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Finding Peace 5

River knew the answer to the decision the moment Feugen asked. The real question was weather she could be brave enough to accept it without him forcing her. Though she knew he would if she or Iris told him to. When she spoke with Iris the wolfess was rather supportive of the idea. It was a tradition that neither side could call savage or barbaric. Neither side could disagree with the weight of such a decision. And not even the King could challenge such a bond between the two lands. It was a weight only River could bear and only she could make the decision. But Iris knew the moment she spoke of it... she had made that decision already.

Silver and Iris helped her prepare with various herbs and oils. The herbs would ensure she entered a powerful heat and was accepting of the breeding. The oils would help ease the pain of her first time. Silver even gathered some ceremonial white paint to mark the vixen's body for a proper royal breeding. She painted a heart-shaped symbol on her lower stomach that wove down between her thighs, and a swirl that wrapped up along her stomach, cupping one of her breasts and ended along her neck. The vixen felt so exposed but with Iris there she still felt safe. It was to be a private occasion of course. The rest of the tribe didn't need to know until after. So when the time came Silver ensured Feugen would be alone in a secluded hut. A small fire kept it warm as he waited on a massive bed of furs.

Finally... the tent flap opened and River stepped inside slowly. Feugen saw her there... naked... marked... and immediately felt his heart start to beat faster. She gazed at him shyly and whispered softly "I am here... to accept your seed Chieftain..."

Feugen slowly approached her, tugging his waistwrap free as he moved so they were both naked. He stood before her and reached up, brushing her hair back gently. "And I will gladly give it..." he whispered before he leaned down and kissed her, tenderly at first. But as the scent of her heat and arousal reached him he became more feverish and she didn't hesitate to return the passionate embrace of their lips.

His arms raised up to wrap around her slender form, caressing every inch as she trembled in his grasp. But she didn't pull away, didn't protest, didn't fight. She wanted this... wanted to belong to him. She gasped softly as his hands closed over the soft curve of her cute ass and squeezed dominantly. She felt so small in his grasp and yet so safe at the same time. He could easily crush her but all she felt was love in his touch. Love... and desire. A desire she shared. She reached down between their bodies and felt that familiar shaft pulsing and throbbing. He felt so swollen like before... only stronger. Her hands stroked up and down his length, earning a purring moan into their shared kiss. She almost smirked to herself... enjoying being able to bring about those sounds from him.

He pulled from the kiss after a few moments, panting softly before he suddenly picked her up by the hips. She yelped softly and giggled but kissed at his chest as he carried her to the bed of furs and laid her back slowly. He nuzzled against her chest with a soft growl and looked up at her "it's my turn this time...." She looked at him confused until he trailed his muzzle down her body, nuzzling at her petite breasts and kissing her stomach before he dipped his muzzle between her thighs and tasted her drooling honeypot. She gasped and immediately arched against his muzzle. Iris' fingers were good but this was something else entirely. By reflex her hands seized holds of his thick mane-like hair as her body demanded more. His tongue felt so incredibly hot as it lapped across her puffy lips. He lapped greedily at her sweet nectar as it flowed freely from her quivering depths. She couldn't believe how good it all felt. It wasn't long before he felt a sharp tug on his hair, almost to the point of hurting and she shoved her cunny against his lips and came, muffling her cries by biting her lip. Her entire body bucked and writhed, rolling like the waves of pleasure that came crashing into her until she suddenly sagged, panting softly.

As he felt her grip on his hair lessen he slowly lifted his head, licking his muzzle clean. She peeked an eye up at him and then flushed and tried to cover her face but he grasped her arms and pinned them next to her head. He loomed over her with a warm smile and whispered "don't hide... just pull harder next time..." She blushed even deeper but he kissed her again and slowly shifted himself between her thighs. He had to curl his body quite a bit given their difference in size but he didn't mind in the slightest. With his shaft fully hard and throbbing with need he ground it gently across her opening, slickening himself in her sweet honey.

She whimpered and groaned softly into the kiss as he started teasing her. She was scared... it was her first time. But she knew she wanted this. She knew in her heart she wanted this more then anything. She could feel those spines dancing across her soft lips and up across her pearl and it only served to excite her further. She couldn't hold out any longer, and she could tell he couldn't either. "Please..." she whispered against his lips "please breed me... I can feel it... you need to... don't hold back. Give me your seed. Let me continue your bloodline my Chieftain..."

She was saying all the right things and she knew it. Finally Feugen drew his hips back until his tip caught purchase at her entrance and then he slowly drove into her in one smooth stroke. She stiffened at first, and then gasped... then yelped and whined softly as he broke her barrier. But soon she was more full of cock then she ever thought possible. She shook some underneath him but he just... held her. Slowly... she opened her eyes and gazed down. She almost couldn't believe what she saw. Her tummy was bulged out just a tiny bit but she didn't feel much pain beyond when he tore her purity. Now she just felt... full... she could feel his thick cock pulsing inside of her with his heartbeat and saw that every inch of it was safely buried in her warm cunny. She looked back up at him and blushed but kissed him again and rocked her hips some against him.

