The announcement came during breakfast.

  Natalie was adjusting Julian's colr—the prince having once again managed to rumple it within minutes of dressing—when the imperial messenger swept into the dining hall. Conversations died as the man, resplendent in the Emperor's colors of midnight blue and silver, strode directly to the high table.

  Prince Augustus straightened, a forkful of eggs forgotten halfway to his mouth. The messenger bowed deeply before him.

  "His Imperial Majesty requests Prince Augustus's presence in the throne room immediately following the morning meal," the messenger announced, voice carrying through the suddenly silent hall.

  Augustus's face betrayed nothing, but Natalie noticed his knuckles whitening around his fork. Prince Edmond, seated beside him, leaned over to whisper something that made Augustus's mouth twitch in what might have been a smile.

  "What do you think that's about?" Julian murmured as Natalie stepped back from his colr.

  "I couldn't say, Your Highness," she replied softly, keeping her eyes properly downcast. But her mind was racing. The Emperor rarely summoned anyone so publicly.

  After the messenger departed, the dining hall erupted in specution. Natalie stood behind Julian's chair, listening to the whispers sweeping through the room like wind through tall grass.

  "It's happening today," came Lady Emmeline's voice as she slid into the seat beside Julian. At fourteen, Lady Emmeline had grown even more elegant, her schorly demeanor now complemented by a quiet confidence. "Mother received word from the Lord Chancellor st night."

  Julian gnced up. "What's happening?"

  Lady Emmeline's eyes darted toward Augustus at the high table. "The official appointment," she whispered. "The Emperor will name Augustus as Crown Prince today."

  Julian's shoulders tensed slightly, but his face remained composed—a skill Natalie had helped him perfect over the years. "It was only a matter of time," he said, his voice carefully neutral.

  Natalie felt a twist in her stomach. Everyone had expected this, of course. Augustus was the eldest son, already twenty-one and groomed from birth to inherit the throne. But the official appointment would grant him powers and privileges beyond his current station.

  "Will you be required to attend, Your Highness?" Natalie asked softly.

  Julian nodded. "All imperial princes will be expected at court today. I'll need my formal attire."

  "I've already pressed your ceremonial robes," Natalie assured him.

  The rest of breakfast passed in tense silence. When Augustus rose to leave, his usual coterie of admirers surrounded him, offering congratutions he accepted with the air of one receiving his due. His gaze swept the dining hall, lingering briefly on Julian before sliding away dismissively.

  The throne room bzed with light. Hundreds of candles illuminated the cavernous space, reflected in the polished marble floor and glittering from the jewels adorning the empire's nobility. Natalie stood at the periphery with the other personal attendants, her eyes fixed on Julian's straight back as he stood with his brothers before the imperial dais.

  The Emperor, a man whose imposing presence Natalie had grown accustomed to seeing from afar, sat rigidly upon his throne. Despite the silver threading through his dark beard, he appeared as formidable as ever, his stern gaze surveying the assembled court with practiced indifference.

  When the imperial herald struck his staff three times against the floor, silence fell immediately.

  "His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Valerian the Fifth, Sovereign of the Twelve Realms, Protector of the Eastern Seas, and Guardian of the Sacred Fme, will now address the court."

  The Emperor rose, and every person in the room sank into deep bows and curtsies. Only the princes remained standing, though their heads were respectfully bowed.

  "Today," the Emperor began, his resonant voice filling the vast chamber, "I fulfill a sacred tradition of our empire."

  Natalie watched Augustus from her position, noting the almost imperceptible straightening of his spine.

  "For three centuries, the House of Devereux has ruled with wisdom and strength. Our tradition dictates that when the heir apparent reaches his majority, he shall be officially recognized before the court." The Emperor gestured toward Augustus. "Prince Augustus, approach."

  Augustus ascended the dais steps with measured grace, kneeling before his father. The court watched in reverent silence as the Emperor pced a heavy chain of office around his eldest son's neck—a gleaming medallion bearing the imperial crest dangling from links of gold.

