He walked over to the window and looked out over the duchy.
Everything was falling into place.
**
The morning passed without any major hassle.
The castle continued its frantic preparations for the King's arrival. Servants rushed through corridors, and the two factions maintained an uneasy but functional truce under the pressure of the upcoming royal visit.
Julian spent most of the day in his chambers, meditating lightly and refining his control over Kraven's body. Sera had visited once with lunch, but he dismissed her quickly after a few careful exchanges. She was shocked but she didn't press further.
No further incidents occurred.
The afternoon deepened.
He was at the window, when the knock came.
A servant.
"My lord. The Duke requests your presence in his office."
Julian did not waste any time. He made his way to his father's office at once. The corridors were still busy with people moving about, but the earlier tension had faded.
