"I see." Damar replied and it was true. He had seen men like that, with nothing but hatred and sheer need for revenge face off against ten times the odds and win. If this man was as she said… Bastil had little chance. Brute strength and skill could never beat that passion of one with nothing left to lose and nothing to gain. It would only be killing to dull the pain.
"My Daddy will kill all of them and if they kill him I will kill them in his place." Keen growled and Kyera looked on the boy with pity. She could see the fear in the child's eyes.
She reached out and pulled the boy into her arms and hugged him despite his slight struggles. He froze in shock as the emotions hit him like a train. Once he gave in she recognized the familiar shaking as the boy broke into sobs. Kyera let him cry on her chest, holding and rocking him. When he was calm enough to hear her, she whispered into his hair "Don't let revenge be your life goal. Revenge is the root of hatred and hatred consumes everything in its path, the good and the bad. Instead, put your effort in making the world a better place for your family, young one." Her voice was gentle and soothing as he dried his eyes. "Don't let hatred consume you."
"But it's hard." He whispered the arrogant boy suddenly looking like a lost child. Kyera smiled and kissed his forehead.
"It is, but I will tell you a secret. I have known that pain, and lost people dear to me. The key is, remembering you are more than the hatred. You want justice, not revenge." Kyera told him patiently and the boy looked confused.
"What's the difference?" He asked softly.
"Justice is punishing the person who did the deed, revenge is punishing him, his family, and his people." Kyera explained and the boy suddenly looked guilty. She knew he had realized his mistake.
Kyera then realized Alexi and Damar both were staring at her in shock. No one had expected her to open her arms to the boy, not like this. He was calling for the death of her people and yet, she calmed him. She let him go and he sat next to Feya again, leaning back against his sleeping mother.
"Please know I did not leave Vivian unprotected, but she gave me an order. You are my charges. I agreed to get her grandchildren to safety. So, I am taking you to the safest place on this planet, SnowDrop Palace. We will decide on further plans from there." Kyera explained to everyone and Lalia grinned, she was excited as she scooped up Drynala and giggled.
"I get to introduce Dryn to my family. I am sure they would love to have us stay, and Melania and the boys can stay in the guest house!" Lalia smiled as she looked at Alexi who looked a little pale. He had not seen his in laws in a long time.
"That being said, many snow shifters live in The Frost Lands. Behave, and treat them no different than you would yourself. They will respect you because they respect the crown, but they are not required to accept you. That is up to you." Kyera explained, her eyes a warning to each of them. Melania and Lalia smiled happily. They had liked their visit to the kingdom.
"What of Keen and I?" Feya asked looking a bit bashful. She knew she had left a bad impression on the Frost Royals… who knew she would rely on them again so soon.
"Feya, you and Keen will he welcome to stay with me and Clovis at the Royal Palace. If you prefer, we can try to send you back with Mordrin and Mordakai when they return to Shadow Veil but you will be putting yourself and your son at risk." Kyera warned as she sat back on the bench beside her brother. Kendrick held her lightly so she could rest.
"What of Empress Dowager Evelyn?" Lalia asked, and both boys looked at Kyera carefully blank faced.
"She… she will be fine once she recovers. She did her best, let's not bother her about it from now on." Kyera suggested moving to the window.
"Where are you going?" Kendrick asked, raising an eyebrow. Kyera flashed him a smile.
"Back to my saddle for a nap." Kyera replied innocently.
"Remember to stay low, keep on your toes too. Your center of gravity is off." He reminded her before helping her out of the window. Kyera returned to her seat and snuggled into Clovis's arms. Everything was about to change… forever.
"What are we going to do, My Love?" Clovis whispered kissing her forehead. Kyera offered a gentle smile that turned glum, her eyes grew in depth as though the abyss was at her heart.
"The only thing we can do, finish what they started." Kyera whispered looking out at the black clouds around them. "This is war."