“If you want to know what a man’s like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals.” - Sirius Black (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire)

  ???

  It was as if the Goddess herself wept with them on the day of Lord Hamilton Nightray’s funeral.

  The rain is steadily pouring from the grey skies, soaking those gathered at Evershade’s village square, all of them dressed in black mourning clothes.

  The members of House Nightray. The villagers of Evershade, and even those from further parts of Nightray territories, who had made the journey just to attend the funeral of their provincial lord. Major lords from all over had come to pay their respects—Lord Alaric Hunt, and all the other lords and ladies from the Ten Great Houses. Even some of the minor nobles had turned up. There were even military commanders and generals in attendance, including General Callum Thorne.

  Lord Hamilton Nightray had been widely respected and deeply loved, and it showed in the number of mourners who have turned up—all of them crowding in Evershade’s small village square, with them all placing a single bloom of the pink-and-white silvaris flower, native only to the hills of Nightray lands.

  The three year war against Nuvelle had finally ended. Nuvelle had surrendered.

  But the cost had been high.

  Along with several notable figures, Lord Hamilton Nightray, Lord and Lady D’Aragon, and even King Edric and Queen Lysandra had lost their lives in the war. Having lost both the king and queen, the royal retainer, acting as regent, had offered Nuvelle half the grains in their reserves in exchange for peace.

  King Theodore of Nuvelle had accepted, and so, the war ended, but not without casualties. Lord Hamilton Nightray had died defending the royal couple, and his body was brought back to Evershade, wrapped in the black and silver colours of House Nightray by one of the members of his House.

  The war’s end also marked the beginning of a new and uncertain era. The Kingdom of Alathia now stood without an official monarch, still suffering and bleeding from its wounds, with the leadership of the kingdom now left in the hands of the only known remaining member of the royal family.

  Despite the quiet weeping of the gathered commoners, not a single member of House Nightray shed a tear. Their eyes were dry and solemn as they placed their flowers in front of the white casket of their lord.

  Prince Rem stood at the back of the crowd with his newly appointed royal advisor, Gaius Merren, and his Crownsguard. He had slipped in quietly in the hopes to go unnoticed. But knowing the members of House Nightray, Rem was certain that they had noticed him the moment he arrived.

  Yulia’s face was pale as she stood beside her retainer, but she didn’t cry. Not a single member of House Nightray did. All of them stood stoic and silent, sending their lord off on his last journey, even as the commoners and some of the minor nobles openly wept.

  “They’re not crying,” Rem whispered to Gaius, looking at the members of House Nightray.

  “It’s not in them to shed tears in public,” said Lady Meredeth Rovaryn quietly. She stood nearby with her son and heir, Elias Rovaryn, having overheard Rem’s whisper. Her long, dark hair cascaded down to mid-back. Clad in a black military dress, she looked more like a general than the lady of one of the Ten Great Houses.

  House Rovaryn, too, had lost their lord in the war, along with several of their soldiers and bannermen. Every single noble house and family had lost someone in the war, and House Rovaryn was no different. Lady Meredeth Rovaryn had now taken over the leadership of the House until Elias was of age to take over as the new lord, having left her position within the military due to the death of her husband.

  Elias Rovaryn, standing next to Lady Meredeth, cast a brief glance at Rem with an unreadable expression. His dark blue eyes, ringed with red, held an unknown emotion, before he turned his attention back toward the front, with the rain plastering his dark hair against his cheeks.

  Rem recalled Yulia speaking of him years ago, back when Luca still lived at the Imperial Palace, and before the war against Nuvelle had broken out.

  House Rovaryn and House Valemire had been allies and shield brethren to House Nightray for generations. Yulia had grown up with the Valemire and Rovaryn heirs: Gale Valemire and Elias Rovaryn, Rem recalled the heirs’ names from his studies of the Ten Great Houses, and even the little that Yulia had mentioned of her childhood friends.

  Gale Valemire would have been about Rem’s and Yulia’s age, but Elias Rovaryn was a few years older. Yulia had always spoken of them fondly. Elias had been like an older brother to both her and Gale. And while Rem had always wanted to meet Gale and Elias, he didn’t anticipate for it to be at Lord Hamilton’s funeral.

  “The way they mourned is the way they fight, Your Highness,” Lady Meredeth said quietly. “In silence. And without indulgence. Their House’s motto is the way it is for a reason. Their grief is not for show. They mourn only in private, amongst their family.”

  Rem chewed on his lower lip, turning his gaze towards Yulia. He hadn’t seen Yulia since that fateful day when Luca was sent away. That was nearly three years ago now. She hadn’t looked at him once since he arrived, though Rem knew that Yulia had noticed. Their relationship had changed since Luca was sent away, and Yulia had never forgiven him for his silence.

  And if she is mad at Rem for his silence, he needs another word for how Yulia felt towards King Edric. And it isn’t just her, but all of House Nightray. The fact that not a single member of that House even acknowledged Rem’s presence was telling enough.

