The war was over. The word had spread across the kingdom and beyond that Rufus had taken the capital.

Most of the citizens cheered for the ending of the war and Rufus's victory, but many were still extremely unconvinced about the alliance with the grey skins. Many people feared that either Rufus was being fooled by them or that he had sold the people to them. Either way, the people lived with unease in their hearts.

The war had left its mark all over the kingdom, from burnt fields, devastated villages, and the loss of valuable labor force that had perished during the war. The war had been devastating in the Insbeck region especially. Winter was just around the corner and people were not sure if they would survive through it.

The grey skin army stayed in the capital while many of the rebel soldiers were disbanded to go back home and help with the collections of the crops before winter's arrival.

The victorious leaders of the grey skins and the rebellious nobles met in the ruined throne room. Tashi, Lord Erik, Count Hunyadi, Namri, and all the rest were present. They all had stern and sad faces after marching through the ruined capital and seeing the destruction. All the victorious leaders did not feel like celebrating.

"We need to somehow now start building a working state. Get the people working again on the fields and repairing all the damages the war had done. The people feel defenseless and unsure of their future now. We need their support if we want to build a new country. The people want to trust Rufus, but are unsure about the grey skins," count Hunyadi said to everyone.

The grey skin tribal leaders looked all displeased.

"My Raja. We would like to now start moving our people south from the mountains to settle here. They have waited for long enough. The more we wait the more our people suffer," Tashi said and expressed the worries of all the grey skins.

Rufus had no idea how to fix these problems. He was holding his head in his palm.

"Where is the prince. Is there any sign of him or something?" Rufus asked Doreen.

"Unfortunately, no," Doreen said depressed.

"I suggest we try to fill the city with all the war refugees. Help rebuild the capital. We should offer cheap housing so people would want to come to live here once more. We must also show to the people that we are different from the previous government and that we will install fair order to the kingdom that also considers its people as a vital part of it," Vlad Hunyadi suggested.

"There is empty land near the mountains. These lands do not have any inhabitants and are fertile where we can herd goats and hunt for game. I would like our people to move there first and gradually start settling other unused lands," Tashi said.

Both didn't understand each other, and both wanted other things. Rufus was trying to listen to both of them but was having a hard time. They were ripping Rufus apart with their needs and suggestions.

"First of all, you lords and nobles should learn to speak the grey skin language. It would make these meetings easier. The grey skins are here to stay and for that same deal, the raids also have stopped. For that reason also learn to speak some of their language as well," Haley said and looked at the nobles.

The nobles looked awkwardly at Haley. Haley just made all the nobles quiet with just a few words. Rufus smiled and thought that Haley was day by day becoming more like Harley.

"You too. Learn to speak human language. We are going to live with the humans now. We all need to pull our own weight," Amala said to all the tribal leaders.

Amala and Haley were an incredible duo. Both were strong-willed women who made all the men in the hall obedient.

"Let anyone settle wherever they want. I want word to be spread that no violence among the two races is allowed," Rufus said and looked at everyone.

"This also should kill two birds with one stone. We need more workforce to work the land and provide food for the winter. Let the grey skins fill that gap with them also moving into the capital as well," Doreen suggested.

They all accepted that. All the nobles and tribal leaders looked at each other, but this time with less unwell gazes as they had in the beginning. The meeting was over and the nobles left the throne room. The tribal leaders stayed wishing to talk with Rufus in private.

"My great Raja. You have delivered on your word. Many among us still were not sure would we be able to achieve our long dream, but it had finally come. We are forever in your debt," Tashi said with the other tribal leader nodding.

"It's okay. I mean you all fought for us also," Rufus said awkwardly.

"We want you to understand that we all give our eternal loyalty and fealty to you. You have yet to accept this and we have yet to offer this, but please accept it now," Tashi said and went on both knees and bowed in front of Rufus.

The rest of the tribal leaders joined in on the bowing with Rufus looking uncomfortable looking at the display.

"Sure, sure, sure. Just get up, please."

The tribal leaders looked pleased and happy. They all felt an unimaginable loyalty and were ready to die for their Raja.

~~

The meeting had ended with the tribal leader as well leaving the throne room.

As Rufus was walking by himself through the corridors of the palace Amala stopped him.

"Can we have a word, Rufus? Alone," Amala asked.

Amala and Rufus were talking alone in the ruined hallway beside the windows.

"The grey skins are very grateful for you. You kept your word and we know can live in the flatlands again. They feel indebted and wish you to rule the for good and lead them as you have now. They want you to help them make this their new home," Amala explained.

"I know, I know. I gave them my word and I will keep it."

"But you understand that they will feel betrayed if you let this prince take power. He did not fight for us, you did," Amala said and made clear to Rufus.

"I know, but I am not a ruler or a leader. This war was completely won thanks to Doreen and all the other leaders and smarter people. Besides the prince has no ill will towards anyone. Well maybe not any goodwill either, but the point is he can be trusted," Rufus explained.

"Yes, but only you brought us together. The grey skins don't even know about this prince. Please don't let us down," Amala said and left.

Rufus had now even more worries now.

~~

Rufus was walking in the garden that was left untouched by the riots. It had beautiful flowers and small ponds here and there. Rufus saw Haley in the garden also.

"Look at this. Only some years ago we were scraping to get by. Now we are walking in the royal gardens," Haley said.

"Yeah. All this time the people suffered and the royals grew tulips," Rufus said who wasn't impressed at all.

"Don't be so negative. All will work eventually," Haley said and look at Rufus in his eyes.

Rufus smiled at Haley. He then looked at the starry sky with a full moon.