"Watch their hands, not their faces," Natalie murmured, her voice barely audible over the melodious strains of the court musicians.

  Prince Julian, newly turned twelve and growing taller by the month, gave a slight nod. From their position near one of the massive marble columns in the grand ballroom, they had an excellent view of the Emperor's birthday celebration. The cream of imperial society swirled before them in a kaleidoscope of expensive fabrics and glittering jewels.

  "Lord Benwick keeps touching his signet ring when he speaks to the Minister of Finance," Julian observed quietly, his eyes tracking the portly nobleman across the room. "And he's done it three times now."

  "Good," Natalie replied. "What else?"

  Julian's brow furrowed in concentration. "The Countess of Meriden hasn't left the Empress's side all evening, even though they quarreled openly at st month's garden party. And Ambassador Krendlor keeps gncing at the eastern doors, as if expecting someone."

  At fourteen, Natalie had grown into her role as Julian's attendant with remarkable poise. Her slender frame and delicate features made her appear younger than her years, an advantage that often led others to underestimate her. She had become adept at moving through the pace like a shadow, collecting snippets of gossip and observing the subtle shifts in alliances that occurred beneath the glittering surface of court life.

  "Very observant, Your Highness," she said with approval. "Now, what conclusions might we draw?"

  Before Julian could answer, Prince Augustus approached, fnked by his usual retinue of sycophants. At twenty, the heir to the empire cut an impressive figure in his formal military uniform, medals gleaming on his broad chest.

  "Skulking in the shadows again, little brother?" Augustus's smile was pleasant, his tone conversational, but his eyes were cold as they flicked dismissively over Julian before settling on Natalie with uncomfortable interest. "And with your faithful shadow, as always."

  Julian straightened, now tall enough to meet his brother's gaze without tilting his head back. "I was observing the gathering, Augustus. Father encouraged me to study court dynamics after the st governors' council."

  Augustus raised an eyebrow. "Did he? How... paternal of him." He turned to his companions with a theatrical gesture. "Our schorly prince prefers watching to participating. Perhaps we should commission a history of tonight's festivities for him to study in his precious library."

  The group ughed on cue, but Julian maintained his composure, the slight flush on his cheeks the only indication of his discomfort. Natalie felt a surge of pride at his restraint—a year ago, such an encounter would have sent him retreating to his chambers.

  "I find there's much to learn from observation," Julian replied evenly. "For instance, I noticed Lord Benwick seems particurly anxious about his discussion with the Minister of Finance. Given the rumors about discrepancies in the northern province's tax collections—where Benwick has extensive holdings—his nervousness seems... significant."

  Augustus's smile faltered momentarily. Lord Benwick was one of his closest allies, and the tax matter was supposed to be handled discreetly. Before he could respond, a voice spoke from behind them.

  "An astute observation, Prince Julian."

  They turned to find the Emperor himself standing there, resplendent in ceremonial robes. All bowed deeply as the monarch studied his youngest son with newfound interest.

  "Father," Augustus recovered quickly. "We were just discussing Julian's schorly pursuits."

  The Emperor nodded absently, his attention still on Julian. "I understand you've been attending the smaller council sessions regurly. Lord Chancellor Voss speaks highly of your contributions."

  Julian's eyes widened slightly at this unexpected praise. "Thank you, Father. I've been studying the grain distribution challenges in the eastern provinces. I believe there may be a more efficient approach than our current methods."

  "Indeed?" The Emperor's expression remained impassive, but there was a gleam of curiosity in his eyes. "Perhaps you should present your thoughts at next week's full council meeting."

  Augustus stiffened beside them. "Father, surely the grain distribution falls under my purview as—"

  "As heir, yes," the Emperor interrupted smoothly. "But fresh perspectives have their value. You would do well to remember that, Augustus." His gaze shifted to Natalie, who kept her eyes respectfully lowered. "Your attendant has served you well these past years, Julian. Madame Bckwood tells me she has been instrumental in your... development."

  Julian nodded. "Natalie has been invaluable, Father."

  The Emperor studied Natalie for a moment longer, his expression unreadable. "Indeed. Well, carry on with your observations, then. The court is an excellent cssroom for those with eyes to see."

  With that, he moved on, leaving an uncomfortable silence in his wake. Augustus's face had darkened with barely suppressed anger.

  "Enjoy your moment of favor, little brother," he said, his voice pitched low so only Julian and Natalie could hear. "It won't st. And when it fades, remember who truly holds power here."

  As Augustus stalked away, Julian remained remarkably composed, though Natalie could see the slight tremor in his hands.

  "That was well handled, Your Highness," she said softly once they were alone again.

  Julian exhaled slowly. "He'll retaliate. He always does."

  "Yes," Natalie agreed. "But you've gained something important tonight—the Emperor's attention. And Augustus knows it."

  Julian considered this, his young face serious beyond his years. "Father rarely notices anything I do."

  "Which makes tonight significant," Natalie pointed out. "Now, shall we return to our observations? I believe you were about to tell me what conclusions we might draw from Lord Benwick's nervous hands and the Countess's sudden reconciliation with the Empress."

  Julian hesitated, casting a gnce toward Augustus, who was now conversing intently with Lord Benwick across the room.

  "Actually," he said thoughtfully, "I think I'd like to speak with Lord Chancellor Voss about those grain distribution ideas. If I'm to present at council next week, I should be prepared."

  Natalie smiled. "A wise decision, Your Highness."

  As they made their way through the crowd, Julian added quietly, "And perhaps afterward, we could review the pace guard rotation schedules you... acquired st week. I have a feeling Augustus may try to limit my movements in the coming days."

  Natalie raised an eyebrow, impressed by his foresight. "As you wish, Your Highness."

  The boy who had once hidden in the library was learning to navigate the treacherous waters of court politics with increasing skill. And Natalie, watching him accept congratutions from several council members as they crossed the ballroom, felt that now-familiar surge of pride mingled with concern. Julian was emerging from the shadows, beginning to cim his pce as a prince of the empire—but greater visibility brought greater danger.

  As they approached Lord Chancellor Voss, Natalie caught sight of Captain Darius watching them from across the room, his expression calcuting as he conferred with Prince Augustus. Whatever came next, she knew, would require all the skills she had taught Julian—and perhaps some she had yet to share.