News of the agreement with the Black Forest spread through the kingdom. Soldiers, farmers, merchants—all spoke of it. Some relieved. Others suspicious.
Kael knew this. He had felt the tension rise from the moment he returned. Gazes shifted. Conversations stopped as he passed.
One evening, Kira came to find him in the study.
"We need to talk."
"About the people?"
"Yes. They're afraid."
"Of what?"
"Of Sylva. The wolves. The forest."
"That's normal."
"They say you made a pact with a beast."
"I made a pact with a queen."
"To them, it's the same."
Kael closed the register he was reading.
"Sit down."
Kira obeyed.
"Tell me what they're saying."
"That the wolves roam closer to the villages. That farmers have seen shadows between the trees. That children are having nightmares."
"And is it true?"
"In part. The wolves are getting closer. But they're not attacking."
"They're watching."
"Yes. Like us."
Kael stood.
"Peace is fragile. My people must learn to live with a wild border."
"They won't accept it overnight."
"Then they'll learn. And you're going to help me."
"How?"
"By going there. Speaking to the villagers. Reassuring them."
"Why me?"
"Because you're a half-demon. Because you know fear. And because they'll listen to you."
Kira hesitated.
"Some don't like me."
"Those ones respect you."
"You're sure?"
"Yes. You've proven your worth."
Kira looked down.
"I can go."
"Good."
Kael sat back down.
"Anything else?"
"No. Well, yes. Serya."
"What about Serya?"
"She stays shut in. She barely speaks. She stares at walls."
"She's readjusting."
"She's having visions. I heard her murmuring at night."
"What?"
"Names. Places. Fragments."
"Did you understand anything?"
"No. But it worries me."
Kael nodded.
"I'll speak to her."
"When?"
"Tomorrow."
"Good."
Kira stood.
"I'll leave at dawn."
"No. Wait."
"Why?"
"Because I want you to be here when the first merchants from the Mirror Waters arrive."
"They're coming soon?"
"Yes. In three days."
"You want me to stay for that?"
"I want you to see how they behave. You have an eye for it."
"You think I'm paranoid."
"No. I think you're prudent."
Kira smiled.
"Then I'll stay."
"Good."
---
The three days passed quickly. The caravan from the Mirror Waters arrived by the southwestern road, escorted by soldiers in gleaming armor and silent servants. The wagons were laden with liquid fabrics, water pearls, glass cups that shifted color.
Kael received the caravan leader in the palace courtyard. He was a slender demon, dressed in blue silk, his face smooth.
"My king. My queen sends her greetings."
"Your queen is generous."
"She is."
"Tell her her goods will be well received."
"I will."
The caravan settled in the merchants' quarter. Trade began. The locals observed, curious, wary. Children approached the wagons, adults hung back.
Kira kept watch, discreet.
"Well?" Kael asked that evening.
"They're polite. Too polite."
"It's their profession."
"They don't ask questions. They don't look at the fortifications. They're only interested in sales."
"Is that suspicious?"
"No. It's professional."
"Then it's good."
"Perhaps."
"You're never satisfied."
"I'm prudent."
Kael smiled.
"That's why I keep you around."
"I thought it was for my charm."
"That too."
They laughed softly.
---
Meanwhile, in the north, near the Black Forest, villagers kept watch. The wolves still roamed, grey shapes among the dark trees.
An old farmer, leaning on his pitchfork, stared at the treeline.
"They're watching us," he said to his son.
"Yes."
"For days."
"Yes."
"Do you think they'll attack?"
"The king said no."
"The king isn't here."
The son clenched his jaw.
"He made an agreement."
"Beasts don't respect agreements."
"Then we'll defend ourselves."
The old farmer nodded.
"Yes. We'll defend ourselves."
Night fell. The wolves remained at the treeline.
No one truly slept.
---
In the palace, Kael studied the map of the kingdom. The northern borders were marked with a green line, the Black Forest a dark stain.
"They're afraid," Kira said, entering.
"I know."
"It will take time."
"We have it."
"You're sure?"
"Yes. And I prefer a fragile peace to a certain war."
"Even if your own people doubt?"
"Even if."
Kael placed a finger on the forest.
"Sylva isn't an enemy. She's a force. And forces are watched."
"You fear her?"
"No. I respect her."
"That's worse."
"No. It's more useful."
He turned away.
"Tomorrow, I'll speak to Serya."
"Do you want me to come?"
"No. It'll be between her and me."
"As you wish."
Kira left.
Kael remained alone before the map.
The kingdom was whole. But shadows remained.