The celebration continued as the sun rose to the apex of the sky . The path to the portal was opened as a group of men walked through the crowd . A woman in the center .
She was dressed in a black, shadowy gown that danced around her as she walked . The people grew quiet as the Matriarch took her seat on the center stage and let the weight of the moment settle on the crowd . Kyera and Clovis stood together, at either side of Crystalsa, in the position of the champions . Crystalsa put jer hand on Kyera's, looking up at her .
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"Are you sure?" she asked softly and Kyera smiles raising a brow . Her expression seemed to ask when she had ever backed down after making a decision like this . The Matriarch smiles and looked out at her people . Some were confused, but others were just interested as to why the newly married pair stood together where the champions should be .
"My, children, today is the dawn of Night . Nearly 200 years ago this kingdom was a different place . Tribal nomads moved across the land, chasing the few natural game we had . Caribou, and fish were all we could truly rely on . Most our food came from trade with other countries . Without their aid, we would have ceased to exhist… or so they thought . " Crystalsa's words were met with roars and growls of challenge and pride, as it was every year . Their people still proud and full of fighting spirit . She raised her hands and soothed the crowd .
"As I was saying, they tried to force us to conform to their ways . A Proper Country . They wanted a capital city, a royal line married off into other kingdoms, and a Man exclusively on our throne . We did not bow, you, my people stood by my side as we refused their laws, refused their influence in a system they had no right to . " Crystalsa started coughing . So much talking was really starting to affect her breathing .
Bryson stepped onto the stage, and knelt at his mother's feet . She nodded at him and Bryson stood and faced them . "Matriarch Crystalsa stood her ground . We, as a unit withstood them, and with the gift of the Snowdrop flower it became our time . The barren ice scapes we loved so dearly teamed with life . Plants, animals things we had yet to enjoy here in our home land . We no longer needed the kingdom's to support us, we reared upon our own legs, and silenced their attempts at control . " Bryson's passion inflamed the hearts of his kin . Kyera stood tall behind her Grandest Mother, a smile on her lips . "However, this gift of the Shadow Princess came with a great cost . Once a year we must send one of our own into the realm of shadows to pull a single drip of nexter from the mother tree . Then, once that hero returns, the nectar applied to the floral heart of our Matriarchal Mother will restore the trees that keep our land fertile . "
This was met with quiet . Everyone glanced at one another . Most were well aware this was their last chance . The last few years had failed . If they failed again… there would be no next year . Hearts trembled as they waited for the announcement of the champion .
"Prince Clovis and Princess Kyera have volunteered to enter the portal together . Kyera's mother paid the price for Kyera's royal blood, making the trip no less than seven times . She is unsatisfied with that, and chooses to act as Prince Clovis's Guide into the heart of the shadow realm to save our lovely lady . What do we the people think of this?" Bryson asked looking out at the sea of surprised faces . No one spoke, most looked confused or lost . They knew it was not Kyera's turn to enter the portal . Her mate would owe nothing to the family . One question was on all their minds . Why?
Kyera stepped forward, her mind in sync with her countrymen . "My Brothers and Sisters of the Snow, please allow me a chance to explain . " Kyera spoke clearly, the spell amplifying her voice yet again . "My mother indeed paid the price, and it is true you have not seen me for many years . My heart has always belonged to this land, my second form is as pure as the snow we stand upon . I wish to go with Clovis, to take my cousin's place because we wish your blessing . We wish for the people of the Frostlands to acknowledge us both as worthy Royals of this family . This land, for no other is truly part of me . If we succeed, all I ask is my grandfather's title be placed upon my mate and I . The true heirs of the FrostClaw line . "
There were claps and roars of approval, signaling she had won their hearts and their support . A sudden realization dawned on Clovis . This had been her plan all along . They were not here for the Matriarch's approval, they were here to gain him the right to compete, with Kyera or without . With a title of First Prince of the Frost lands, no one could claim him unfit to compete for his own title .
Chapter end
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