A servant moved along the table filling cups.
The Duke looked at his brother.
Liam looked back at his brother.
Julian picked up his cup and drank, waiting to see who decided that the silence had run long enough.
It was the Duke.
He set his cup down and looked over the table at Marcus.
"Marcus," he said. "How have you been?"
Marcus straightened slightly at being addressed directly by the Duke. A brief tension moved through his shoulders before he brought it under control.
"I am well, Uncle," he said. "I have been focused on politics and mana cultivation. Father has been arranging lessons in both."
The Duke nodded slowly. "Good. Make sure the training doesn't slack. You are the heir at the end of the day. That carries weight whether you feel it yet or not."
Marcus bowed his head in a small, respectful bow. "I understand, Uncle. I will make sure of it."
Julian shifted his attention to the young man too.
"Marcus," he said pleasantly. "Which realm have you reached?"
