Once inside the carriage, Kyera leaned back and closed her eyes. She felt tired, and though most of that had been for show she felt drained. Her hand gently caressed the bump as she tried to relax and do a internal inventory of her system. Something had to be wrong for her to feel so drained.
Clovis looked surprised, a a bit concerned as he realized there was a weakness to her aura. Raina sensed it too and moved to beside Kyera, kneeling on the seat. She carefully brushed Kyera's bangs from her face.
"Are you okay, Mommy? Did my uncles bully you?" Raina asked rather defensively. It was unforgivable, though her parents had tried to hide it, she knew her family didn't treat her mother well. Why else would they have left home like that?
"No, the Cub just makes me tired."Kyera replied, internally apologizing to the baby. She didn't have much of a choice but to blame the child. Afterall, she and Clovis had decided to try not to influence her feelings on her family. It wouldn't be fair to the child or her grandfather and uncles to poison her against them. Let Raina make her own decisions, while simultaneously protecting her from harm.
"Okay, you rest. Daddy and I will keep watch." Raina replied looking down at the baby a bit thoughtful. There was something in her eyes that made Clovis wonder if his daughter had heard more than she was admitting.
The rest of the trip passed in quiet vigilance. Kyera rested with her eyes closed as she traced all of her power lines. There were no blocks our wounds, but it felt weaker. Her power was simply weak. The shadows were pouring into her veins repairing whatever was causing this oddity.
"Daddy, isn't that Queen Fae?" Raina asked as she looked out the window.
The beautiful queen stood with her son, it was obvious she was causing trouble with Alexi. However, the young man stood strong, ignoring her pleas. She raised a hand and slapped Alexi across the face, hard but Alexi didn't move. Raina flinched and Clovis's face turned dark as he watched this woman abuse her own son. No wonder she was such a snake in the grass, she cared not even for her own son if he crossed her.
"You made your choice. Leave before you disturb my guests." Alexi ordered as the carriage came to a stop in his courtyard. Raina frowned as she slipped out of the carriage before the wheels had even stopped rolling. Her little feet carried her agilely to her uncle's side, landing lightly at his side. Her dress was swaying around her feet.
"Uncle we are here!" Raina greeted and Alexi smiled taking her hand. The red mark on his cheek didn't seem to affect him. She frowned touching his cheek and glared at the Second Queen.
"Leave." Raina replied coolly, her domineering spirit backed by her father and mother, who stood nearby. "If you don't want and respect my uncle, then I do. You can go, bad mommy." Raina added, her speech the only hint of her age. There was a clear difference in the mousy little girl and the warrior princess standing before them now.
"You little Motherless brat." Fae Growled and Kyera stepped forward.
"I am afraid you speak to the wrong child, Lady Fae. How dare you speak as such to a child. I believe our host has asked you to leave but if I must I will be glad to escort you away." Kyera added with a sweet smile. The Tiger and Panther behind her both stepped forward baring their teeth in warning. Fae frowned growling under her own breath, but forced to retreat.
"Take care of your health mother. Don't do anything you shouldn't be doing." Alexi added as he took the lead, showing his niece into his home. Her parents followed, Kyera casting her a withering glance and waited till the child and her mate were out of earshot.
"Raina may have once been motherless, but I am her mother now. Challenge that if you dare." Kyera whispered before turning and following the others inside.