“Anyone who ever gave you confidence, you owe them a lot.” — Truman Capote, Breakfast at Tiffany’s

  ???

  Nathan’s ears were still ringing as he left his father’s study.

  He had only been in there for about an hour, but to Nathan, it felt almost like several hours. Lord Alaric Hunt had a thousand ways to make his displeasure known, and being summoned to his study was rarely a good sign.

  Still, Nathan was thankful that his father hadn’t brought out the whip, nor had he made him sleep in the stables with the horses like he used to when Nathan was younger.

  His relief, however, was short-lived.

  Nathan’s eye twitched the moment he caught sight of the smirking figure that was his older brother leaning casually against the wall just outside their father’s study, with his arms crossed over his chest, and his lips curled with slight amusement.

  And it is apparent from the look on Cassian Hunt’s face that he had heard every word.

  “Well, that sounded pleasant,” Cassian said almost cheerfully. From how he was in his casuals instead of his military uniform, this was likely one of his rare days off from Protectorate.

  “You heard?” Nathan asked sullenly.

  Cassian sighed, pushing off the wall. “I think the entire household did.” He gave pointed looks at the maid not far away, dusting the vase ornament with unusual intensity and focus. “Father didn’t exactly keep his voice down.”

  Nathan groaned, running a hand through his hair. He knew all too well how gossipy the household staff could be, especially the maids. The fishwives at the market have nothing on them. “Great.”

  Cassian eyed his brother wordlessly for several moments. “You have the week off from the Academy, don’t you?” he questioned Nathan, who nodded sullenly. “Good, you have some time, then. I have the next few days off. It’s been a while since we’ve talked. Just the two of us.” Cassian’s voice softened slightly. “Let’s spend some brotherly time together.”

  Nathan wanted to groan. “Cassian—”

  “Humour me,” Cassian interrupted, looking at Nathan seriously. “I want to hear your side of the story. And I think you would rather we do it somewhere that the servants won’t be listening in.”

  The maid nearby squeaked, turning an alarming shade of red as she nearly dropped the vase.

  Nathan sighed. Truthfully, he did want to spend time with his brother. They hadn’t had a proper conversation that wasn’t constantly interrupted by duty, drills, or formality in years. Not since Cassian had gone off to the Academy years ago, and then joined Protectorate right after.

  “Could you bring some tea to my study?” Cassian asked the maid as they passed her.

  The maid squeaked again, bowing to Cassian. “Y-Yes! Right away, Young Master!”

  Nathan only watched the poor maid scurrying off down the hallway before disappearing around a corner, giving Cassian a look. “That’s not very nice, brother,” he reprimanded, even as he followed Cassian down the hallway and one level down, walking toward Cassian’s study.

  Cassian merely shrugged, unbothered, opening the door of his study and ushering Nathan in. “Then she should know better than to eavesdrop on private conversations,” he said curtly, closing the door behind him. “Conversations that are none of her concern, mind you.”

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  Nathan hadn’t been in Cassian’s study in years, and he took a look around.

  If his father’s study reflects his military upbringing, Cassian’s study feels more lived-in and comfortable, with a warm atmosphere. A deep blue carpet stretched across the floor, and there was already a fire crackling in the hearth. Bookcases lined one side of the wall, stretching from ceiling to floor, filled with well-worn volumes of all kinds. There was even a ceremonial sword hanging on the wall behind the desk. And by the tall arched windows that had the curtains tied back, two comfortable armchairs flanked a small round table with a clear view of the courtyard below.

  There was a knock on the door just then, and it opened, admitting the same flustered maid from before. She entered, carrying a tray with two teacups and a teapot. The poor maid didn’t look either Cassian or Nathan in the eye, merely setting the cups and teapot onto the table by the window. She then bowed to Cassian and Nathan before leaving the study.

  Cassian took one of the armchairs, gesturing for Nathan to take the other. “All right,” he said, exhaling as he poured the tea. “I heard about it from Father, and even from one of my subordinates who was on duty at the Academy two days ago when you had your impromptu ‘duel’ with Yulia.”

  He looked sternly at Nathan, who suddenly found the window view of the courtyard extremely fascinating.

  “What were you thinking?” Cassian asked, his voice now serious. “Antagonising Yulia of all people? You’re lucky that she held back. If the late Lord Hamilton Nightray, Goddess keep his soul, was still alive and heard how you kept insulting his daughter, we would be embroiled in an honour duel by now, our father’s old friend or not.”

  Nathan scowled. “She’s not exactly pleasant herself.”

  Cassian looked at Nathan over the rim of his teacup. “You’ve always had this inferiority complex towards Yulia since we were kids. And I can’t say that I don’t understand,” he said bluntly, and Nathan flinched. “I get it, you know. I know where you’re coming from. She’s always been competent. Skilled for someone of her age. Talented. Even I felt inferior to her at times, and I was older. Father’s always admired Yulia and the Nightrays. But I don’t think he even realises that he has been comparing the two of you for years.”

