Capítulo 24: Chapter 24: Favor
Julian was deep in thought as he watched the sun slowly climb its way across the morning sky, casting golden hues over the vast woodland. Froi, already a few paces ahead, scanned the treeline with a focused expression, bow in hand, a model of nobility turned hunter. The boar hunt had been Julian's idea—a way to bond, to pass the time before more serious matters demanded their attention. Froi had agreed, seeing it as an opportunity to unwind, but Julian recognized it as something far more useful: a chance to further solidify his influence over the young nobleman. Froi's trust was a valuable asset, one he intended to keep close.
They trudged through the forest, their breath visible in the cool air, the occasional rustle of leaves or crack of a twig the only sounds between them. Froi's proudness had softened in recent days, replaced by a genuine camaraderie that made him far easier to manipulate. Julian smirked inwardly. How easily people let their guard down when you play the part of a friend.
Froi suddenly halted, raising a hand to signal silence. Ahead, just beyond a thicket, a large boar rooted around in the underbrush, oblivious to their presence. Julian admired the creature's obliviousness. A few arrows later, it would be over, a life snuffed out with little fanfare. Not unlike the fate of so many who stood in his way.
"Quite the beast, isn't it?" Froi whispered, drawing an arrow from his quiver with a smile that suggested he was already imagining the hunt's success. "Let's see if this one gives us a challenge."
Julian feigned a grin. "I'm more interested in seeing if you can actually hit it."
Froi chuckled, nocking the arrow. "Careful, Edelman. A challenge like that might bruise my pride."
Pride. Julian resisted the urge to laugh. How fragile that was, and how easily it could be broken.
The boar sensed the danger too late. Froi's arrow flew true, striking the beast just behind its shoulder. It let out a guttural squeal, charging forward in a last desperate attempt at escape. Julian followed with a second arrow, ensuring it didn't get far. The boar collapsed, its mighty frame thudding against the earth. The thrill of the hunt never truly excited Julian, but he allowed himself to appear satisfied, stepping forward to examine the kill.
"Good shot," Julian said, though there was a hint of condescension in his tone that Froi, lost in the moment, didn't catch.
"Teamwork," Froi replied, grinning widely as he nudged the boar with his boot. "Not bad for a day's work."
Julian only smiled, silently noting how easily Froi attributed their success to unity. Just as planned.
•••••
By the time afternoon arrived, they had returned to the castle, leaving the spoils of the hunt to be dealt with by the servants. Julian was called to the throne room, where King Edwin awaited. The corridors were familiar by now, each step resonating with the knowledge that his influence here had only grown. Yet, there was something different this time—an air of anticipation that had Julian's curiosity piqued.
As the heavy doors swung open, Julian entered the grand hall. King Edwin sat on his throne, a warm smile greeting him. But it was the woman beside him that drew Julian's attention. She was elegant, with blonde hair cascading down her shoulders, framing a face that held both authority and grace. Her eyes, though stern, softened as they met his.
"Julian, may I present my queen, Margaret Carlan," Edwin announced, pride evident in his voice.
Queen Margaret inclined her head slightly, her expression as composed as her demeanor. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Sir Julian. My husband speaks of you often and with great admiration."
"And it is my honor to meet you, Your Majesty," Julian replied, bowing with a sincerity that belied the calculations running through his mind. "I've heard much about your wisdom and kindness."
Margaret's smile was gentle, her voice melodic. "Kindness can be as dangerous as it is necessary, wouldn't you agree?"
Julian chuckled lightly. "A sentiment I wholeheartedly endorse."
Before the conversation could deepen, another figure stepped forward, her presence commanding. Julian knew her all too well—Princess Adery Carlan, in all her cold, armored glory. She had her mother's beauty, but none of her warmth. Adery's blue eyes locked onto Julian with a gaze that was equal parts challenge and disdain, a contrast to her sister Amira's gentler nature.
Edwin's expression turned apologetic as he noticed the tension. "Julian, I must apologize for Adery's behavior earlier. She can be… impetuous."
Julian offered a disarming smile. "There's no need for an apology, Your Majesty. I found the princess's fighting style quite impressive. It's not every day one is challenged so directly."
Adery narrowed her eyes, crossing her arms as if unimpressed. "Impressed or humoring me, I wonder?"
Julian met her gaze with his usual calm. "Perhaps both."
Adery's scowl deepened, but she remained silent, clearly assessing him. Julian welcomed the scrutiny. Let her probe, let her doubt. She would find only what he allowed her to see.
The resemblance between Amira and Adery was striking, yet where Amira was soft-spoken and gentle, Adery was sharp and unyielding. Their differences amused Julian, but he masked his thoughts behind a courteous expression, his mind already spinning new threads of influence.
King Edwin cleared his throat, drawing their attention back to him. "In a few weeks, I will officially declare Adery as my heir. The time has come to make it known that she will succeed me. We must tighten our security, and Julian, I will rely on you heavily during this time."
"It will be an honor to serve, Your Majesty," Julian replied smoothly. "Princess Adery is more than deserving of the throne, and I will do everything in my power to ensure her succession is secured."
Edwin's face softened with relief. "Thank you, Julian. Your support means a great deal to us all."
Julian could sense the genuine favor Edwin held for him, but it was Queen Margaret who caught his attention next. She smiled, her tone light and teasing. "In the coming days, we will be quite busy, preparing for the announcement and all it entails. Perhaps this would be a good time for you and Amira to spend some time together before the chaos begins."
Amira, who had remained silent until now, blushed at her mother's words, her eyes flitting briefly to Julian. The queen's approval was clear, a subtle yet undeniable endorsement of their closeness. It was yet another layer of influence Julian had wrapped around himself, effortlessly drawing the royal family further into his web.
"A wise suggestion, Your Majesty," Julian replied with a polite nod. "I would be honored to spend time with Amira."
Amira's blush deepened, and Margaret's smile widened. There was no mistaking the queen's intent. She saw Julian as more than just a hero for her kingdom; she saw him as a potential son-in-law, a future prince. And why not? He had proven himself capable, dependable, even charming. But more importantly, he had made himself indispensable.
King Edwin clapped his hands together, his voice booming with good cheer. "It's settled then. Tonight, take some time to enjoy the capital. The night market should be in full swing, and there's no harm in enjoying a little leisure."
"Your generosity is appreciated, Your Majesty," Julian replied with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
Edwin beamed, clearly pleased. Julian knew that the king's favor was genuine, a byproduct of careful manipulation and calculated moves. Had it not been for Gilbert Az's counsel to exercise restraint, Edwin might have pushed even harder for a union between Julian and Amira. But for now, this was enough. All things would come in time, and Julian was nothing if not patient.
As the meeting drew to a close, Julian allowed himself a moment of reflection. Everything was proceeding according to plan. The trust he had cultivated, the bonds he had forged, and the loyalty he had secured—all would serve him well in the days to come.
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