Julian retired to his quarters.

Just as he took off his traveling coat and tossed it onto a nearby armchair, the door burst open.

He didn’t even need to turn around.

There was only one person in the entire manor who would storm into his private space without the basic decency of knocking.

"Why are you back?"

William’s voice cut through the quiet chamber, sharp and demanding.

"What kind of a stupid question is that?" Julian retorted, his voice dripping with cool annoyance as he unbuttoned his vest. "And while we’re at it, how about knocking next time? You’re no longer a child."

William frowned deeply at his brother’s reprimand, but he ignored the critique and stepped further into the chamber.

"None of those responses answers my question," he said. "I distinctly remember what you said to me before you left seven years ago. You swore you would never return here. So what changed your mind?"

Julian finally turned around to look directly at William, his hazel eyes steady and unreadable. "Who cares what I said seven years ago? This is still my home. I may come and go as I please, and I certainly do not need to justify myself to you. Now, unless you have something worthwhile to say, leave my chamber. I am exhausted and I need to get some rest."

"Since when did you and the Marquis become acquainted?"

Julian let out a quiet sigh, rubbing the bridge of his nose.

"What are you on about now?"

"I mean what happened downstairs," his brother’s causality only seemed to frustrate William the most. "I don’t understand what that interaction was. Why did he actually listen to you?"

"Because he chose to."

"Yes, but why you?"

Julian shot him a look. "Well, someone had to step forward before we became half-orphans. It certainly didn’t seem as though you were going to do it."

The remark was delivered so matter-of-factly that it only irritated William further.

"Why are you making such a fuss over it?" Julian continued. "Shouldn’t you be grateful he listened at all?"

"That’s not the point," William stated clearly, his fists clenching at his side. "Our family have never been on good terms with Vincent. No matter what we do or say, he should have every reason to ignore us. He had the chance to make an example of us, so why didn’t he? Why pass up the perfect opportunity to finish what he started?"

Julian stared at his brother like he was completely failing to make sense.

He was well aware of the hostility between their family and Vincent, and it was hardly a recent development. Growing up, the vast majority of the noble children had deliberately avoided Vincent due to his peculiar personality, and Julian was well aware of the terrifying reputation the man carried.

But Vincent wasn’t a mindless beast; he was a man. A dangerous man, certainly, but a man nonetheless.

"I merely presented logical reasons," Julian turned away from his brother to resume organizing his personal belongings on the dresser. "You saw it yourself. Father was in the wrong, after all. He brought the bloodhound to our doorstep and then acted surprised when it bit him. It is a lot better this way than having to take it up in court."

As if just remembering something important, Julian turned to his brother, his expression shifting into a look of subtle, mocking amusement.

"By the way, is it true?"

William frowned, his defensive guard going right back up. "What are you talking about?"

"Lady Penelope."

It was entirely obvious Julian was holding back a laugh, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"Is it true? Our new Marchioness is Lady Penelope herself?"

"Is our current situation funny to you?!" William snapped, his face flushing with a mix of anger and deep humiliation.

"Of course not," Julian cleared his throat, though the smirk playing on his lips remained unapologetic. "As much as I hate to be that person, I definitely recall telling you so. Years ago, I warned you. Repeatedly."

His eyes flicked back to his brother.

"But you kept insisting that Lady Penelope was hopelessly devoted to you. According to your endless speeches, she was incapable of moving on. You were very confident about that too."

William looked ready to strangle him.

You wanted the best of both worlds," Julian continued mercilessly. "You wanted to keep Penelope’s affection while entertaining other prospects. You wanted to play your little games despite knowing perfectly well how deeply she cared for you. She treated you so well, you know, but you were more fascinated with the other one, what was her name, Mirabel, isn’t it?"

Raising one hand, he made a casual gesture, as though releasing a bird into the sky.

"She didn’t just move on, she’s happily married to the most powerful, terrifying man in all of the four kingdoms. She is no longer remotely within your reach. Truly, a masterpiece of a plan, little brother."

"You watch your mouth."

William’s voice trembled with a volatile mix of wounded pride and simmering resentment.

"That woman was only a conniving bitch. Love does not simply vanish overnight, do you hear me? She never loved me, and that is the truth of it. Father’s only mistake was getting caught by those people. But as for Penelope, I will personally see to it that she pays for the humiliation she has caused me."

Julian rolled his eyes, entirely unimpressed by his brother’s theatrical display of bravado. The gesture was so effortless and dismissive that it only spiked William’s anger.

"Really?"

The amusement vanished from Julian’s face.

"Were you not present downstairs?" He narrowed his eyes on him as he gave William a reality-check. "You saw what the Marquis did to Father. If you honestly believe Lady Penelope is going to be an easy target for you, then you are dumber than I thought."

William’s expression darkened, but that did not stop Julian.

"Vincent Devereux mutilated a nobleman in broad daylight for trespassing against his household," he continued bluntly. "What exactly do you imagine he would do if someone deliberately harmed his wife?"

Julian stepped closer.

"If you lay a hand on the Marchioness, Vincent will not merely retaliate. He will make an example out of you. Father still has the luxury of receiving treatment from a physician. I am not entirely convinced you would be afforded the same courtesy."

The warning was delivered so matter-of-factly that it sounded less like a threat and more like an unavoidable fact.

"Abandon whatever foolish ideas are forming in your head, that is if you have any desire to live a longer life, and stay far away from Lady Penelope."

William was indeed shaken by the cold finality in Julian’s voice, but as the silence stretched between them, a sudden, dark realization began to take root. He couldn’t help but notice just how defensive his older brother had gotten over Vincent and Penelope.

His eyes narrowed. "Wait. Don’t tell me... you’re on their side."

Julian only smirked, entirely unbothered by the accusation, and casually turned back to resume unpacking his belongings. "So what if I am? Those two have been of more help to me than my own family ever was. In fact, I was quite happy to hear they got married. Now, if you don’t mind, please leave my chamber."