496 Princess Pride part 1

"You really have to stop making self sacrificing plans." Bryson scolded her as he took her hands and helped her to her feet.

"I had a back up plan, I was not going to die." She tries to defend but he shook his head trying to help her up. Kyera moved slowly, and got dizzy even as she did. He stopped and frowned as she stopped moving one hand moving to caress her tummy gently.

"Is the cub moving?" Cora asked as Lalia put her arms around Kyera's shoulders. Kyera leaned against her lightly and offered a gentle smile.

"Cub? Wait are you telling me your pregnant and used your soul to open a portal?" Bryson asked as the nerves in his eye jumped. This involuntary action caused him to twitch in frustration and disbelief. She offered him a apologetic smile. He wasn't feeling very forgiving.

"I am fine, Bryson. Lalia, Princess Melania, how are you holding up? Did everyone make it through safely?" Kyera asked as she slowly rose to her feet with Bryson and Lalia's help. Her eyes swept over her companions, including two women who stood close to each other and near the portal steps, and Her two guards who both looked exhausted.

"We are… okay." Melania replied tentatively, but she was obviously in a bit of shock still. Lalia offered her a smile too. Cora sighed.

"Princess the cold." Cora reminded her, rather exasperated. She would need an excuse to get Kyera alone and check the baby. Kyera nodded, understanding her point.

"Bryson, can we take the Princesses to the palace and let us warm up? I need to send word to my husband and his family…" Kyera pointed out as Bryson wrapped her in the warm black cloak he was wearing. His talented fingers laced and tied the top six inches to fit snugly around her shoulders and throat. Granted, it was long and bulky enough that it nearly dragged the ground. He was no frail elder, and though his age was in its 50s he looked as though he was 30, built as though he was in his prime. The only hint of his age in the wrinkles and worry lines of his forehead and eyes.

"Yes of course. Come, all of you come." He helped guide the women and their guards back toward the path to the palace. Two horses and a rather simple wooden carriage waited for them. Crystalsis stood beside it, smiling at Kyera. She had gone ahead to prepare transport. She too had heard the magic words that were now being whispered through the snow.

"Kyera, You and your lady friends can use the royal carriage." Crystalsis greeted her and Keyra smiled back, nodding at her cousin. It was nice of them to offer a carriage, since she and Clovis had walked to the palace the first time they had walked up the path.

"Thank you, Crystalsis. We appreciate it." Kyera replied nodding at Crystalsis before looking at the other girls.

"You are quite right. The kingdom of Forest gates is much more sophisticated but I enjoy the quaintness of your lovely country." She replied as she loaded in. Bryson chuckled softly and turned to Kyera. "Shall I, my lady?" He asked offering her his hand. Kyera went to step in when a pain in her abdominal cavity caused her to wince.

"Up we go, Princess." Kan warned before sweeping her up and setting her on a seat bench. "Sorry, ladies." He added as he stepped back and let the others file in. Bryson looked at Kan for a long moment, blue pools met one another and held. Odd… they both blinked and shook their heads before helping the other three women into the coach, ending with Cora.

"Why is the maid riding with us? Shouldn't she be on the foot plate or the driving seat?" Feya asked as Cora took a seat on the bench between Kyera and the wall. The seething look of superiority in her glare causing the snake to feel scaled on her neck.

"It is too cold for anyone to sit on the footplate. The healer will ride with you." Bryson replied waving a hand in dismissive posture. Feya, who had mostly recovered now stamped her foot.

"I won't stand for it, I am royalty." She demanded and Bryson froze, not turning back to look at her for a long moment. He took a deep breath and Kyera just shook her head slowly. Bryson's smile was not so kind when he turned back, it was wide and predatory.