  “My condolences,” Lord Alaric Hunt murmured to Yulia and Gareth Vyrell after Lord Hamilton’s casket was taken to the Nightray burial plot, and laid to rest beside his ancestors and late wife. On either side of Lord Hunt were his sons, Cassian and Nathan Hunt, who each murmured their own respectful murmurs. “Your father asked me to look after you should anything happen to him.” Alaric directed this statement towards Yulia. “If there’s anything I can do for you…” He trailed off slowly.

  If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

  The mourners that have arrived for the funeral were slowly dispersing, with most of them having to leave for their own homes before it gets too dark, or having to seek lodgings at Evershade’s local inn before departing the next day.

  Yulia’s lips quirked slightly before she nodded. “Thank you,” she said quietly. “Thank you for coming.”

  Alaric shook his head. “Hamilton and I were old friends. Of course I’d be here,” he said. He exhaled heavily, shaking his head. “Never thought he’d go before me. I always thought…” His voice faltered, and he shook his head. “Never mind.” He cleared his throat. “If there’s anything I can do for you, let me know. Don’t hesitate to ask. Not as a lord of one of the Ten Great Houses, but as your father’s old friend. As just your Uncle Alaric.”

  Yulia blinked at him, and she gave a small smile, nodding. Nathan Hunt was looking at his father with an expression of surprise.

  “Thank you for your kindness, Lord Hunt,” Gareth murmured, his voice respectful.

  Alaric inclined his head politely towards Yulia and Gareth, with Cassian and Nathan Hunt following suit, before the three Hunt men then departed Evershade, with all three of them looking at Rem curiously as they did so. They, however, said nothing, only nodding politely to Rem as they passed.

  The village square is almost empty now, and the rain is easing. Still, Yulia remained where she was, staring at the place where her father’s casket had been placed, as though she could still see it.

  “My lady, should we return to the manor?” Gareth asked softly. “Young Masters Gale and Elias are there. As is Lady Meredeth Rovaryn, and even Lord Arden Valemire and his lady. As is Miss Isla.”

  “Just a little longer,” Yulia murmured, and Gareth nodded solemnly.

  Rem approached Yulia just then, with Gaius and his Crownsguard in tow. And still, Yulia did not turn to look at him or even acknowledge him. He could be part of the wall for all the heed that Yulia paid him.

  ‘Is this how Luca felt in the Imperial Palace?’ Rem thought unhappily. He found himself thinking of his twin a lot more these days since the war had ended.

  “Your Highness,” Gareth greeted Rem politely but stiffly. Nothing like the warm voice he once used when addressing Rem. “Lord Merren, it’s an honour. I’ve heard much about you from Lord Hunt, and that he was the one to recommend you for the position as the royal advisor.” He inclined his head politely towards Gaius Merren, his voice way warmer than how it had been when he had addressed Rem.

  The royal advisor bowed politely in return.

  If Rem hadn’t known that Gaius Merren is already in his late forties, he would never have guessed it from his appearance. With salt-and-pepper grey hair combed back neatly, and steel blue eyes, Gaius looked imposing. And while he isn’t a military man, and had previously served as a statesman, he is dressed in a dark military-style advisor’s uniform, with the royal crest visible on his breast pocket that signifies his position.

  “You’re too kind. I am honoured with Lord Hunt’s recommendation and endorsement,” Gaius replied. “I will do my best to guide and advise the prince.”

  Rem bowed his head politely towards Yulia and Gareth. “You have my condolences,” he murmured, looking at Yulia who is still refusing to look at him. “If there’s anything that the royal family can do…”

  Still, Yulia didn’t move or even look at him. Her eyes remained on the long table where the stalks of silvaris flowers remained—the offerings from all the mourners that had come to mourn Lord Hamilton.

  “You can start by being a prince for once,” she said at last, her voice colder than anything Rem had ever heard from her. It is the first time in three years that Yulia had spoken to him. Not since Luca was sent away. Rem flinched. “Rather than hand everything over to Parliament to decide.”

  It would probably have hurt less if Yulia had slapped him. Sometimes, her words had a tendency to cut through to Rem better than any blade.

  “I…” Rem began, swallowing nervously. “We need help, Yulia—”

  “No one’s denying that,” Yulia said sharply, cutting Rem off. “But with all due respect, Your Highness, if you give Parliament too much power, you’re going to regret it.” Finally, she turned to look at him, her eyes cold. “You don’t trust politicians when it comes to the running of the kingdom. Not unless you plan to watch them gut it from the inside.”

  She took in a deep breath. “Just because I have Lord Hunt sit in as regent for House Nightray at Parliament meetings doesn’t mean I have no idea what’s going on. Lord Hunt kept me informed and presented our interests well. And so far, Your Highness, even the Ten Great Houses aren’t pleased with your decisions.” She narrowed her eyes at Rem. “Start by being a leader. A prince. I’ve told you countless times before that being a leader means you must be ready to make decisions that people will hate you for. But as long as it keeps your people safe, who cares what they think of you?” She turned away from Rem. “I’ve said my piece. Thank you for coming. Gareth, please show them out.”

