Jovari the Blue

Chapter 28: The King Tree's Answer

The Gable Forest

Claire tugged Talon along by the hand, savoring the feel of his skin against her palm. The forest felt like home in a way she'd never imagined. They'd set out earlier that morning in search of the king tree, relying on the magic of the forest to guide them. It was a bit like wandering around blindfolded while someone pulled her along on a leash.

"Are you...okay?" she asked, stealing glances back at him.

"Fine," he bit out. Today, he was dressed in a dark green sleeveless tunic and black pants. There were weapons strapped across his chest and a sword lashed to his back, the pommel visible just behind his head. The sight of his heavily corded arms was distracting.

She exhaled. "I guess that was a stupid question. I just mean, how are you holding up in light of everything?" The news of losing his kingdom had hit him hard, even though he tried to hide it. Just that morning, he'd nearly exploded when Taylynn suggested she venture into the forest alone.

"Like I said, I'm fine. There's nothing I can do about it at the moment. So let's just focus on the matter at hand."

"Do you blame me?" she couldn't help but ask.

"What?" He forced her to stop, spinning her around to face him.

"Do you blame me?" she repeated. "This wouldn't have happened if I hadn't...if you hadn't had to come get me." Her stomach had been squirming with guilt ever since Taylynn and the others had delivered the news.

"Stop." His eyes flashed with anger, and for the first time since meeting him all those days ago, the anger was directed at her. She took a step back, but he didn't release her hand. He quickly schooled his expression. "I don't blame you, Claire," he said, his voice softer this time. "It angers me that you would think it of me, that you would even ask it of me."

Her shoulders dropped. "I'm sorry—I just...it's hard not to think I'm at fault—"

"Gods above!" he swore. "This is no time to point fingers or place blame. Our kingdom has been stolen. If any blame is to be placed, it is with me, for letting matters come to this long before you were ever a part of my life. Or with Kane, who is the one usurping the throne."

"Okay. I...I just wanted to check." Her voice came out small.

He studied her, then let out a breath. More calmly this time, he said, "If I am quiet and moody, it is because I am focused on ways to reclaim the kingdom. Certainly not because I am upset with you in any way."

"But it's my fault we're here. It's my fault—"

"Stop!" he snarled. She caught a flash of black racing along his skin. Dragon scales. Her breath caught as he jerked her towards him. Before she could blink, he wrapped his hand around the back of her neck, his fingers twisting in her hair, and stole a furious kiss, releasing her almost as quickly. She didn't even have time to kiss him back. She stumbled a step at the abruptness of it.

"We are here to undo what Kane has done, and we won't leave until we do. None of it is your fault. I'm not angry with you, beyond the anger I feel at you suggesting that I might hold you responsible for any of this." He took a deep breath, squaring his shoulders and wiping his face clean of emotion. "Now, let's continue, yes?"

She swallowed, then nodded.

Several hours passed in tense silence. She thought over everything he said and began to relax. He didn't blame her, so she needed to let go of whatever guilt she felt. The most productive thing she could do was focus on fixing herself, freeing her mind from Kane's clutches.

Her belly swooped.

The sense of something imminent welled up inside her. She didn't know how to explain it, but they were getting close. Her left hand clenched tightly around the spriten staff. It urged her on.