“From that time on, the world was hers for the reading. She would never be lonely again, never miss the lack of intimate friends. Books became her friends and there was one for every mood.” — Betty Smith, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

  ???

  The summons came not even a day after Nathan got his ass kicked by Yuliana Nightray for the second time in his life. And this time wasn’t any less humiliating than the first time, when Cassian Hunt had made twelve-year-old Nathan spar her.

  Nathan recognised his father’s crisp handwriting immediately when the dorm leader had handed him the envelope bearing House Hunt’s griffin emblem. The letter itself was short and to the point:

  Come home to Halberd Reach. I’ve already filed for your leave from the Academy. I expect you home by mid-afternoon tomorrow at the latest.

  And while Nathan wanted nothing more than to ignore his father’s letter or even pretend he never received it, he knew better than to do that. He knew Alaric Hunt well enough to understand that his father would show up at the Academy to drag him home by the ear, or even send one of their bannermen to bring him home like a naughty toddler if Nathan ignores or ‘misplaces’ the missive.

  So, with no small amount of dread, Nathan packed his bags for a week’s absence, dutifully informing his instructors of his absence, with Leighton promising to make a copy of his notes for Nathan during the lectures that he would miss.

  Halberd Reach was located just outside the Imperial City, with it being at least a two-hour journey by horseback. As one of the more militaristic Houses amongst the Ten Great Houses, the tone of their lands was unmistakable the moment Nathan rode through the gates, being waved through by the guards on duty that day.

  Their ancestral manor was quiet at noon, the halls still and austere, when Nathan pushed open the great double doors and was greeted by the steward.

  “Welcome home, Young Master Nathan,” The steward bowed politely to Nathan, as a maid stepped forward to take Nathan’s coat and bag. “Lord Alaric is waiting for you in his study.”

  Nathan swallowed nervously, nodding. Every step that he took towards his father’s study on the top floor made him feel like his feet had just turned into lead. Apart from the occasional maid dusting portraits or vases, he met no one on the way.

  Finally, Nathan stood outside the familiar oak door of his father’s study, swallowing nervously. After hesitating for several moments, he raised a hand and knocked on the door, waiting before he heard the muffled, “Come in,” from within the study.

  As always, his father’s study was a well-organised chaos of strategy maps, ledgers, and old war relics hanging on the walls. Bookshelves lined one side of the room, with some shelves holding mounted blades, and weapons displayed on pedestals. A tall window stretched from ceiling to floor, overlooking the main courtyard.

  At the desk in the middle of the room, Lord Alaric Hunt sat unmoving. He did not look up as his son entered. He didn’t even acknowledge Nathan’s presence. His eyes remained on the report in front of him, his eyes scanning each line with the ruthless patience of a predator.

  Nathan resisted the urge to fidget as he stood in front of his father. Whenever he was summoned by his father to his study, it never boded well. The only time it hadn’t was the night before Nathan first left for the Imperial Officers Academy. And even then, Alaric had merely told him to do his best, to build connections, and to never dishonour their House.

  Finally, Alaric Hunt set the report aside, eyeing Nathan coolly. “Sit,” he said, his voice clipped and cold.

  This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  Nathan obeyed immediately, sitting on the edge of the chair before the desk, his shoulders tense. He wasn’t entirely sure what had prompted the sudden summons, but he had a sinking feeling that news of his ‘duel’ with Yuliana Nightray had already reached his father’s ears.

  After all, Protectorate soldiers guarded the Imperial Officers Academy while it was in session, not just because of the Crown Prince’s presence, but due to the many noble heirs that were enrolled. Part of Protectorate’s duties had always been to guard the properties of the royal family.

  It wouldn’t be too out of the realm of possibility if Alaric Hunt had known about Nathan’s actions and the duel by sunset.

  For several long moments, his father said nothing. He merely studied Nathan, his fingers curled together beneath his chin. Then finally, he spoke. “Tell me what happened with Yulia.”

  Nathan flinched. “I-It’s nothing much, Father. Just…” He almost wilted beneath Alaric’s glare. “She humiliated me. She embarrassed the Crown Prince.”

  The silence that followed was broken only by the crackling hearth.

  “No.” Alaric’s voice was flat and cold. “You embarrassed yourself.”

  Nathan’s throat tightened. “Father, I was—”

  “Silence.”

  Alaric frowned at Nathan, disappointment in his eyes. And somehow, that hurt worse than anything could. “Do you think I haven’t heard how you’ve been treating Yulia in the Academy?” he questioned coldly, and Nathan’s heart sank. “The only reason I haven’t interfered is because it hasn’t escalated far enough to warrant action from me as the head of House Hunt. Have you forgotten what I told you before you left for the Academy? Do you need a reminder?”

