524 Welcome to Frost Gate

They had landed in the clearing  just beyond the Palace gates. The four dragons landed lightly, and the guards on the gate watched in awe, their hands hesitating on their weapons there was a time these dragons meant destruction and for their lands and people. Most were glad when they saw Lazren step down from the larger carriage. That soothed their concerns a bit, knowing him as well as they did.

The Empress Vivian sighed with relief as she stood at the gates to greet them. Prince Alexi and Prince Damar already with her, and word had been sent to Clovis. She was quite sure he would want to greet his wife and unborn baby.

Alexi and Damar moved forward both ignoring the dragons as Lazren helped Lalia step down from the carriage onto the earthen floor. She offered a bright smile and threw her arms around Alexi's neck only to be Embraced tightly and spun around.

"You are never going hunting again." Alexi forbid, trying to hide his face in her crimson hair. His wife smiled softly and chuckled.

"I don't know. If I get this much love on returning.." she teased with a wicked grin and he glared at her.

"Mine." He replies and she smiled letting him hold her as he wished.

Damar saw her coming to the door and waved Lazren away before he could help Melania down. She watched him with soft but uncertain eyes. He grasped her at her waist and lifted her effortlessly before setting her on the ground. His eyes never left hers though they burned with something she didn't understand. His hands lingered for a moment before letting go.

"Welcome home." He spoke a bit awkwardly and offered a smile that looked a touch more like a grimace. Damar knew how gruff he sounded and regretted it. He walked with her to greet Empress Vivian and then he tensed slightly. Staring straight ahead he wrapped his fingers around the delicate hand that had just claimed his. He shot her a glance and she looked down removing her hand from his, her expression saddened. Then, a strong arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her against his side.

Feya stepped down, but Kan handed her out of the carriage. As soon as her feet were on the ground he pulled away as if her touch burned her. Seeing the other joyful reunions she rushed to her husband's side. Bastil stood ramrod straight at Empress Vivian's right side. It was clear where he thought he belonged. Feya smiled and wrapped her arms around him only to receive a light pat on the back, nothing more.

"Your kills?" He asked without skipping a beat.

"The kills are in the chilled carriage. I did well for my hunt." She replied hoping for praise. He smiled and nodded at her, but it wasn't a real smile. His eyes were cold as ever.

"Welcome to Forest Gate, and we thank you for returning our Princesses safe and sound." Vivian greeted her warmly and the two women both smiled. Bryson stood at his Mother's back.

"It is a pleasure, Empress Vivian. This is my Son Bryson, Grandsire of the future Matriarch of the frost Lands." Crystalsa introduced him and he swept a grand bow, surprisingly low for such a large figure.

"He is not your heir?" Vivian asked honestly curious. This was a odd statement among royals.

"No, my Granddaughter is pregnant and her parents were unavailable so I came in her stead." Bryson explained offering a roguish smile. Empress Vivian returned the smile understanding.

"Of course, I pray for a healthy birth." The Empress replied as a fourth Prince came to join them.