The stunned silence was thick with emotions that felt suffocating. How? The word was almost tangible as every mind in the room focused on the question. Why was a close second but Kyera however had a different focus. She wondered if he knew that he had alienated his only rescue force.
"Feya… I'm sorry. I never dreamed the boy would betray you." Vivian tried to apologize to the woman on her knees. Feya laughed softly wiping the tears from her eyes.
"I always knew he would. Bastil wanted the throne, in any manner he could achieve it. I betrayed myself by letting Kyera take me and Keen away that day." Feya replied standing up and straightening her dress. "I am glad she did though. At least he won't get the satisfaction of breaking me."
"You aren't alone. You will always be our sister, no matter what." Kyera offered with a gentle smile. Feya shot her a look and Kyera was surprised, for a moment, it looked like hatred in her eyes. Then again… had it? Her expression was so kindly now, grateful.
"Thank you, Kyera." She agreed and bowed. The Matriarch nodded thinking for a moment.
"I see. Then, I ask you young ones, what do you want to do?" Crystalsa looked at the 3 brothers who stood side by side. Anger radiated from all of them.
"I never dreamed he would be so stupid. So cold blooded." Alexi shook his head, the reality of it all slowly sinking in.
"We knew he was cold, and a prick but hurting grandmother, throwing people to the wolves… he has to be stopped." Clovis countered his hands clenched into fists as guild seared his soul. His own brother sentenced his wife's dearest friends to death. How was any man to come to terms with that?
"How? There's just the three of us. Our guard is now his and there's an army of shifters who would weaken us before we ever reached the gate." Damar pointed out being the most sensible of the troup. He was a soldier first and foremost and these odds… didn't play out well no matter how he played them.
"If we wish to beat the Dark Ones, and take back our people's land we will need forces to do so." Clovis agreed running a hand over the back of his neck. There were not a whole heap of answers to this issue.
"We have to try. Our people are going to die." Alexi pointed out in complete frustration.
"It is not as urgent as you think. I spoke to the men. Most of your citizens have been smuggled out by the Forest guard, those who stayed refused to leave." Kan offered as he returned to the conversation. Kyera smiled at her cousin who stood tall at her side. His uniform was perfect as always.
"I see. Where to?" Damar asked a bit unnerved by this news. He had sacrificed so much time and so many good men… yet his people still lost their homes, at the mercy of another's hands.
"I have given your people a safe haven. My land is vast and my people are happy for the company. Most have either blended into my towns and cities or live in encampments by the forest where they can hunt and sell to local bazaars." Mordakai offered nodding at the brothers who looked shocked. His kingdom was not known for accepting refugees.
"Thank you, King Mordakai. We can't thank you enough." Alexi turned and bowed to the Shadow King. He nodded and bowed in response.
"It was my pleasure to do such a favor for my Daughters." He replied and they smiled. No one could doubt his love for both Vella and Kyera as he spoke such humble words.
"We have to take the land back." Damar added realizing his people were being taken care of by others. This wasn't what he fought for. He could only remember the fleeing villagers of his army and the terror of the tiny children though there was no danger for them. He didn't want that for his people.
"Yes… I think we agree on that. Lady Crystalsa, can we… find some way to pay you to help us find housing here for ourselves and our Grandmother and mother while we prepare?" Alexi asked as he turned to the Matriarch. She seemed to think a moment and sent a look at Kyera, filled with meaning.
"You may stay within my kingdom as you please. We are family now." Crystalsa offered with a gentle smile. Bryson smiled at his granddaughter as she cleared her throat. Everyone turned to Kyera.
"I have a plan. Mordakai has agreed to help me, and the forces of the Frost Lands have been entrusted to me. If we all agree it is in our best interest to dispose of the Dark Ones, I would like to put my plan in motion." Kyera spoke clearly, offering herself to their need. She handed the baby to Mordakai and knelt at the feet of the three brothers who stood beside Eve and Vivian. "May I serve the Crown as The Forest Knight Princess?" Kyera asked her voice formal and the magic of a pact glowed in the air. It seemed as though a slight shimmer of gold and black wove in the air offering her services to the royals of which she was now one.
"There is no need…" Alexi began hastily but Damar raised a hand to stop him. He knelt in front of Kyera he reached out and took her hand.