Kade's POV
My back was to Julian, and I lowered my gaze, allowing a slight smirk to touch the corner of my mouth.
The fish had swallowed the hook.
I didn't find Julian's demands tiresome; in fact, I was grateful. Every single thing he asked for was perfectly aligned with the course of action I wanted.
Even his request—to breach the castle walls as a one-day diplomatic rhetoric teacher—was part of my setup. I had originally intended for Mera to teach that class, which would force Julian to negotiate with his own mother after Marcia baited him.
Now, Julian had just handed me the solution directly, saving me the hassle of maneuvering Mera into position.
But I turned, facing Julian again, forcing a moment of feigned hesitation before reluctantly agreeing to his terms. I nudged Dorian, wh
