“The past is not dead. In fact, it’s not even past.” — William Faulkner, Requiem for a Nun

  ???

  Yulia watched from the doors of the Grand Auditorium as it slowly emptied.

  The instructors, along with the head instructor and the dean of the Academy, were deep in conversation with the visiting officials at the back of the Grand Auditorium. Most likely to discuss funding or even curriculum. Elias and Gale had been dragged off by some of their seniors, last that Yulia saw, whereas a bunch of excited first years were badgering Rowan, Felix, and Kaela with questions, with Yulia barely managing to slip out unnoticed.

  Parliament aides were already whispering amongst themselves as they filed out of the hall. From the snippets of their conversation that Yulia overheard, it seemed like even the aides weren’t impressed with Rem.

  Rem.

  Yulia honestly had no idea where to begin with him. It’s like the more she tried to guide him and challenge him, and even advise him, the more he dug his heels in, refusing to listen.

  ‘He got Luca’s stubbornness,’ Yulia thought wryly to herself. She hadn’t thought about the exiled prince in a while. And for a moment, she wondered how Luca was. If he was eating well, training properly, and sleeping enough. Were Ewan and Jonah taking care of him? ‘Of all the things they had in common, it had to be stubbornness. Sure would make my job and that of Lord Merren’s a whole lot easier if Rem listened to me the way Luca does.’

  She had seen Rem leaving the Grand Auditorium earlier, along with Nathan Hunt and Leighton Curnow. Neither of them had stopped to speak with her, and Yulia was quietly relieved. It wouldn’t do for the visiting officials to witness Argument Number…whatever it was now, between her and Rem.

  These days, whenever Rem and Yulia had the rare chance to speak, it usually ended in an argument.

  It was one thing for Yulia to lecture Rem in private. But even for a royal guardian, it isn’t acceptable to do it in public.

  The sound of heavy boots approaching caught Yulia’s attention, and she looked up, recognising the heavy rhythm of soldiers’ steps long before they made themselves known. And there he stood.

  General Callum Thorne.

  The general who had observed their first war simulation barely a month or so ago, and was a deeply trusted subordinate of Lord Hunt. And from what Yulia had known from Gareth, he was also a friend of her late father. More importantly, he seemed to be the only other person besides herself who was brave enough to call Rem out in public.

  “Heiress Nightray,” General Thorne inclined his head politely.

  Yulia nodded back. “General Thorne,” she murmured. “It’s been a while.”

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  A rare smile crossed his weathered and lightly scarred face, causing the long scar that ran from his left temple to his cheekbone to stretch slightly. “You got quite the mind for tactics,” he mused, his arms crossed over his chest. “You remind me of your father.” His voice softened, his gaze going distant as he thought of the late Lord Nightray. “I served with your father during the first Northern Skirmishes during the war against Nuvelle. He would have been very proud of you.”

  Yulia’s lips quirked slightly. “It’s been a while. Not since his funeral.”

  General Thorne nodded solemnly. “The kingdom lost more than a lord that day. To many of us in the military, Lord Hamilton was a dear friend, a trusted comrade, and a mentor to many young soldiers.”

  Yulia offered no reply to that. While Lord Hunt never said anything openly, she knew that he missed her father dearly, too. While he had never made the mistake of seeing her as her father, there were little comments he made over the years that revealed how much Hamilton Nightray still lingered in his thoughts when he looked at her.

  Sometimes, Yulia wasn’t sure whether to take it as high praise or as a burden.

  “Was there something you needed, General?” she asked at last.

  “Not me, specifically,” General Thorne gave a light shake of his head, before gesturing for someone. Yulia blinked when she recognised the tall figure that approached. Dressed in the sharp black and white military uniform, but with the unmistakable silver emblem of Protectorate on the left side of his chest—a shield. “I believe you know him already. Captain Cassian Hunt of Division 12. Soon to be Major.”

  “Yulia,” Cassian greeted with a light grin. “It’s been quite some time.”

