The Crown Prince still believed he held the clearer view of the board. Julian now knew one of the tools in his hand, and more importantly, he knew that tool had a teacher behind it. A mentor strong enough to hand out methods that touched the soul itself.
That was no ordinary palace instructor.
And if such a figure stood close to the Crown Prince, then the trail toward the Servant of Death had just grown clearer.
**
Finally, they reached the quarters prepared for the royal guests.
The Duke first showed the King to his chambers, then escorted the Crown Prince to the rooms set aside for him. Both men entered their abode and shut their doors behind them. The corridor settled into a thinner silence after that, broken only by the soft movement of attendants withdrawing to their posts.
Then the Queen Mother dismissed Julian.
"I have something to discuss with the Duke," she said. "You may go."
Julian bowed at once. "Yes, Your Highness."
He left the corridor as ordered.
