The border city was busier than usual.
Soldiers filled the streets, but not in panic. Just enough to remind everyone that peace was thin. Banners from both lands could be seen from different towers, separated by distance but close enough to feel uncomfortable.
Lunara arrived with the royal delegation before noon.
She stayed near the back of the group, eyes forward, hands calm at her sides. The people bowed as she passed, some with respect, others with curiosity. A few stared longer than they should have.
She ignored them.
This was not her city anymore. Not today.
Prince Caelum walked a few steps ahead, speaking with officials, his voice smooth and controlled. Every move he made felt planned. Lunara noticed everything and trusted none of it.
On the far side of the city, Kael entered with the inspection unit.
No banners. No announcement.
Just soldiers, supplies, and quiet orders.
Kael kept his head down, listening, observing. He felt eyes on him more than once. Some recognized him. Some whispered.
"He's the prince who hesitates."
Kael pretended not to hear.
By late afternoon, both groups were settled within the city walls.
Neither knew the other had arrived.
Not yet.
It happened by chance.
Lunara had stepped away from the main hall, needing air. She moved along a side corridor that opened toward the outer courtyard. The noise of the city faded there, replaced by wind and distant voices.
She turned the corner and stopped.
Kael stood near the courtyard well, speaking quietly with an officer. He looked different out of armor, less like a threat, more like someone tired of carrying one.
For a moment, neither of them moved.
Then Kael noticed her.
Their eyes met.
No shock this time. No confusion.
Just recognition.
"You're here," Kael said.
"So are you," Lunara replied.
Silence followed. Not awkward. Just careful.
"We didn't plan this," Kael added.
"I know," she said.
They stood under the open sky, banners moving slowly above them. Soldiers passed nearby, unaware of the weight in that small space.
"Things are getting tighter," Kael said. "On both sides."
"Yes," Lunara replied. "They always do before something breaks."
A voice called Lunara's name.
She stepped back slightly. "We shouldn't be seen talking."
Kael nodded. "Agreed."
She turned to leave, then paused. "Be careful," she said quietly.
He watched her go. "You too."
The moment ended as simply as it began.
But when they returned to their separate paths, both felt it.
Being close did not make things easier.
It made everything heavier.