Unexpected Proposal

It took several moments for Vivian to collect herself enough to respond to her grandson. "I expected as much. He… went very wrong much like his father." She admitted taking a deep breath to steady her emotions. Gale tactfully grabbed a strand of his Grandmother's hair and giggled happily, drawing her attention away from the sadness. He knew her pain, the pain of a mother having lost her son so similar to a father having lost his son. She looked down at him, and smiled at the child. 

"I wish things could have ended differently. I offered to punish Cian to the full extent of the law, but in truth, I feel he did the right thing. His goal in life is to protect the crown and his people. Bastil had dishonored the crown and killed many of his people including an innocent healer. His actions, though not advised, were justified." Kyera offered honestly feeling conflicted. 

"What of the boy who killed him? What type of man is he?" Eve asked as she cut the steak for little Rosie. The child watched with awe and fascination as the older woman made her food smaller. 

"Cian is… a merchant's son, young and dedicated to his family. Cora was all he had left after his mother passed to 10 years ago. He is not a fighter, and that's why I sent him to escourt the people of the palace outside. I sent him as the guide and Talis as the muscle. I never dreamed he would strike, granted I should have." Kyera replied honestly regretting her decision. She knew Cian didn't regret killing Bastil and honestly, it was understandable. He was ready to face his fate when he made the choice. 

"All is fair in love and war and it feels like this was done in the name of both." Vivian offered as she rocked little Gale who was slowly falling asleep. 

"Yes, it was. Now, let's leave that in the past. What happens now?" Eve asks looking at the three of them. Kyera frowned and looked at Clovis. 

"Honestly we don't know. It will depend on Crystalsa. It is safe enough back home if you choose to return to the Forest Gate. I can arrange safe transport for you both. As far as Clovis and I… we haven't really decided." Kyera admitted tactfully. Eve blushed a bit and looked at Vivian a bit nervously. 

"Honestly I.." before Eve could complete her sentence the doors to the room burst open and three men came striding into the room. Nordin, Mordakai, and Prince Viren entered the room. 

Mordakai was dressed from head to toe in sleek black dress armor, but it was freshly polished. his beard was trimmed and his hair carefully combed, or at least it had been until the winds riled it up. He marched into the room and Kyera grinned as she saw where he was heading. He walked straight to Eve and swept her out of her seat. One arm around her back the other supporting her but as he held her against him and leaned in for a kiss. 

"Mordakai…" Eve tried to object but he wasn't hearing her. He placed a kiss on her lips, dominant, demanding, craving her. She melted into his arms and her denials died in her throat. 

Mordakai turned, one arm still around her after he broke the kiss. "Clovis I ask the right to marry your mother." Clovis blinked a few times trying to comprehend what just happened but after a moment, the boy gave up. 

"I have no objections… if my mother is happy then so be it." Clovis replied with a grin. Mordecai smirked at him and winked. 

"I appreciate it though it hardly mattered. I'd have taken my bride anyway." He grinned using her arm to twirl her around. The excitement and laughter in the air dispelling some of the sadness as Clovis and his new father in law spoke, Kyera slipped away to stand by Viren. 

"Verone was your informant?" Kyera asked as she leaned against the wall by him watching the others. Little Rosie had followed staying close to Kyera's skirt like a shadow. Viren laughed and ran a hand through his short blond hair ruffling the blue tips. 

"Not exactly. I may have lied a bit, Kyera. Verone sent me a message via an old friend." He raised his hand and on his palm was Ping, the fox looking mighty proud of himself. "I never had an insider but I couldn't be sure he could be trusted. Not after… well the Forests spirits speak to each other, you know that better than most." He trailed off giving her a piercing look. 

"Yes… I figured the Forest of Frost's spirit and the Ash Forest Spirit had probably spoken by now… one day you will have to introduce me." Kyera replied smiling gently at him. He nodded. 

"I would love to have you and your family over. My son is about Raina's age, my three daughters are about Rosie's age and could make a good playmates. It might do both our families some good to connect with royals I mean." He offered smirking just a tiny bit. Kyera read his mind and raised a brow.

"You know my feelings on such arrangements." She spoke firmly.