there was no reason to be in a hurry. The longer he made them wait the busier he seemed to be and the more powerful it made him look. He knew how it was with Morgan. He had done it since his first day as king.
The door in the corner opened and in came two guards followed by a small man in long, red robes, carrying several items that might have been from his previous meeting, if there really was one. The man’s name was Spencer. Julian had known Spencer most of his life in Marenon. The man had been selected as one of Ruben’s several advisors. Spencer was the least liked of the bunch and often pointed out the negative aspect of any issue. Ruben had considered his perspective to be invaluable. Morgan liked him so much that when he became king, he got rid of the others and made Spencer his only close personal advisor. Julian would have fired him the first day if he were in his brother’s position. Spencer’s manipulative behavior was transparent to Julian. Spencer had always known that Julian saw through him too. But there was no reason for him to be afraid of Julian. He knew Julian never had any power in the royal family.
The weasel of a man set his things on the large table in the middle of the room and looked up at Julian with a surprised stare. He obviously had not expected to see him.
“Why Julian,” he said. “I knew we were meeting with a representative from the Dunarians, but you were the last person I would have expected to see.”
Julian stood. “And you are not my brother. I specifically asked to speak with him.”
“The king is quite busy these days, Julian. One cannot simply ask to see him and expect an audience right away. It’s not how it works, you know that.” Spencer pushed up his glasses on his long, slender nose with his pointy fingers. The man had an aura about him that would make most people cringe. It wasn’t from fear or intimidation, but more of a sick feeling like speaking to him was wrong somehow.
“I know how it works with Morgan and I asked to be allowed to speak with him. What I have to say has nothing to do with you, Spencer.”
Spencer chuckled. “Well, as the king’s personal advisor I will know everything there is to know anyway, young Julian. Your brother relies on my opinion in most situations, as I’m sure he would trust my judgment on any matter you may have to bring before him. Anyway, he has no desire to see you. He detests your existence.”
The words poured out of his mouth like liquid poison and Julian wished Spencer would drown on them. He spoke as if he knew the thoughts of Morgan when in fact he probably planted most of the ideas in his brain. Morgan had few redeeming qualities about him, but Spencer had even fewer.
“I want to speak with him,” Julian repeated.
“Out of the question,” Spencer said, unmoving. His smug grin made Julian flush with anger.
“Does he even know I’m here?”
“It doesn’t matter,” Spencer said. “He would not speak to you.”
“Let him make that decision,” Julian said, his face turning a bright red.
“He already has. Through me.”
Julian clenched his fist doing his best not to snap the frail creature’s neck. The two guards in the room were well trained, and should he make a scene, more might come. There was little chance he could take several guards without a sword at once, not to mention that being wanted for murder would hinder his ability to obtain the medallion. For these reasons he held his composure.
“I’m sure that’s not how it worked when my father was in power was it?”
“Ruben Hobbes was weak and incompetent and without the ability to rely on others to help him in any situation. It was cause for much confusion in his kingship. Things work much better this way, Julian.”
Julian snorted. “I’m sure you think so. My father’s only mistake was appointing you to an advisory position in the first place, you snake!”
“I’m sure there are many who would disagree with your assessment,” Spencer said calmly.
“Is that so? I’m sure my father would have done a lot more than fire you if he had survived his attack by the Stühocs.”
Spencer stood motionless.
“Yes, that’s right,” Julian said moving forward. “I believe that you and several others were behind his death. It’s something that has eaten