The knight nodded and continued. "As for Lord Liam — he has been passive. No significant movement from his faction since your departure. He appears to be waiting."
The Duke was quiet for a moment. His eyes moved across the courtyard slowly, taking stock of things Julian couldn't fully read from the outside.
Then he said, "Moth."
A younger knight near the back of the group came forward. He was noticeably younger than the others — early twenties at most.
"Show Kraven around the castle," the Duke said.
Moth looked at Julian.
His hesitation was brief, yet entirely visible. Julian understood it without needing Kraven's memories to clarify. The rumors about the exiled young lord had clearly spread, and whatever version of Kraven this boy had heard, it had been far from reassuring.
Julian looked at him.
"Come, Moth," he said. He kept his voice easy. "I don't bite."
Moth blinked once.
Then something in his expression relaxed, and he gave a short nod. "Yes, young lord. This way."
