"No expectations, no contracts, just giving the children the option to bloom or not. Either way… my mother would have wanted our kin to be friends at the very least." Viren explained nodding in agreement with her. Kyera visibly relaxed.
"Let little Gale grow old enough to withstand not only the cold but the climate changes in the Phoenix lands and we will consider a visit." Kyera agreed thoughtfully. "I must figure out what is to happen next."
"What do you mean?" He asked raising a brow.
"Clovis has roots in that forest, as do I and I'm well my father's daughter and I'm scared. Will he come to resent me for taking him from his homeland? Will he regret raising our children here? Can we even raise them here? This castle technically belongs to my Grandfather. I don't know how long he intended me to use it. There's just so much uncertainty." Kyera replied honestly and the boy laughed softly.
"The way I see it, the Frost lands, Shadow lands, or my Ice gardens would love to have you and your family Kyera. Bryson loves his family to be close, he will want you here but if not there are options. As far as Clovis feeling resentment for you, come now you know better. That palace, those lands are the source of so much pain it may not be for you he decided to leave." Viren added as he turned to face Kyera a bit more. He could see the wheels turning in her head.
"Maybe. It seems you are more like Queen Kathryn than I thought. She passed on her wisdom to her son." Kyera smiled tenderly and he couldn't help but chuckle.
"No, it doesn't take wisdom to know what a man who looks at you like he does would do. Kyera, he loves you. He will never put you in a situation where your relationship will be threatened. Now relax and go spend time with your family. Matriarch Crystalsa will be worried about you and deserves to know about her grandson is fine." Viren replied "I am going to go check my darling FrostWind in the stables." He turned and strolled out of the house and toward the barn. Kyera couldn't help but chuckle, never get between a man and his horse.
Then her attention was recaptured as Mordakai spun Evelyn around making her furs flare out. It was as if 20 years had been rewound on Eve's face she looked happy. Vivian was holding Gale with a smile on her lips as well. This was a bittersweet victory. At least it was something to take the edge off the sadness.
She smiled and watched the family rejoice until a tiny fist tugged on her skirt. Kyera took her hand gently and smiled. "You will be with me, Always." Kyera reassured her gently. Rosie nodded as if promising that herself. Kyera kissed the younger child between the ears and took her hand. She smiled before walking toward Vivian. "I need to take Gale to see the Frost Royals. We will be home tonight." Kyera reassured them as she took her son in arm. The baby cooed excitedly to see his mother. His objective had been met. Clovis broke off from the discussion he had been having with Mordakai and his mother turning to Kyera.
"Ahh, Yes, that is probably best. I'm sure Bryson would be over the moon to know his Great Grandson is safe." Mordakai agreed hugging Kyera and the baby gently before smiling at Rosie. His eyes came back to Kyera's.
"I am so proud of you, Princess." Mordakai whispered just loud enough for Kyera to hear. She didn't expect the tears that pricked her eyes.
"Thank you." She agreed and he smiled at her turning to join Vivian and Eve.
Kyera and her little family made it's way outside. Raina on one side, Rosie on the other and Gale tucked gently into her arms with Clovis close behind. The dragons waited in the courtyard yard, relaxing after their long flight and being pestered by Raina's younger dragons. The storm twins waited patiently, but their relief when they saw Kyera and the family was clear.
"On to the Frost Palace, My Lady?" Ember asked his eyes almost pleading with her to say yes. Kyera laughed.
"Yes, my dears. On to the SnowDrop Palace." Kyera agreed as she approached Ember, who stuck his wing out for Kyera to climb on. She took Rosie's hand firmly and began to walk up the bone of Ember's wing. She settled Gale into the saddle bag before swinging Rosie up and buckling her in. Clovis and Raina saddled up as well, Kyera was the only one of the three ready to carry passengers, so both children rode with her.
The family of five lifted into the air, and were met with cheerful greetings in the gardens of the SnowDrop palace.