Julian disappeared on a Wednesday with almost no warning. One day he was holding court in the dining hall, dramatically describing his latest near-death experience, and the next day he was just... gone.
"Study abroad program," the administration announced when students asked about his absence. "Prince Julian has been granted special permission to participate in a European cultural exchange for the next two weeks."
The explanation was suspiciously vague, especially since Julian had never mentioned any study abroad plans and the timing seemed random given we were halfway through the semester.
"Something's wrong," I said to Roni while we were studying in the library. "Julian wouldn't leave without telling us, especially after the assassination attempt."
"Maybe his family pulled him out fo
