Elara's people disembarked with visible relief. Lisa practically kissed the dock when her feet hit solid ground. Several beast knights looked around with poorly concealed wariness—too many people, too much noise, too much unfamiliar territory.
The merchant crew helped carry trunks and supplies down the gangplank with practiced efficiency. Within an hour, everything was unloaded and stacked on the dock.
Kael approached Elara, his expression carefully neutral.
"Your Highness," he said, bowing. "This is where we part ways."
Elara looked at him. "Understood."
"My father wanted me to be clear about something." Kael's voice dropped lower. "The Verin family values our business relationship with you. The preservation magic contracts are solid and we'll honor them completely. But..."
"But you don't want to be involved in royal succession battles," Elara finished.