  "Rise, Augustus Devereux, Crown Prince of the Empire," the Emperor commanded.

  As Augustus stood, the court erupted in appuse. Natalie's eyes found Julian, whose face remained a perfect mask of polite appreciation as he joined in the appuse for his brother.

  "From this day forward," the Emperor continued when the noise abated, "the Crown Prince shall sit on the Imperial Council. He shall have authority to speak in our name when we are indisposed. He shall command the respect due to our chosen successor."

  Augustus bowed deeply. "I am honored by Your Majesty's trust and will serve the empire with all my strength."

  "Furthermore," the Emperor added, and something in his tone made Natalie tense, "as Crown Prince, Augustus shall oversee the governance of the Northern Territories effective immediately."

  Murmurs rippled through the court. The Northern Territories were rich in resources but politically complex—fractious nobles with ancient grudges and fierce independence. It was a significant responsibility, one that would require Augustus to spend considerable time away from the capital.

  "I accept this sacred duty with humility and determination," Augustus decred, his voice carrying to every corner of the throne room.

  The ceremony continued with the other imperial princes formally acknowledging their brother's new status. Prince Edmond performed the ritual with practiced elegance, Prince Henry with obvious sincerity. When Julian's turn came, Natalie held her breath.

  Julian approached Augustus and executed a fwless bow. "My congratutions, Crown Prince Augustus. May your wisdom guide the empire for many years to come."

  Augustus's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Thank you, little brother. I shall look to your... schorly insights when matters of books and ancient history arise."

  A few courtiers tittered, but Julian merely smiled serenely. "I remain at your service, Your Highness."

  As Julian returned to his pce, Natalie caught Lady Emmeline's gaze across the room. The young noblewoman gave a barely perceptible nod toward Augustus, her meaning clear: watch him carefully today.

  "You should have seen his face when Father announced the Northern Territories assignment," Julian said ter, safely back in his chambers. He had shed his ceremonial outer robe, which Natalie carefully hung in the wardrobe. "Augustus has always considered the North a backwater."

  "It is a significant responsibility," Natalie observed, keeping her tone neutral as she smoothed out a wrinkle in the expensive fabric.

  "And far from court," Julian added, a hint of satisfaction in his voice as he settled into his favorite chair by the fire. "Very far."

  Natalie turned to study the prince. At twelve, Julian was growing taller, his childish roundness giving way to the sharper angles of adolescence. His dark hair fell across his forehead as he leaned forward, an unconscious echo of his father.

  "Lady Emmeline seemed to think this appointment significant," she said carefully.

  Julian nodded. "The Duchess informed her that Augustus fought against the Northern assignment. He wanted to remain at court with his full attention on the Imperial Council."

  "Yet the Emperor insisted?"

  "Father values the North. The iron mines alone contribute a quarter of the imperial treasury's income." Julian steepled his fingers. "Augustus will be required to spend at least six months of each year there."

  Natalie processed this information as she poured Julian a cup of tea. "And what does this mean for you, Your Highness?"

  A small smile crossed Julian's face. "Space to breathe, perhaps."

  Before Natalie could respond, a sharp knock interrupted them. She moved swiftly to the door, opening it to find Captain Darius—Augustus's most loyal guard.

  "The Crown Prince requests Prince Julian's presence in the west sor immediately," the captain announced without preamble.

  Julian exchanged a quick gnce with Natalie. "I shall attend him shortly."

  "The Crown Prince specified you come alone, Your Highness," Captain Darius added, his eyes flicking dismissively to Natalie.

  Julian rose, straightening his shoulders. "Of course. Please inform my brother I shall join him momentarily."

  After the captain departed, Julian turned to Natalie. "This is unusual."

  "Would you like me to find an excuse to accompany you?" Natalie asked, concern evident in her voice despite her efforts to control it.

  Julian shook his head. "No. Augustus is too clever for such obvious maneuvers." He smoothed his tunic. "Besides, we are in the pace, surrounded by witnesses. Even Augustus would not risk openly moving against me on the day of his appointment."

