The Tiger Within 525 The Chests Part 1

"Enough with the pleasantries, child. Go. She's on Ember most likely still asleep." Crystalsa waved her hands at him and he flashed her a relieved grin. Suddenly he was off at a sprint toward the dark dragon who nodded in greeting. Before Ember could lower his wing, Clovis hooked his foot in the belt strap and climbed his way into the saddle without missing a beat. It was as if he couldn't wait another second, but stopped short of slinging into the saddle. His knee was perched on the edge near her hair.

Sure enough, his wife was there, fast asleep between his shoulder blades. Her body was covered by a warm fur, but it had slid down to show her shoulders and delicate cheek. There's a sweet sense of serenity on her face. He thanked whatever G.o.ds may be for her safe return.

He pulled the warm furs off of her tenderly. Clovis smiled tenderly and began gently undoing the straps that held her legs in place. She murmured softly in her sleep, starting to wake as he pulled her onto his lap. He held her close, not really caring if anyone was watching. One hand was around her shoulders supporting her and the other rest lightly on the baby b.u.mp. He enjoyed a few moments of her soft form against his own. Her golden eyes slowly opened and she chuckled looking up at him as her lips curved into a warm smile.

"I missed you." Kyera whispered and he leaned down, kissing her warmly but undemanding, just tasting those pale rose lips. It was several moments before he let go of her, reluctantly.

"You had me worried sick." He whispered kissing her hair "I love you." He added though his body was screaming it. Every bit of his warmth and care embraced her in the warm glow of love. She smiled.

"And I love you." Kyera agreed snuggling her face into his neck. Both love sick Dragon Masters were comfortable exactly where they were.

"Hey, you two can prove your love later. For now we need to present the kills so the ball feast can begin preparations." Alexi called up with a bit of a taunting laugh. Clovis shot him a glare that should have withered him on the spot.

However Kyera seemed to agree since she pulled away from him. He let her go reluctantly as she moved to dismount. The dragon became deathly still as Ember lowered his wing so his lady could slowly make her way off his back. Ivory's nose was close by so she could touch her as she walked down. This was not usually necessary, but her normally perfect balance was off. Clovis followed her down and wrapped his arm around her again, nesting her against his side.

Kyera yawned softly, covering her mouth with a delicate hand, the bracelet caught the sunlight and the colors sparkled. She offered a warm smile to the family.

"My apologies, the baby takes a lot out of my energy." Kyera replied feeling that drain on her again. What was going on?

"Not at all, Princess Kyera." Empress Vivian smiled tenderly at her. "Are you and the child faring well? What happened in the forest?" She asked honestly curious and Kyera smiled.

"I will explain, but for now should the hunt totals be tallied?" Kyera asked as she waved to Ivory. The Storm twins used their control over air and clouds to move the three large trunks of meat to the main circle.

"Each chest has 2 compartments. The first is for the furs and is held close to the lid. The second compartment is for the meat. Each kill has been butchered down into the meat cuts yielded by the animal." Bryson explained as he handed each girl a key. The keys each had their name etched into the cylinder so no one could get the wrong chest.