The tavern room above The Silver Stag inn was nondescript—chosen precisely for that quality. Located in a prosperous trading town that straddled the borders of Western and Northern territories, it served as neutral ground for what some might call treasonous conversations.

  Julian arrived after nightfall, dressed as a wealthy merchant's secretary. Captain Laurent of the Imperial Guard had arranged his security discreetly, with trusted men positioned throughout the establishment and surrounding streets. Only Laurent himself accompanied Julian into the room, where four figures already waited.

  "Gentlemen," Julian said quietly as he removed his hood. "I appreciate your courage in coming."

  The men rose and bowed deeply. Natalie, disguised as Julian's assistant and record-keeper, observed them carefully. Lord Terrance Bckwood, whose lumber operations in the Northern forests had been nearly ruined by Augustus's excessive taxation; Baron Edmund Coldwater, whose mining town had suffered mysterious ailments since the prince's new extraction methods were implemented; Sir Victor Harlow, a knight whose family had served the Northern territories for generations; and most surprisingly, Lord Nathaniel Pierce, Augustus's own chamberin.

  "Your Highness," Lord Pierce spoke first, his voice barely above a whisper despite the privacy of their location. "What I'm about to share pces my position—indeed my life—at significant risk."

  Julian nodded solemnly. "Your loyalty to the Empire rather than merely its heir apparent will not be forgotten, my lord."

  Pierce produced a small leather-bound book from inside his doublet. "The Crown Prince keeps meticulous personal records. This is a copy of entries concerning the Northport mining operation for the past three months."

  Julian accepted the ledger, passing it to Natalie who began reviewing it immediately. Her eyes widened at the figures.

  "According to this, the actual yield is nearly five times what's reported to the Imperial Treasury," she whispered.

  "And where does the difference go?" Julian asked Pierce directly.

  "Multiple destinations. Some to private accounts in the Eastern banking houses. Some converted to gems and precious metals stored in his hunting lodges. And a disturbing amount..." Pierce hesitated.

  "Speak freely," Julian encouraged. "We are all here seeking truth, however unpleasant."

  "A significant portion is being used to build what can only be described as a private army," Pierce finished. "Not officially Imperial soldiers, but mercenaries from beyond our borders, housed in remote training compounds disguised as lumber camps."

  The room fell silent as the implications settled heavily upon them.

  "How many men?" Captain Laurent asked, professional concern overriding courtly deference.

  "Nearly two thousand at present, with resources allocated for twice that number," Pierce replied.

  Baron Coldwater leaned forward. "Your Highness, my people suffer while Augustus builds his forces. The water near the new mines runs strange colors. Children sicken. Crops fail. When we petition for aid, our messengers are turned away or simply... disappear."

  "The Northern Council is now merely theatrical," Sir Harlow added. "Augustus repced half the members with his own men. The rest fear speaking against him."

  "And the provincial judges?" Julian asked.

  Lord Bckwood's ugh was bitter. "They rule as directed or find themselves reassigned to remote outposts where bandits conveniently end their careers."

  Julian listened intently, asking pointed questions that revealed his thorough understanding of Northern governance. For over two hours, the men outlined the systematic corruption and intimidation that had become Augustus's method of rule.

  As the meeting concluded, Julian addressed them gravely.

  "What you've shared confirms my worst fears for the North and indeed for the Empire. I cannot yet move openly against my brother without risking civil conflict, but know this—you are not alone in your concerns, nor will you be abandoned to his mercies."

  He outlined secure communication channels and immediate relief measures that could be implemented through his Western connections and Lady Sophia's Southern trade routes.

  "For now, we must be shadows—present but unseen, influential yet deniable. The time for light will come."

  After the nobles departed through separate exits at carefully staggered intervals, Julian remained with Natalie and Captain Laurent to review notes.

  "They risk everything by coming here," Natalie observed.

  "Desperation drives even cautious men to courage," Julian replied. "Augustus has overpyed his hand. His greed exceeds his discretion."

  "The mercenary forces are most concerning, Your Highness," Laurent said. "The Imperial Guard numbers three thousand men total, with perhaps half truly loyal to the Emperor rather than to Augustus's gold."

  Julian nodded grimly. "My brother prepares for succession... or usurpation. We must prepare accordingly."

  "This meeting was only the first," he continued, studying the map where they had marked affected territories. "There are whispers of simir discontent among Central Province nobles. We must hear them all."

  Natalie watched his face in the mplight—composed, determined, yet carrying the weight of an empire's future. No longer the hiding child she had first met in the pace library, Julian had become exactly what the realm needed—and precisely what Augustus would not tolerate.