400 A Life for the Lives of Many Part 3

"Kyera, are you sure this is what you want? We can find another way?" Bryson asked, and Myra looked at him as though he betrayed her. Kyera stood and moved to hug her cousin close to her, and comfort her with the love she felt within. So many years and missed moments had passed between them. Kyera tried to make up for every one of them with that single embrace.

"Uncle, there are no other options. There is not just me to consider. If Clovis dies, his daughter will have no one. I can not take a father from his child as mine was taken from me. In the end, the fates knew what choice I would make if they placed it before me. I have no question that this is what I was meant to do. I love you Myra, but please understand. I must do this." Kyera released her and gently guided her cousin's hair from her face, placing a kiss to her temple. She slowly turned to her other cousin, who stood beside the roaring fire. His eyes were trained on her, his expression grim as he met her eyes.

"You turn to me, my dear as though there is more to say. I do not wish to see you dead. Your fate can not be so simple." Sansor whispered, his arms still folded over his chest. His eyes looked her over with gentle sadness in them, but no pity. He couldn't bring himself to disgrace her with his pity.

"I need a favor of you, My Knight. You once promised me that should I die before you, you would give your hand to lead my people. To Protect the forest and lead my knights. Will you do so today?" Kyera asked and he sighed kicking off the wall before him. He knelt on one knee at her feet and bowed his head to her as though a knight to his lady.

"I will be your loyal knight, my Lady. As I promised you once long ago, so shall it be now." He replied and Kyera set her hand on his shoulder, leaning down to place a gentle kiss to the crown of his head. Before standing tall again.

"Thank you." She reached up, her hand gently removing the purple crystal earpiece from her ear. She carefully slipped it over his ear. "Please keep it well. They placed their trust in us. I ask you keep it as I have till my daughter comes of age to protect it herself. Princess Raina will one day be the Princess of the Forest, I only ask you serve her in my stead."

"Your will be done." He replied standing slowly. He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her once more. Kyera accepted it, hugging back before moving away and turning back to the Matriarch mother.

"Mother, I beg of you. Do not make me be the reason our people fall." Kyera whispered and The Matriarch mother could only nod.

She stood and turned walking to Bryson, looking up into his warm eyes, filled with sorrow. He restrained his tears, knowing this moment was not one where surrounding her with tears would do any good. She needed strength and he could at least provide her his support if nothing else.

"Reever, will you please, help me? I can not take my own life or I will destroy my spirit. You and I have never been close, but you at least know exactly why I must do what must be done." Kyera asked taking the sword from her side. She flipped the blade so she offered the hilt to him, the blade pointed toward herself. A large strong hand took it from her instead.

"No, Kyera I shall take your life if it must be done. As much as I do not want your blood spilt on my hand, I wish for it to be spilt by my kin even less. Will you allow me this honor, Grand Daughter?" Bryson whispered gently as he took the blade. Kyera met his eyes and nodded slowly. She had hoped he would give her her peace, but in truth there was no telling what would truly happen. She couldn't bare to ask him to take such a responsibility onto his shoulders.