  The smile that Yulia gave Cassian was warm. “Cassian,” she greeted. “I didn’t expect to see you here. Last I heard, Protectorate was stretched thin.”

  Cassian exchanged looks with General Thorne, and Yulia narrowed her eyes. That exchange is very telling.

  “Yeah, well…” Cassian sighed, dragging a hand through his hair. “First, I am here in the capacity as Heir Hunt,” he said formally, and Yulia raised a brow. “I sincerely apologise on behalf of my younger brother. Nathan’s behaviour toward you has been unacceptable. Father was appalled. You have our assurances that Nathan will be disciplined accordingly.”

  Yulia sighed. “Well, that explains it,” she muttered. “I was wondering why he’s been unusually quiet since his return. He normally can’t go a day without arguing with me.”

  Cassian tried to hide a grin. “He’s had a few realities…clarified,” he said diplomatically.

  Yulia made a noncommittal sound in her throat. “Ah. I see,” was all that she said.

  She didn’t press further. Knowing both Lord Hunt and Cassian, she could guess what had likely been said or shown. And judging by how Nathan had been unusually quiet recently, and not jumping to Rem’s defence if someone so much as questioned him, it was very telling.

  “Well then,” Cassian cleared his throat, reaching into his inner coat pocket, and pulling out a cream-coloured envelope bearing the insignia of House Hunt, handing it to Yulia, who took it. “Now, I’m speaking not just as Heir Hunt, but also as your friend,” he said. “This is an official invitation to a gathering of the Ten Great Houses. It’s been decided that things can’t continue like this. We’re organising a full council to discuss our options. As Halberd Reach is neutral ground, House Hunt will be hosting.”

  Yulia nodded slowly, eyeing the emblem of House Hunt on the envelope before tucking it into her pocket. “Understood,” she responded. “To be honest, I was expecting this at some point. Gareth’s been keeping me updated on the situation within Nightray territory. It’s worsening. And those with territories spanning the borders are worse off still.” She sighed. “I don’t envy Lord Kael.” She murmured.

  General Thorne nodded solemnly. “Protectorate is stretched thin as it is. Parliament’s inaction is draining us. As well as the mountain garrisons. I believe that the troops of the Ten Great Houses are all stretched thin as well. It’s honestly a testament to Lord Kael’s leadership and skill that he’s been able to hold out so far.”

  Cassian nodded. “If the situation escalates, the soldiers will riot. As will the civilians,” he admitted. “Before it gets to that point, we need to act.” He exhaled. “Also, Father wants to issue a formal apology to you on Nathan’s behalf—”

  “He doesn’t have to. I know Nathan’s temper—”

  “Regardless, it is a matter of House honour,” Cassian interrupted, holding up a hand to stop Yulia’s protests. “And even if it weren’t, it reflects very poorly on us if a formal apology isn’t made, especially after the insults that Nathan hurled at a lady of a noble house. And one of higher rank, furthermore.”

  Yulia sighed, nodding. As the Nightray heiress, she understood the politics and etiquette demanded of the Ten Great Houses. If Nathan had done what he did to her to any other member of a noble family, it could even be grounds for a blood feud.

  “I’ll be at the council,” she said at last. “As would Gale and Elias, too, I imagine, considering that they’re the heirs of their Houses as well. It’s time we acted. If Parliament won’t act, then we will.”

  Cassian nodded. “Agreed. This kingdom needs its soldiers. And I believe Parliament, too, is long overdue for a wakeup call.” His expression turned cold and grim. Looking at him now, Yulia has no trouble believing the reputation that Cassian had earned for himself amongst the soldiers. “And if we have to force them to act, then so be it. Prince Rem, too, is long overdue for a very brutal reckoning. If he wants to be the king, he needs to learn the truth and start acting like a king. Otherwise, we, the Ten Great Houses, will act. And if it comes to it, we’ll put someone else on the throne if we have to.”