polite bow.

"Your Highness."

"I wanted a word before the evening ended." His tone was light. "Formal dinners are useful for appearances. They are rarely useful for honest conversation."

"I would not presume to know what counts as honest beneath a royal roof."

The Crown Prince smiled.

"Careful. The reports I received made you sound rather different."

Julian kept his expression calm.

"Reports have a habit of becoming stories once they travel far enough."

"And which story should I believe?"

"The one you find most convincing."

The prince chuckled.

"You have certainly changed."

"People often mistake distance for change, Your Highness."

"Perhaps."

The Crown Prince studied him from the corner of his eye.

"I was told that Lord Kraven left Astran as a disappointment and returned as an Arch Mage. That is quite a transformation for a few years."

"I found an opportunity and used it."

"An opportunity?"

The prince repeated the word slowly.

"Most men find teachers. A few find talent. Very rarely does someone disappear with one reputation and return with another entirely."

Julian said nothing.

The Crown Prince continued.

"And now Astran stands on the edge of several changes at once. The crown is preparing to strengthen its ties with your house. The south may soon require your soldiers. And you…"

His gaze settled fully on Julian.

"You returned at the center of it all."