Julian’s hazel eyes sparkle with good nature. He’s so easily disarming.
“How are you friends with the Praetorian?” I ask, then close my mouth. I twist my napkin in my hands. “I’m so sorry, that was careless and rude. You needn’t answer.”
Warmth fires my cheeks. That was meant to be an internal comparison, and now I just insulted his friendship. Julian and Torren served in the legions together and were friends before that. Everyone knows they are close companions along with being two of the most sought-after bachelors in the capital.
“You aren’t the first to wonder,” Julian says with a laugh. “He saved me when we were boys. This might come as a shock, but I wasn’t always the fine physical specimen you see before you. I was small and scrawny until adulthood, really. But as I turned thirteen, I was overconfident. I believed I could explore the city without guards, tutors, or chaperones. It didn’t take long for me to realize that was a mistake—less than a day, in fact. Three older boys followed me as I left the markets. They dragged me into an alley after they stole my coin purse. They would’ve done worse than beat me, but Tor came in and fought them all off—thank the gods.”
Shame and gratitude flash over his face as his hazel eyes take on a distant look, as if he can recall that moment of helplessness like it was yesterday. Elite men in Pryor are not supposed to need saving, which makes the memory that much more humiliating, I’m sure. And yet he’s shared it with me.
I don’t want anyone to become trapped in past shame, so I decide to slightly change the subject.
“Did you know him then?”
Julian shakes his head and releases the tension in his shoulders. “I’d seen him before because of our fathers, but we didn’t piece that together until later. He defended me because it was three against one, because I needed it.” Julian pauses and looks me in the eyes. “That is who he is, Kera. He believes in what is right and does it regardless of the consequences. Everyone else I’ve known has shown me favor because of my father, my position. Tor saved me that day expecting nothing. I’ve spent my life annoying him in return.”
I shift in my seat, the sentiment uncomfortably familiar. Since I can remember, I’ve been the daughter of the High Priest, and now I am the High Priestess. There are many worse things to be, but I can never be certain of who has ulterior motives to their kindness.
“Was this before his father…” I begin.
I don’t know how to end the sentence. After being convicted, his father was given the opportunity to commit suicide to avoid a brutal public execution. He took his own life in Tullanium jail.
“No, it was around a year later.”
When someone is convicted by the Verity Guild, everything is stripped from their families. Torren defended Julian when he himself had nothing.
An unsettling feeling grips me. This is not the person I’ve known—the brutal investigator with hatred in his heart. A man who tortures and punishes and yet still sleeps at night. I can’t resolve it.
“Where did he disappear to?” I ask.
Julian scans the doorways. “I’m not sure. But if I had to guess, he’s going to get himself in trouble. I should look into it.” He sighs and pushes back his chair. “Would you like me to escort you to your chambers?”
He asks the last question in a louder tone, so it could be overheard. Bless him.
“Yes, please,” I say. “I’m quite exhausted.” That is the truth.
Julian offers me his arm, and I take it.
“I bid the Council a fair evening, and I will see you at breakfast tomorrow.” I bow slowly to the senators even though my limbs itch to flee.
They pause their conversations long enough to respond in kind, and then Julian and I leave the banquet room. Senator Eyo is well into his cups and doesn’t disguise that he is watching my every move, but I continue to walk gracefully.
I need to do something about him, but I have no idea what.
I take a deep breath when we are in the hall and notice Julian’s chest rising as well.
“That lot is suffocating,” he murmurs.
It’s a grave offense to insult the Senate, but Julian is too powerful and too connected to care.
“I offer no commentary,” I respond.
Julian laughs, but then his smile fades. “I am surprised they didn’t ask you to vote on a Senate Leader today. I suppose Terrance believes the position naturally falls to him—although why remains a mystery when Eyo is better liked. I expect that it will all come to a head by tomorrow. Be prepared.”
My full stomach twists at the thought. No wonder they were all trying to court me today. Terrance expecting the seat makes sense. Only, did he kill to get it?
“Fortune is on my side, I see,” I murmur.
Julian snorts, which causes me to laugh. We are both still laughing as we climb the grand staircase. As the distance grows between the Council and me, I feel safer. I can breathe again, and Julian relaxes as well.
