The doors at the end of the hall opened and ran Raina, wearing her thick fur dress and long cloak. She was breathing heavily with Tempest right behind her. "How is Mom? We can't hold this storm much longer. It's too strong." Raina seemed hopeful. Tempest was sounded in a small steam cloud rising around her as the warm palace air met her iced scales.
"Kyera is fine, Raina. The storm can run its course now. The healer is here, and though the storm would affect most women in her state; Kyera is the Storm Queen. The pressure change won't affect her much." Bryson assured her, hugging Raina who smiled in her Great Grandfather's embrace.
"I shall tell my kin. When the Child of Storm is born, call for me, Raina. Myself and Serene will come to you." Tempest assured her before turning back then way she came. Raina nodded and swapped to hugging her father next. Clovis smiled and kissed Raina's hair. There was no hit of the almost frantic concern he had felt earlier. Instead he was calm and collected. There was only the slightest crease in his brow to hint at his worries.
"Everything will be fine. Are you hoping for a girl or a boy?" Clovis asked with a smile. Raina looked up at her Father, thinking hard for a moment.
"A girl so we won't have any sibling rivalry and my cousins might leave her alone." Raina replied innocently. There was a shadow in her eyes, a shadow that hinted she had been worried for her sibling and its future. There was a pang of guilt in his heart. That had not been the answer he expected… but how could she answer differently? She hadn't been raised here, where everyone was respected. He could curse his family, but alas what was done was done.
"Your little brother or sister will be cherished, just like you, Raina. Here, in the Frost Lands, every royal is respected." Rose offered with a gentle smile. She gently pat Raina on the shoulder. Raina perked up and smiled at the affection.
"Thank you, Aunty." Raina replied, warmth and affection in her words. There was something about the way the little girl looked at her that made Rose feel warm deep within. "And thank you for my present. I have enjoyed it very much."
"May you learn all the spirits have to teach you." Rose replied before turning to her grandson who was chatting quietly with his guard.
Raina and her father waited patiently for any sign of news from the doctor. No one was allowed into the room but Crystalsa. There was concern of infection or bad spirits finding their way in already.
"Myra, if anything happens, send for me but I must relieve Ramsey at the gates." Sansor broke the silence as he hugged his sister and nephew. She nodded.
"Of course." Myra agreed and Sansor left. A nanny took the baby, and put him to bed as well.
Raina walked to the window and looked out it. The snow was falling now, the dragons flying through it, dancing and playing in the fresh coat of white. A small smile curved her lips as she watched Ember and Ivory land in the courtyard. The butterflies of fear still fluttering in her stomach. she prayed to the Gods above as her smile fell to a frown.
What would she and father do if Kyera didn't survive? she did not want to lose her Mommy... alittle hand wrapped around hers suddenly.
Raina startled slightly, but the surprise turned to shock as she realized who was holding her hand. Little Keen stood at her side, seeming a bit stoic, avoiding her gaze staring out the window. He snuck a quick glance at her and offered a soft smile.
She adjusted her grip on her cousin's hand, surprised at the warmth that spread through her. She hadn't even been aware the boy was there. There was a certain amount of comfort in his touch that she could not explain, but she was glad for it.
Clovis however saw this and felt not in his stomach. He couldn't help but notice the similarities in the children who were only a year apart. Though Raina was a touch shorter and less built than he was, their stature was similar when they stood side by side. Most would accept they were cousins but it twisted a blade in his heart. He knew they were siblings… and their hands joined only twisted that blade in Clovis's heart.