Jovari the Blue

Chapter 25: Esterpine

Esterpine

Talon studied his shields. Somehow, he knew. His stomach turned rock hard. Something was wrong. "What is it?" he said without preamble.

At the same moment, Claire said, "I'm sorry, but, do I know you?"

Saffra dropped her arms and took a surprised step back, frowning. "Do you...do you know me?" Something flashed across the seer's features. Too late, did he remember what had happened to Saffra's fiancee, Commander Daxton.

He stepped forward. "Kane has her mind under a spell. She can't remember anything from her life here. Not...not even me."

Saffra blinked, then glanced behind her, at Bedelth and Koldis. "But..."

"Why are you here?" he demanded. "In the forest. What's wrong?"

This time, Koldis stepped forward. "It's...It's..."

"No." He took a step back. The comforting feel of Jovari's palm squeezed his shoulder. He shrugged it off. "Tell me it isn't true."

"We lost the kingdom," Bedelth said, scrubbing a hand over his face, his features etched in sorrow.

"No," he repeated, shaking his head. It couldn't be real. There was no way. He'd...he'd taken measures to avoid this. Dragonwall couldn't fall. Kane couldn't have his throne.

Claire looked alarmed, glancing between everyone. "Are you...are you his other shields?"

"You truly don't remember us?" Koldis looked hurt, but Talon didn't care about that right now. All he could think of was Bedelth's words.

"How?" he demanded. "Tell me how? What...is Reyr—?"

"Alive. They're all alive, as far as we know."

He exhaled. There was that, at least. He wasn't sure how he'd handle Reyr's death. Any of their deaths. He would have completely lost it, here and now. Even still, he felt the tether on his control begin to fray. "How long have we been gone?" he demanded.

"Nearly a year." A clear, musical voice rang out. A moment later, Taylynn appeared. Both Claire and Leah gaped at her. "Welcome back, my queen."

"Taylynn," Koldis said, moving towards her. He bent to kiss her forehead, the greeting affectionate.

It had been a long while since he'd lost control. His skin itched. "Someone better tell me how that piece of filth sorcerer is sitting on my throne." His words were a low growl.

"Peace, Your Majesty. Let us go somewhere we can speak privately. My cottage is just this way."

He nearly refused, but Claire threw him an alarmed look, as if sensing that he was seconds from changing. He blew out a breath. "Yes, lead the way."

"Good." Taylynn set off, Koldis beside her. The rest of them followed.

He did not wish to frighten his mate. This would give him a moment to collect himself. A warm hand took hold of his. He jerked at the surprise contact, then looked down. Claire twined their fingers together. Heat burst in his chest. It was the first time she'd initiated contact since their reunion. "Are you...okay?"

He took a deep breath. "I'm not sure. But...better now that I'm touching you."

"Does it calm you? My touch?"

"More than you would believe," he admitted.

She captured her lip between her teeth, like this pleased her. "Then I won't let you go, Talon. Come on."

Gods, hearing her say that...

She pulled him along, keeping pace with the others. They'd spent the entire walk to Esterpine chatting about inconsequential things. She told him stories about her childhood—some of which he was already familiar with, but he let her because he liked listening to her talk—while he told her stories of the time they'd spent together. She loved the forest. He could see it on her face every time she caught sight of something beautiful.