The moon hung high above the capital, casting pale light upon its streets. The distant hum of life echoed faintly from below, yet atop a secluded rooftop, two figures remained silent. Kale stood near the edge, gaze fixed on the palace in the distance, while Serene knelt beside him, awaiting orders.
"The nobles are restless," Kale murmured. "And the military's movements are no longer subtle. How many reports have you gathered?"
"Seven, Master," Serene replied without hesitation. "Small skirmishes along the eastern border. Each dismissed as isolated incidents. But the frequency—"
"—is not a coincidence." Kale's eyes narrowed. The court still clung to the facade of control, yet their actions betrayed their fear. And fear made men unpredictable. "Continue observing. Focus on Duke Marcian and those aligned with him. Their next move will decide the pace of this conflict."
"Yes, Master." Serene bowed her head slightly, her loyalty unwavering. Yet a trace of hesitation lingered. "Should we not act now? If war breaks out—"
"We will act when the time is right." Kale's tone left no room for argument. His path was not one of haste. Every moment of delay strengthened his hand while the kingdom unraveled. Let the vultures gather—their downfall would be all the more complete.
A distant bell echoed through the night, signaling the change of the city watch. Kale stepped back from the ledge, cloak shifting with the breeze. "Maintain your cover among the servants. If the court moves openly, I want to know before the king himself does."
Serene rose gracefully, her expression composed despite the gravity of her task. "As you command."
Without another word, Kale vanished into the night, leaving only the faint whisper of his departure as proof he had ever been there.