He took the signal and immediately drew his own hips back until only that swollen tip remained lodged inside her. She whimpered softly in the kiss and tried to arch her hips to regain that full feeling again. But he gave it to her just fine, slamming back into her and bouncing her tiny body beneath his. He fell into a steady rhythm in no time, pumping his thick shaft in and out of her endlessly drooling cunny and unleashing a melody of groans, growls, and grunting in pure carnal dominance. She never knew it could feel this way and despite his body dwarfing her's to the point she felt like a child compared to him... she was still loving it. She lifted her legs by pure primal instinct and wrapped them around his hips as much as she could, pulling him into her body with every thrust as though demanding he give her his seed. Every stroke of his shaft was heaven to her. His swollen tip battered through her tight tunnel again and again, stretching her out just a bit more with every pass until her body accepted his cock like it was a missing piece of her.

She could feel her pleasure rising and rising and knew by the way he was breathing his was too. And then she felt it... that knot at his base started to swell and batter against her lips, demanding entry. She started to whimper and cry out softly like a desperate pup as her carnal pleasure drove her to almost feral states. Her body needed that knot, that's all she knew. That knot meant cum and that meant she would be bred and her heat sated. She pulled at him harder and harder, clutching to his neck and back. Her claws even raked along his skin, leaving scores of red marks among the many battle scars. But it only spurred him on even further as his knot began stretching her open more and more, almost beyond her limit.

"P... Please Feu..." she whined desperately "please give me your baby..." He answered with a savage snarl and started absolutely pounding his cock into her. His powerful hands gripped her hips and pulled her down to meet his thrusts until at long last, his knot popped in. The moment that fleshy bulb was inside her she screamed as it swelled and locked them together. She came hard, her entire body convulsing and her cunny rippling and squeezing around his trapped cock, demanding it's release. Feugen threw his head back and roared as he pumped her belly full of rope after rope of thick scalding spunk. She could feel each and every spurt pooling in her womb, flooding her with it's liquid heat in seemingly never ending waves. Every inch of her being was consumed by the sensation of being filled with such a powerful male's seed. All she could do was clutch at him and cry out her bliss into his neck.

And finally... it passed. Just when she thought she might actually slip from this world to the next from the sheer overload of sensations... it faded. She sagged underneath him and his weight pressed down upon her as he panted heavily above her. Soft whines escaped her body as tremors of bliss and sensitivity rolled through her. Her hips continued to roll and grind against his though she didn't seem aware of it in the slightest. Finally she found her voice again and whispered softly "I'm yours..."

He took a few moments to catch his breathe and slowly lifted his head, gazing down at her. He brushed her hair back again, now sticky with her sweat, and whispered back "and I'm yours..." She blushed and then leaned up and kissed him again, holding him in close. She didn't want this moment to end... not ever. And truthfully it didn't, not for quite some time. "I should tell you something though..." he whispered gently after several minutes of rest.

"What is it?" she asked, gazing up at him with a warm smile.

"The trial of submission..." he said quietly, biting his lip. She blinked at him and blushed but looked confused. As she read his face though her eyes narrowed.

"You didn't..." she growled softly.

"I did..." he replied.

"You made it up!?" she growled, reaching up and grabbing him by the ear.

"Ow ow ow!" he yelped as she tugged sharply "I just wanted to see if you'd do it! Then when you went right for it I just... didn't stop you."

"You should have you JERK!" she growled but he suddenly kissed her again and she released his ear slowly.

"Don't act like you didn't enjoy it... I could smell it..." he whispered "AND I heard you with Iris in the bath."

"That's beside the point my CHIEF" she growled "you're not off the hook that easy."

"Mnnn well I'll just have to make it up to you..." he growled softly, nipping at her neck as he playfully tugged at their tie, testing it's strength "though I'm not sure how..."

River blushed but she nipped his ear in return "I'm sure you'll think of something..."

When they were able to free themselves he rolled onto his back and she climbed atop him. She wanted to try being in control. So she rode his lap with his cock buried deep inside her again, loving the way she could grind down onto it as she pleased. Two more orgasms left her exhausted though, and due to her inexperience he didn't quite reach another of his own. He didn't seem to mind though, for as she flopped over to recover, he simply lifted her hips and pulled her into a proper breeding position. She started to protest, she was so sensitive now... but he pushed her shoulders into the furs and she had no choice but to take his cock again. More whimpering growls escaped as she tried to protest, to push him off... but knew it was in vain. He was too big... too strong... all she could do was lay there and accept the pleasure forced upon her until she cried out in bliss once more, this time accompanied by another roar and another belly full of seed. They continued for hours and hours into the pre-dawn light. She even cleaned him with her muzzle and sucked another few spurts of seed from him with her maw. She had a lot more confidence then their first time, and when he placed a hand on her head, she felt his teeth on her cock. He was impressed that even in such an act, she could maintain control if she wanted.

