Newly crowned, King Julian must come to terms with his new life and obtain old justice for both himself and others. But, standing in his brother's shoes and unravelling the king that'd come before him, Julian begins to find out just exactly what kin...
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The cool northern winds swept Khearian dust off the choked grass. Wooly white clouds fluffed under blue skies, and filled stomachs buzzed lingering joy in the city—men having not paid a penny for their meal thanks to their king. Raised beers saluted the weather's turn.
ㅤAfter the Kalou always came the rebirth. Summer burnt itself into the ruination of its own dying empire, and rivers released in relief. Fountains gushed, crystal waters sparkled, and birds sang in celebration. There was a potent thrill that life would only get better from then on, even if not everyone believed it.
ㅤ"And we're now back where we started—the great hall," the clerk said.
ㅤThe hall was large and open, its plain ceiling held up by pillars over a worn chequered floor, tiles dipping with age. The staircase was grand, splitting in two directions. Light streamed in through arched windows, and every scuff of Alex's shoe echoed hollowly.
ㅤDuke Raoult's seized assets belonging to the duchy finally got passed onto him, and Alex stood within the estate, watching the birds dart past on the other side of the muntins.
ㅤ"And what of his children?"
ㅤ"Well, they don't live here anymore, do they? I heard they retreated south to live peacefully in territory on their mother's side."
ㅤ"I see..."
ㅤAlex had never owned a house of his own, instead sleeping in palace guestrooms or soldier dormitories. Standing in this great, expensive hall, no warm feeling of 'home' snapped inside of him like he'd warily hoped. It was like any other building.
ㅤThe view outside was pretty.
ㅤ"Maybe I'll bring the duchess here." It was more of a thought than a declaration, remembering her slouched over body wasting away on the edge of her bed, curtains stale and drawn.
ㅤ"I didn't know you were married, Your Grace."
ㅤHe startled out of that thought. "I'm not, no. Nevermind it."
ㅤPerhaps Colby would appreciate some space to mourn his injuries also, away from their father's sour frustration. Duke Chamberlain 'Proper' had just lost another heir candidate, after all.
ㅤ"Hire some servants for me, please. Preferably women."
ㅤThe clerk looked up from his notes. "...Right. And what will you be doing after this, Your Grace?"
ㅤ"Packing. Also, set up some bedrooms. That is all."
ㅤBecause Duke Raoult's manor was close to the capital, the ride home was short. The saddle squeaked with each step, sword jostling on his hip. Ahead of his horse's swivelling ears, a group of young men were laughing a fuss, throwing a bag between them as another complained and chased it.
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