Julian looked out the carriage window.
Two soldiers were visible on the nearby street, moving in the same direction as the carriage for a moment. Their armor was dark blue, bearing the same symbol he had seen on the gate guards' armor.
He watched them until they disappeared around the corner.
So those were Liam's men. Moving through the duchy freely, wearing a crest that had no historical claim to this territory, answering to a man who held his position through blackmail rather than right.
The people on the streets had watched it happen slowly, noticing little changes that added up over time, until eventually they had grown used to it
Julian turned back to the interior of the carriage.
His father was looking forward, jaw tight, his hands resting on his knees. The man was doing his best to hide the anger flaming within him.