  Natalie wasn't convinced, but she knew better than to argue. "I shall wait here, then."

  "If I don't return within the hour, seek out Lady Emmeline," Julian instructed, his tone light but his eyes serious.

  Natalie curtsied. "Yes, Your Highness."

  After Julian departed, Natalie paced the chamber, unable to settle. In the three years since she had become Julian's attendant, Augustus had never summoned his youngest brother privately. Every interaction had been calcuted, public, and—almost invariably—designed to undermine Julian.

  The minutes crawled by. Natalie rearranged Julian's books, checked his schedule for the following day, and was considering whether to begin preparing his evening attire when the door finally opened.

  Julian entered, his expression unreadable.

  "Your Highness?" Natalie prompted when he said nothing.

  Julian crossed to the window, gazing out at the pace gardens below. "Augustus is leaving for the North in three days' time," he said finally. "He'll take Prince Henry with him as his deputy."

  "And Prince Edmond?"

  "Remains at court, to be Father's voice on the Small Council." Julian turned to face her. "Augustus informed me that upon his return, he intends to establish his own household away from the main pace."

  Natalie frowned. "He's separating himself from court?"

  "No," Julian corrected. "He's establishing his own court. A Crown Prince's court, with his own counselors, guards, and servants."

  The implications were significant. Such a move would solidify Augustus's power base and create clear divisions of loyalty among the courtiers.

  "What else did he say?" Natalie asked, sensing there was more.

  Julian's lips quirked in a small, puzzled smile. "He congratuted me on my progress in my studies. Said my contributions at the governors' council showed promise."

  Natalie's eyebrows rose in surprise. "That's... unexpected."

  "Indeed." Julian sat heavily in his chair. "Then he informed me he's recommending to Father that I begin training with Lord Chancellor Voss in diplomatic affairs once I turn thirteen."

  Natalie stared at him. "Augustus is... supporting your education?"

  "So it would seem." Julian looked as confused as she felt. "He said, and I quote: 'A prince of imperial blood should be useful to the empire, even one who will never rule.'"

  Natalie considered this carefully. "Perhaps with his position secure..."

  "He no longer sees me as a threat," Julian finished. "Or perhaps, more accurately, he now considers me beneath his notice entirely."

  "Is that good or bad?" Natalie asked quietly.

  Julian's expression cleared, determination repcing confusion. "It's an opportunity, Natalie. While Augustus is occupied with his new responsibilities and powers, we have room to maneuver."

  "To what end, Your Highness?"

  Julian leaned forward, lowering his voice even though they were alone. "To build our own foundation. Augustus sees me as inconsequential—a schorly child to be patronized and forgotten. I intend to use that misperception."

  Natalie felt a surge of pride at the strategic thinking Julian had developed. "The shadows can provide safety," she agreed, remembering her own survival through invisibility.

  "Exactly." Julian's eyes shone with new purpose. "Augustus believes his position is now unassaible. His arrogance blinds him."

  "And while he looks toward the throne..."

  "We build quiet strength," Julian finished. "Knowledge. Connections. Understanding." He smiled, the expression transforming his serious face into something briefly boyish again. "After all, you've taught me well the art of being underestimated."

  Natalie returned his smile, even as she felt the weight of their precarious position. Augustus might no longer see Julian as competition, but that could change in an instant if the younger prince drew too much attention.

  "We should celebrate your brother's appointment properly," she suggested, moving toward the cabinet where refreshments were kept. "Perhaps with that Nordician tea Lady Emmeline brought back from her family's travels?"

  Julian nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Yes, that would be appropriate. And Natalie?"

  "Yes, Your Highness?"

  "Send a message to Master Holloway. I believe it's time I expanded my studies to include the governance structures of the Northern Territories."

  Natalie curtsied, recognizing the gleam in Julian's eye. Augustus might have gained a title today, but Julian had gained something perhaps more valuable—room to grow beyond his brother's shadow.

  "At once, Your Highness."

  The game had changed, but it was far from over. And in the shifted ndscape of power, new paths were opening before them.