Jovari the Blue

Chapter 40: Reunited

Kastali Dun

Claire heard the murmur of voices growing louder with each step through the passage tunnel. They were close. Her nerves ratcheted up, and so did Talon's. She'd been away for so long, even if hadn't been long for her.

Talon was a steady presence at her back as she followed behind Feowen and Tasar. Having him close made her braver, and she felt the same mirrored within him. Which was why she lifted her chin and squared her shoulders when the mouth of the passage widened, letting them out into the massive cave deep beneath the keep.

Feowen came to an abrupt halt, then cupped his hands around his mouth and announced, "Our queen has returned! All hail Queen Claire!"

Silence.

And then—

"Claire!" Shrieks, cries of elation erupted into the massive space, followed by a rush of people surging towards them. A single breath later, she was engulfed, passed around for hug after hug. She had a brief moment with a tearful Desaree, breathing in her familiar scent, before she was passed to Jocelyn, and then her spriten handmaidens and guards. She was vaguely aware of the others engaged in similar greetings and introductions.

Talon's amusement vibrated across their mate bond as he watched how eagerly she was received. "All right, all right. Back up, all of you. Give my mate some room to breathe," he growled at the bodies pressing in around them.

Everyone scampered backwards at their king's order, assembling in a semicircle around the newcomers. Her eyes caught with Desaree's from across the gap. "I missed you so much," she mouthed.

"I missed you too," Des mouthed back, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"My queen?" Feowen looked at her. "Would you like to say a few words? Address your people?"

"I..." She glanced at all the hopeful faces. She recognized so many of them. Even Mikkin and Jamie, and the dwarg and goblin who had traveled with them. There had to be close to a hundred people hiding out in the cave. Hiding from Kane's reach.

The feel of Talon's hand slipping into hers offered her renewed strength. "I'm with you—always."

She cleared her throat and said, "Thank you—all of you—for your loyalty during this dark time. Kane's tyrannic rule cannot be allowed to continue. I am here—we are here—to take back the throne." She shared a glance with Talon and he nodded, encouraging her to continue. "We will not rest until it is in safe hands. I hope you are all ready, because it's time to act."

Cheers and clapping erupted, even several whoops. Not a single person looked hesitant. Not a single one doubted their ability to reclaim what was stolen. Talon gave her hand a quick squeeze and added, "My queen is right. We've got some work ahead of us. Let's get some rest tonight, and in the morning, we begin."

Murmurs met his words as everyone in the crowd began speculating over what would come next.

"You heard your king," Feowen shouted. "Clear out and get some rest."

She threw the prince a look. "Seem's like you've got everything under control."

"Indeed. Now, we've cordoned off a section over there for you, so you have your privacy. Follow me." He set off at a brisk pace, leading them through the cavern. Everywhere she looked were signs of the strength and endurance of their people. Cots and cook fires, makeshift tables, furniture, and more. They'd been living here for months—that much was evident.

She felt a hand in hers and looked over to see Desaree walking beside her. They shared a grin. "I know it's the middle of the night," Des said, "but maybe we can make some time to catch up tomorrow?"