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."
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 met his eyes.
"Then I suppose Your Highness has every reason to watch me."
"I do."
There was no hesitation in the answer.
They walked several more steps. The King's voice drifted from ahead, followed by the Queen Mother's laughter and the Duke's restrained reply.
Then the Crown Prince spoke again.
"You felt something earlier, didn't you?."
Julian did not ask what he meant. "I felt many things tonight."
"Another careful answer. I expected as much."
"And what exactly do you think I felt, Your Highness?"
