The sudden fear response was pure chaos as people tried to get off the street, locate the attacker, or simply run by instinct. Terror in its raw form was exactly what they wanted. The peace was broken and now, everyone knew.
Kyera. The princess sprung into action on the dais. Even pregnant, she was more useful than these human women. She guided the royal children off and a man at her side… who was he? He wasn't That weaselly prince… too much power in him.
Before he could further investigate, the man disappeared behind a barrel and a tiger emerged. One of their own. Of course, no human could defend her. He helped with the children, at her order no doubt. Something inside him itched to attack this creature, to test his strength but he dare not. He couldn't risk being seen. Not now, and not by her. With a bit of regret, he cast one last look at the Princess and disappeared into the woods.
*************
This was the choice she had to make. She realized it the moment the arrow had dug into them both. Kyera could save the Emperor but she would lose the child and perhaps her own life. The poison in her system was warded off of the baby, the tea her aunt had given her saw to that. However, that didn't stop her body from trying to cleanse it. She had so little energy left she had to make a choice. Just then she noticed Little Dryn crying.
Kyera picked up Drynala and grabbed Melania's hand. "You and Lalia get the kids and follow Kendrick. The Emperor is gone. There's nothing we can do but get you out." Kyera ordered as she tucked the child into a stunned Melania's arms. Kuera's eyes Fell on Nathaniel.
"You two boys help my brother, all of you. North gate." She ordered and The two boys nodded, taking hold of their cousins they ran. Kendrick parted the sea of people so the children could pass through. Kyera took the Zither from her hair and began to play, she knew the sound had carried far enough when the Roars responded.
Mordakai picked up Eve and ran after the children while Empress Vivian stayed kneeling by her son. The queens having ran already to seek safety. She didn't want to leave her son.
"Vivian, please. There's nothing more we can do." Kyera plead, taking Vivian's hand. The Empress looked at her, the pain of a mother hidden beneath the power of an Empress.
"Kyera, go. Take the children. Leave here. Take my Grandsons and keep them safe. 6 years. I can not leave this throne to them until the mourning is over. Until then they will plot, they will fall to harm, and you may even lose the baby if they stay here, among the temptations. Go, and come home when I call. Be safe, Princess Kyera." Empress Vivian demanded as she held her son's lifeless body. Kyera nodded and turned to find Clovis at her back. He looked panicky and she could feel the sweat pouring off her.
Kyera was fairly sure if she had a mirror her skin would be deathly pale. She leaned on him, and he swept her into his arms. His expression warned her against arguing. There were tears in his eyes as he ran toward the gate. The safety was just beyond there.
She looked at the people near her, and understanding dawned.
I am sorry they said. So was she.
Kyera saw the carriages and the Pair of Dragons ready to take to the sky. "Is everyone inside, Ember?" Kyera asked and the dragon nodded.
"All but you, Master Clovis and the Empress Dowager. Shade and frost in one, the Forest Gate in the other." Ember replied looking down at her.
"Raina?" Kyera asked and he lowered his head to show the child on her back. "Thank the Gods. To the Frost lands." She ordered before she and Clovis slid into place on Ivory's back.