  “At once, my lady,” Gareth bowed, before he then turned his attention towards Rem and Gaius. “I assume that you had a carriage, Your Highness?”

  Rem didn’t answer, but Gaius did. “Yes. It’s just outside Evershade,” The royal advisor said simply. “We should depart as well.” He murmured, his gaze moving towards the skies above. Dusk is settling in soon. “It’ll be dark before we return to the Imperial City, otherwise.”

  “This way, please,” Gareth said politely, gesturing with his arm towards the exit of Evershade.

  Rem looked back at Yulia one last time, but she didn’t turn back to look at him. And then, Rem followed his advisor and Gareth towards the exit of Evershade, with the Crownsguard trailing behind, towards where the royal carriage was parked just outside the village.

  The royal horse was pawing at the ground impatiently, with the carriage driver straightening the moment they approached. “Your Highness, Lord Merren, are you about to depart for the Imperial City?”

  “Yes.” Rem nodded. He turned towards Gareth. “I-If there’s anything the royal family can do for you…” He trailed off slowly.

  His old tutor’s eyes remained expressionless. “I appreciate the offer, Your Highness, but we’ll be fine,” he said curtly. “My lady is strong, despite her age, and House Nightray stands with her. Please take care on your way home.” He bowed politely before returning to Evershade.

  Rem only stared at Gareth’s departing back before turning towards Gaius, who had a small smile on his face. “Shall we return, Your Highness?” he asked, and Rem nodded.

  The Crownsguard opened the carriage door for Rem, who climbed in, being followed by Gaius, and the door then shut after them. As the Crownsguard took his place beside the carriage driver, the driver shook the horse’s reins, with the horse letting out a neigh, and the carriage then began its journey back to the capital.

  Rem sat in silence for several long moments, staring at his clasped hands, before Gaius broke the silence. “I heard about it from Lord Hunt when I first accepted the position as your royal advisor, but it’s worse than I thought,” he said, exhaling. “Relations between House Nightray and the Crown are…strained. And it’s not just because of the war, Your Highness.”

  Rem winced. Despite King Edric’s decrees surrounding his twin, there was a small number of individuals who knew about Luca. Gaius was one of them, having been one of the few statesmen who had met and known both princes even before the war against Nuvelle. Gaius had formerly held a position as King Edric’s assistant before becoming Rem’s royal advisor, he had heard.

  “You think it’s because of Luca,” Rem almost whispered. “Yulia’s been angry with me for years. And I don’t blame her. Her entire House, too. Even Gareth. I’m honestly surprised House Nightray haven’t turned their backs on the royal family. What Yulia said to me…” Rem trailed off, giving a bitter chuckle. “That was soft, coming from her. She had never minced her words. She’s not saying anything I hadn’t already heard from her. She’s said worse.”

  Gaius sighed. “Your Highness, Lady Yuliana is harsh with you, but she does have a point about letting Parliament have so much power,” he cautioned. “I did broach the topic with you as well when you suggested letting Parliament have the power of state, if you recall. Power that only the king possessed previously.”

  Rem’s shoulders hunched in from Gaius’s reprimanding tone. “Gaius, we need help,” he said, looking at his advisor, and wasn’t surprised to see the disappointed look in his advisor’s blue eyes. “I can’t do everything by myself. I’m still too inexperienced—”

  “I’m not saying you can’t ask Parliament for help,” Gaius interrupted, “but delegation isn’t the same as abdication.” Rem winced. “You’re giving Parliament too much power. Lady Yuliana was right about this point. And she is also right when she said that the Ten Great Houses aren’t pleased with the amount of power and authority you’re letting Parliament have. There’s always been a careful balance of power between the Ten Great Houses, who are also there to advise the king, and Parliament. Even King Edric is careful to maintain the balance between the two. Right now, however, Parliament has more power than any other body in Alathia. Even more than the Ten Great Houses.”

  Gaius leaned forward, his eyes locking with the young prince. “You’re a prince. The future king. And you need to act like it. Not just put the power of the king in the hands of Parliament and leave it to them. Letting them have this much power will backfire on you one day if things go wrong, and they will go wrong. And it won’t be Parliament that the people would blame. Neither would it be the nobles or me as your advisor that the people would blame either.” Gaius’s tone sharpened. “It’ll be you that the people will blame.”

  Silence fell in the carriage for several long moments. Rem looked out of the carriage at the passing scenery of the Alathian countryside, clenching his hands into fists on his legs.

  “A king isn’t meant to be liked, Prince Rem,” Gaius said quietly. “He’s meant to lead. To protect his people, even if he makes decisions that people will hate him for. Blame him for. And this kingdom needs a leader. Not a puppet. Or a figurehead who bows to pressure. And if you don’t step up and become the leader that your kingdom needs you to be, there won’t be a kingdom left to save.” Gaius’s words sounded almost ominous. “Because if you don’t take control of the throne, someone else will.”

  The rest of the journey back to the Imperial City was made in silence.