  Nathan scowled. “He always takes her side,” he grumbled.

  Cassian gave Nathan a reproachful look. “That’s not her fault, Nathan,” he said sternly. “Besides, Yulia didn’t have it as easy as you might think. There’s lots that goes into being the head and heir of a noble house, especially one of the Ten Great Houses. Do you think it’s easy? I can barely keep up with all the duties being dumped on me. Running parts of our territory, training under Father, and serving in Protectorate. What do you think Yulia has to deal with? She’ll be assuming the position as the head of House Nightray in a few years.”

  He shook his head. “Father spent so much time with her when we were children because he had to. He was teaching her the duties of a head of House. He was teaching her how to lead. Meanwhile, you had it easy. You get to live without the expectations that come with being the heir. You held the position as part of House Hunt without all the headaches that come with it. And whether you like to hear it or not, Yulia didn’t get an easier road. You just didn’t see what she had to deal with.”

  Nathan grumbled something beneath his breath, but didn’t argue further. “Still doesn’t change the fact that she’s constantly disrespecting Rem,” he muttered.

  Cassian gave Nathan a look, setting down his teacup. “On that matter, little brother, I actually agree with Yulia,” he said, and Nathan recoiled like he’d been slapped, giving Cassian a hurt look. “Even the Imperial Palace have been hearing about what is going on in the Academy. And honestly, considering the way you’ve been going after her, you’re damn lucky that Yulia either has the patience of a saint or couldn’t be bothered with you. She could have crushed you like an ant. If she wanted you dead, you would be in mere seconds, and there would be nothing anyone could do about it.”

  Nathan scowled. “You’re only saying that because Father hoped you’d marry her.”

  Cassian shrugged, unconcerned. “I wouldn’t mind,” he admitted, much to Nathan’s surprise. “We both get along well. We even grew up together. She’s quite the looker, too. Smart, capable, and doesn’t waste time giggling over titles or ballgowns. She would prefer a dagger for a present than makeup or dresses.” He snorted, trying to imagine the look on Yulia’s face if he gifted her makeup. Yulia would likely throw it at his head instead. “And different from all those silly giggling girls that hope I’ll make them Lady Hunt.” He scoffed, and Nathan tried to hide a grin behind his cup. “Better her than the parade of airheads Father keeps sending my way.”

  It is a point of consternation between Cassian and their father, with the way Alaric Hunt is constantly trying to set Cassian up with the daughters of other families, or even the daughters of his friends. Nathan distinctly recalls how there was one such ‘blind date’ set up between Cassian and one of Protectorate’s female soldiers not long after Cassian’s graduation. And Cassian is constantly either wiggling out of it or trying to avoid those meetings.

  Cassian rolled his eyes with annoyance. “I’d marry a commoner or a fellow soldier before I’d suffer through another arranged dinner with a noble girl who doesn’t know which end of a sword to hold, and thinks of nothing but parties and dresses,” he scoffed. “Or maybe one of the female captains in Protectorate. Anyway, we’re not talking about me.” He cleared his throat, giving his younger brother a pointed look. “You’ve always been hot-headed. Father and I have long accepted that. But you weren’t this stupid. You know better than to set yourself against Yulia. Even if not her, you know that her House wouldn’t tolerate any disrespect towards her, especially Gareth Vyrell. Did you leave your brains somewhere between Halberd Reach and the Academy? Are you trying to start a blood feud between both our Houses?”

  Nathan flinched, but said nothing for several moments. Finally, he looked at his brother. “Leighton said something about me not seeing reality,” he admitted at last, his voice quiet. “That Prince Rem and I… We’re not seeing the kingdom the way she does. That we are blind to reality. What does he mean?”

  Cassian’s expression changed immediately. He said nothing for several moments, taking a sip from his cup, looking out of the window. Below them in the courtyard, both brothers could see the Hunt bannermen sparring. Finally, Cassian turned back to Nathan.

  “You’re returning to the Academy next week, right?” he asked, his expression unreadable.

  Nathan blinked, but nodded. “Yeah. I have tests.”

  “Good. You got time, then.” Cassian said. “Come with me.” He got to his feet, leaving his study, with Nathan obediently following his brother. “I’m doing an area inspection. And you’re coming with me.” He looked at Nathan over his shoulder as they walked down the hallway.

  Nathan frowned. “Why?”

  Cassian looked at him, his gaze sharp. “Because it’s time you see the truth for yourself. And what reality actually looks like. Father and I tried to shield you from it as long as we could, but I think you’re old enough now. And it’s time you understand the kingdom you’re so eager to defend.”