  Nathan flushed. “No, sir.”

  “Then what is that frankly horrendous and embarrassing conduct and behaviour at the Academy?!” Alaric thundered, slamming one hand down onto his desk. “You’ve been treating House Nightray like a threat. Picking fights. Undermining their allies. Even stirring up division. Not just with House Nightray, either. But also House Rovaryn and House Valemire. And even House Carrington, a vassal house of House Kael.” His eyes narrowed. “Do you think the heads of those Houses wouldn’t have heard how you’ve been treating Yulia? Considering that Houses Rovaryn and Valemire are shield brethren and allies of House Nightray? You’re lucky that Lord Valemire and Lady Rovaryn have yet to interfere personally.”

  Nathan flushed. “I… It wasn’t like that,” he protested weakly.

  Alaric’s glare could have turned Nathan to cinders. “Have you even considered how your behaviour affects House Hunt’s reputation? How the future leaders of the nobility perceive us?” His voice sharpened. “Not to mention how you seemed to have forgotten that House Nightray is the kingdom’s sword in the dark! Do you think it wise, boy, to antagonise the very House that’s kept the royal line alive for generations? They are the kingdom’s shadow protectors. The blades you never see coming. Never forget that.”

  Nathan stiffened. “She constantly disrespects Prince Rem,” he muttered. “I was only…defending him.”

  Alaric’s gaze darkened. “She’s his guardian, Nathan. You know that,” he almost hissed. “It is her duty to challenge him and test him. To force him to grow. Yulia is only doing what the rest of us have hesitated to do. Yes, even me!” He snapped, seeing the look on his son’s face. “The only people alive in all of Alathia who can question and challenge the royal line are the royal guardians. And House Nightray holds that role!”

  His voice cracked with barely restrained fury. “Furthermore, do you think that this blind loyalty of yours helps the prince? Wrapping him in wool. Smothering him in silence. Making excuses for his indecision.” He glared at Nathan, who looked about to protest, but thought better of it. “I received quite the interesting report from General Thorne, who had observed your simulation test a few days ago. And now, I hear that the entire Officers Academy is whispering that Prince Rem is not fit to rule.”

  Nathan’s hands clenched into fists on his lap. “She… She never listens.”

  Alaric scowled at Nathan. “She doesn’t have to listen to you,” he snapped. “Yulia outranks you. In skill, political weight, rank, and everything that matters. House Hunt might also be part of the Ten Great Houses, but in terms of hierarchy, House Nightray outranks us! Frankly, I’m shocked that none of the other noble families have severed ties with us because of your actions.” His jaw clenched. “House Hunt had a friendly relationship with House Nightray for years. I even considered a marriage alliance at one point.”

  Nathan blinked. “A-A marriage alliance?” He almost squeaked.

  Alaric’s tone was dismissive, but precise. “Yes, I approached Hamilton before the war. Cassian was the proposed match.”

  “My brother?” Nathan’s voice almost cracked.

  Alaric’s frown deepened. “Yes. Because, unlike you, Cassian understands diplomacy. He understands restraint.” His eyes narrowed. “House Nightray aren’t just assassins. They’re the guardians of the Crown. Even at her age, Yulia already commands respect from the other Ten Great Houses and noble families.”

  Nathan lowered his gaze, unable to bring himself to meet his father’s thunderous expression.

  “I swore to Hamilton before he died that I would take care of his daughter if anything happened to him. And now, I hear that you’ve been antagonising her?” Alaric snapped. “Do you think that the rest of House Nightray will take it lightly when they hear how you’ve been disrespecting their lady?”

  Nathan paled at the mere thought of waking up in the middle of the night to see a Nightray assassin looming over his bed.

  “You always side with her,” Nathan muttered, but Alaric heard every word and narrowed his eyes. “You’re acting like she’s your daughter.”

  “Maybe if you were as skilled and disciplined as Yulia, I wouldn’t be constantly nitpicking at your skills, or lack thereof,” Alaric barked at Nathan, who flushed. “Do you want me to start listing your failings at the Academy?” Nathan flinched, shaking his head, his face burning. “You are a member of House Hunt. Protectorate runs in your blood. So start acting like a protector. Not a child with wounded pride.”

  The silence that fell in the study was heavy and almost stifling. Nathan stared at the surface of the desk, unable to bring himself to look at his father, shame almost burning in his face.

  Alaric scowled, picking up his quill. “Leave,” he said quietly. “You have one week before you return to the Academy. I suggest you take this time to reflect on yourself and your actions. And even how you’ve been treating a lady.”

  Nathan got to his feet shakily, before bowing stiffly to his father, leaving the study without another word. The door shut behind him with a low and echoing boom.