The wind was strong flowing this time of year, moving with purpose far above the ground. The clouds rolled as though being pushed along, shaping and reforming around the dragons and their burdens. The ample rain clouds begged to be opened and allow playful droplets to dance with the storm twins, but Ivory forbid them. She didn't wish for this trip to be any more difficult on her mistress and the baby.
Nested on Ember's back, Kyera was fast asleep. The familiar sensation of the wind rocking the dragons flight gently, and the sound of powerful wing beats had lulled her to sleep moments after they got into the air. The saddle was carefully buckled at the tops of her thighs so she could lay forward, her head resting on a leather pillow from the saddle bag. Kyera's feet hooked over it's back so she could lay in the hallow between shoulder blades. She had slept this way so many times that it was second nature to Ember. Late night secret meetings with their Mistress had been the highlight of their youth. Unbeknownst to the Frost Land Royals, the Princess and her dragons had never truly lost touch in all these years. Just as he had then, Ember gathered fire in his belly to radiate heat through the scales and keep the lady and her baby warm.
This heat also benefited the carriage, as he and Ivory churned the heat inside them, it radiated out and warned the carriages as well. Inside the carriage was made of 3 benches, one against each wall except for the door wall. Currently, there were leather strap and iron latches holding that door securely shut. The benches were on each wall, directly beside the door on either side sat Kan and Lazren both of whom had been shown what to do in case of emergency.
On the wall facing the dragon's head sat Bryson and Crystalsa who looked rather comfortable. Her hands were carefully stringing beads onto a strip of fabric in her hands. The delicate needle glimmered I'm the lantern light. Across from them Feya sat, rather properly but her eyes couldn't hide her impatience. Despite the number of items the Matriarch and Bryson offered to keep her busy she had denied them all, bent on being difficult. Where as her two sister in laws were fast asleep on the third bench having stayed up late with the festivities.
"How far are we from the Palace?" Feya asked and Crystalsa glanced up from her latest stitch. The look on her face was contemplative. Then the Matriarch opened the window curtain behind him and looking at the earth.
"We should be arrive here soon. Most likely in the next 20 minutes. There's no snow under us any longer." Crystalsa mused with a sigh. All the green set her on edge as it would any shifter whose second form was pure white. There was a reason sending an white furred shifter to the forest was a terrible banishment. One Fantasy had chosen for her child to protect them.
"Thank Goodness." Feya exclaimed in relief. Bryson and his mother were numb to this little Princess's disrespect. There was no reason to expect better so they didn't.
Bryson leaned over and gently pat Lalia's arm to wake her. It only took a moment for her sleepy eyes to open and locate who patted her. The handsome face that met her eyes caused them to open wider in disbelief. She sat up instantly. "Yes Master Bryson?" She asked and he chuckled.
"We are nearly there. I figured you might want to wake your sister and prepare to meet your husbands. Men with such jewels for wives must be worried, and you don't want them to worry." He offered her a dashing smile. She nodded her expression lighting up as she thought of seeing Alexi again. They hadn't been apart for more than a night since they were married. Two nights was a long time to be away from her daughter too. Then again it would have been different if Kyera and her guard hadn't been there. She shuddered to think of her daughter growing without a mother.
"Of course. Thank you." Lalia gently shook Melania who woke quickly.
"Damar…" the whisper fell from her lips as her sleepy eyes slowly opened. There was obvious disappointment in her eyes, followed by embarrassment as she sat up. Her hands smoothed over her neatly braided hair. "Sorry I must have dozed." Melania whispered awkwardly.
"It is fine, both of you slept most the trip. I'm sure Kyera did as well so don't worry about it." Crystalsa chuckled gazing at her with kindly eyes. There was a gentle understanding and longing in her eyes that no one could truly understand.
"Should we wake her?" Lalia asked but then looked a little perplexed.
"No, Ember will wake her before we land. The Storm twins are capable of looking after their mistress. I'm sure Ivory is looking forward to seeing Clovis again." Bryson replied chuckling at their expression.
"Clovis has been to your kingdom?" Suddenly Feya's interest was peaked. Bryson chuckled.
"He and Kyera both came to our kingdom. Just a few months back." Bryson explained as the carriage began to make a slow, never ending turn. They were slowly lowering and he smiled.
"Landing?" Kan asked a bit nervously.
"Yes. Ladies, welcome back home." Crystalsa replied smiling gently. The girls were all suddenly distracted. "Also girls there is something I should say." The Matriarch suddenly sat straight and there was a sudden sense of sharpness in the air. "Kyera saved your lives, and we believe in life debts. Betray her secret and you will be betraying the peace pact between our countries. Keep in mind these dragons do more than ferry people across the sky." Crystalsa added before sitting back as the carriage slowly came to a stop. They were back on solid ground.
"And, ladies no offense, but there is no love lost between our kingdoms. There is only a peace treaty." Bryson added softly before Kan stood and put a hand on the door handle to open it, but waited on the Royal Permission to do so.
Crystalsa nodded, allowing him to let the warm, tree filtered sunlight into the fire lit carriage.