Dandies isn't active at this hour. And no one would think to hang out before such an establishment. Not when it's known who comes to a place like this during the day. The only real threat is the fact the guards will pace more often. Infidelity is illegal, but that doesn't stop people from engaging in it. Dandies being a theater of sorts gives cover for the actions. And it was made clear I should do nothing to them unless I wanted to lose many citizen's lives. Better they use Dandies. I can get a list of anyone I need this way.
Dandies is a means of control.
Butch shivers staring at the sign. "I've never gone here before. It's for adults."
"We're technically called adults now." William eyes him. "But there is a reason for this. All conversation made here will be static by magical view."
"Access is only through the royal channels." I know where we are and what this place is. "If say I cannot produce an heir, this would be the place I come to fill such a request."
William stares at me. "But Jessica is-"
I glare at him and place my hand on my hilt. "I can help all your problems if you want."
"Not even threatening the compost pile now?" William backs up a step. "Sorry for teasing."
"It's just a contract. I don't think we're going to turn it down at the moment, but it's for a decade from now. If a relationship forms, great. But a relationship cannot form if everyone is asking about it." I focus on William. He bows to me. "We're not here about that. I can threaten you in public."
"We couldn't used several rooms..." William freezes. "Oh."
"Yeah." I rub my head and lean against the wall. "Neither the halls nor the castle." I sigh. "There's a leak somewhere. Someone is a concern. And we have no idea who or why." I pause. "I have no idea who or why. Lucas probably has a few extra details. I can also lean on Hydrangea. The rest? All the knights? I am to act like I'm gaining special privilege."
"You still are." William points out.
That doesn't help matters. "I let an assassin into the halls because they wore a castle guard uniform and acted innocent. Then another assassin came at us for the graduation test. Someone is leaking something somehow."
"Who do you trust?" William asks.
"You? I trust the new nobles: Daniel, Callie, Jessica, and Ryan. Lucas worries me. Hydrangea isn't giving the full knowledge. So... Minimal. Lucas is my lead here. And I know Hydrangea has more awareness of this problem than I do." I shake my head. "The rest... I am more likely to trust a white knight than any other."
William hisses looking to Butch. Butch doesn't catch my eyes.
I know why they're refusing me notice. I focus on the far zone. There is a lot more out there. Figuring this out shouldn't be too hard. I shouldn't be questioning the knighthood. There are checks and balances. I have to assume the problem is either in the higher branches of the royal castle or the higher branches of the knight hall. I'm one of very few who can do this. The rest would be facing treason. I can't face treason. I can kill my father and not face treason. Because I am the face of the state. There is no way for me to be treasonous. Not until I lose my position as crown prince. There are only three people truly unable to commit treason: the king, the queen, and the crown prince.
"Any idea who the target is?" William asks.
I finally can catch his eyes. "No. I have no idea the victim or the attempted murderer." I close my eyes remembering the assassin. "We caught both of the assassins, but I'll assume they won't offer anything. Daniel suggested they acted as a typical assassin would."
"So... Who handles the assassins?"
My jaw locks at the idea. "The Swiftings." Daniel's house should be aware. That's who handles it for us. "And even if they don't have the order, they should know about it."
"Unless..." Butch shakes his head. "Never mind. They should know about. Who will you try to reach out to?"
With William on my side, it should be fine if I travel somewhere. And Butch would make sure my spell won't activate. Only Mom could suggest there is a problem. Father shouldn't be paying me any attention. He'd fully trust William for now. Until we do something foolish.
"Probably best we limit travel." Butch says. I can't disagree. "We're expected in Telligence tomorrow."
William waves that off. "I'm quality transport. Don't worry about that if I'm around."
Still... I can't suggest I know who to reach out to in Swifting. Just because I'm crown prince and want to learn the truth doesn't mean anyone will offer it to me. So what do I do in this case? "I'm missing too many details."
"Then forget it for now. Focus on what you can do." William motions back to the castle. "You're crown prince. Act it."
I stare at him. "You want me joining Father's meetings?"
"Yes. You might find out a lot more by just being around." William takes my hand. "Ready?"
"My room, please." I close my eyes letting the teleport bring me back to my bedroom. Butch and William are allowed here. "I'm going to join my father then. I won't be refused. You have full access to the castle through my name." I look to William. My father has his name for William. He literally has nothing to worry about. "We'll meet up later."
"I'll show Butch around. Everyone knows me." William grabs Butch's shoulder.
I'll be safe here. I never feared death. If things turn for the worse... I open one of my drawers and pull out a compact mirror. I look at William. "Call me if you question things." Pocketing the mirror, I head for where my father is. If he didn't follow strict patterns I would struggle. But as long as I know the time, I know where he'd be.