Sunset was beautiful in the snow and ice. The family of three walked through the garden. The dragons flew over head watching down into the garden. Gale was tired and a little glum as he watched Big Sister raise her bow, and take a shot at the targets across the way.
He watched in awe as the arrow flew in a lovely arch then buried deeply into the target. Clovis, who held the baby I'm his arms smiled. "Well done, Princess." He praised and tilted Gale up so he could look better. The baby waved his hands excitedly as if agreeing.
"Thank you, Dad. Did you like that Gale?" Raina asked smiling pleasantly happy. She had hoped that this excursion would uplift his spirits. "You should see Mom. She is a better shot than I am."
Gale's smile fell a bit as sadness hit again. He missed Mommy. Her warmth, her smile, the way she chuckled at his little triumphs. Daddy was nice but she… she was an angel.
"I'm sorry baby. I miss her too." Raina took her baby brother from her father and hugged him close. He sniffled softly.
"Did I hear someone is missing me?" Kyera's sweet smooth voice permeated the air. Raina and Clovis looked up and saw A familiar figure walking up the path with three others around her. Kan and Kendrick had not hesitated to take their positions at Kyera's side as soon as she arrived, but Talis had stayed with the family, as had been his orders. Everyone was a bit surprised to see Mordakai at her back as well, but at the moment the children didn't care.
Raina raced over to her as quick as she dared and hugged her with one arm, the other arm still holding the baby who reached for his Mommy. Kyera held both children close, it had been nearly a week but felt like a lifetime since they had seen each other. Without a thought for her own image, Kyera dropped to her knees holding her kids.
"I missed you both so much." Kyera whispered kissing both children on the forehead. She was shivering a bit but didn't really notice it till Clovis wrapped his cloak around her.
"Welcome home, Kitten." Clovis greeted her and Kyera lifted her face to him. He knelt and stole a searing kiss, as hot as he would dare in front of the kids. Their reunion would be later, after both kids were fast asleep.
"Thank you. It was not a pleasant trip. The forest spell got us to the border and then the knights and I made the rest of the journey on foot. Everyone is waiting just outside the gates for permission to enter." Kyera explained as she took baby Gale from Raina and rose to her feet.
"Everyone?" He asked a bit concerned. There had been news of a fight…
"Everyone I could. Theres… bad news." Kyera began but before she could continue Feya and her son ran out of the palace.
"Any word of Bastil Kyera?" Feya begged, the warm brown fur on her looked nice against her pale skin. It was obvious she hadn't been outside much but her son looked healthier but just as concerned. Kyera winced.
"Feya… I don't think we should have this talk in front of your son. There are other things to settle first." Kyera tried to persuade the desperate woman. She really didn't want to be the one to break her heart. Little Keen's eyes darkened.
"Is father dead?" Keen asked as if he expected the answer.
"No, Keen he is very much alive." Kyera assured the boy hastily.
"What's wrong then? Did he refuse to come?" Feya asked a bit concerned. It was clear the woman could feel something was wrong.
"I think it would be best if you ask the Empress… Ask Vivian what happened, Feya." Kyera replied frowning. This was not her story to tell. She was shocked when Feya grabbed her shoulders and shook her.
"No. Tell me. Tell me what's wrong with my husband." Feya screeched and Kyera frowned. The separation had been hardest on Keen and Feya. This was not going to be an easy tale to tell and she knew that from the start.
"Feya, your Grandmother in Law is the only one who can give you the answers you seek. I can only tell you he is alive and well." Kyera assured her again as she readjusted the well bundled Gale in her arms. The boy was glaring at his aunt as though she was the devil. How dare she shake his Mommy.