Stand down!
"Stand down from combat posture," he said
A hush broke apart as people spoke at once, their words tangled in shock.
"Sir?"
"Commander, they're still approaching!"
Black turned.
Through them went his stare.
"They're not invaders."
Silence fell.
One look at their faces told him something was off. So he asked, his brow furrowed, "If not that, then what exactly do you claim to be?"
A small curve touched Black's lips. The hint of a smile showed there.
"They're ours."
Shock rippled outward.
"Ours?"
"You mean - "
Out loud, Black let his words rise a little. He didn't shout - just made sure they traveled.
"Those leading the caravan are King Leon's wives. The escort is Silver City and Blackthorn. You're looking at the queens of this kingdom."
A silence fell. Not even a breath broke it.
Then -
"Queens…?"
"As in - plural?"
"They don't look hostile…"
Murmurs spread fast.