The sunlight broke through the window and found him knotting her from behind one last time. The two were settled on their sides. He held her hips as he pumped her steadily and she gasped softly as she felt her belly swell. One arm was tucked under the furs, the other tucked up behind his neck, holding onto him as though he might slip away if she felt too much pleasure. And finally... he draped a wing over her slowly, wrapping her in that comforting living warmth, surrounding her in his scent. She bathed in it, snuggled in it, nestled herself against him and caressed her swollen belly. It may all be seed for now but she knew... someday soon... there would be a cub there. A little Prince or Princess... from two worlds. She realized she had never been happier in her life then she was in that exact moment... She closed her eyes as the morning sun warmed her cheeks... and drifted off to sleep, feeling that peace was within their grasp.

The next few weeks were rather enjoyable for the two pairs. Feugen and River of course wasted little time in making sure that she conceived. Even after it was confirmed the two were rarely apart. There were scouts sent by the Kingdom after Bane had returned, trying to find the lost Princess. But they were captured and returned to their lands without harm. But even as Feugen and River expressed their newfound love... they knew they would have to say their goodbyes soon enough. She couldn't stay forever without enraging the King to the point of drastic and irrational actions. And Iris knew that when River returned she would have to follow. After the last incident, she wouldn't dare let River return alone.

"You don't have to come with me" River tried to protest.

"It's out of the question" Iris replied as she continued packing "Bane practically tried to kill you last time. And I doubt he told the truth when he made it back. Your father will not be thinking clearly. I will not let you return on your own, especially not in your condition."

River flushed and looked down at her belly. She was already considerably swollen, more then she expected to be at this point. Though with her small frame it didn't take much. Especially since Feugen hardly left her alone enough to NOT be swollen in one way or another. "Is... is it really that bad?..." she asked, caressing her tummy gently.

"No" Iris replied with a smile as she stepped closer "It's beautiful. You look lovely as a mother to be. But I'm still coming with you River."

"Iris I" she started to protest again and the wolfess shushed her.

"Trust me..." she said softly "I don't want to go... any more then you do. But I won't leave you alone with this. I just won't. If they could come without being thrown into prison I'm sure they would. But this is the best that we can do for right now. Perhaps... this will change your father's mind and give us a better chance." She knew it was a long shot, but she had to hold out hope that they could some day return to the forest they loved so dearly. River smiled a small sad smile and nodded.

"Thank you Iris... I'm glad that you'll be with me" she whispered gently "I don't think I could bear the burden of raising a dragon baby without some help." She giggled softly and then yelped "Oh!"

"What is it?" Iris asked quickly.

"T... The baby kicked" she giggled again "it's growing so fast..." She almost couldn't believe it. But she was thrilled all the same. Iris smiled and finished packing up their supplies.

"That's everything..." she said softly and turned back to her "are you ready?"

River shook her head, tears welling in her eyes. "No..." she whispered softly "but I don't think I'll ever be... I love this place too much. These people I... I love him..."

Iris stepped forward and hugged the young mother to be. She nuzzled the top of her head and whispered "I know baby girl... I promise you... we'll find a way to come back to them..." River took a deep breathe and nodded with a tiny smile. Iris lead her out to where Feugen and Silver were waiting with their horses.

Iris stepped up to Silver and gave her a gentle kiss. Silver smiled and glanced at River and Iris' ears lowered. Silver bit her lip and she said softly "remember what I said... don't dwell on it. When the time comes... do what your heart tells you and whatever happens will happen. Understand?"

Iris nodded and said gently "I'll make you proud..."

"I know you will" Silver whispered and kissed her again. Iris swung up onto her horse and looked over at River and Feugen.

"I'll take good care of your child Feugen..." River whispered "I promise."

"Take good care of yourself too" he replied, nuzzling her ears as he smiled at her "someday... someday we'll fix things... and we'll see each other again."

"You think so?" she asked warmly.

"Mnnn the Gods above and below couldn't keep me from you..." he growled softly, giving her a loving kiss. "Travel safe... send word when you can."

"I will my love... I promise" she whispered. He helped her up onto her horse and with a final sad smile she set off with Iris. She kept looking back until Feugen was out of eye sight. And the moment he was... she burst into tears. Iris didn't say anything though, she knew it hurt... she was hurting herself. She just let the vixen cry until she was settled and they continued on.

It was a long journey back to the Kingdom. They had to stop more frequently due to River's condition. But before long they were found by a scouting party. Seeing River pregnant and wearing tribal clothes but otherwise unharmed they didn't panic. They sent for a carriage and the two were escorted back to the Kingdom and the palace as quickly as possible. As they pulled up to the palace River took a deep breathe and exchanged a look with Iris. This was going to be rough... they both knew. But they were confident they could weather the storm.

Iris climbed out first, wearing only her greaves, sword, and a hide gown. She helped River out next, who kept one hand on her swollen belly as she looked at the King and Bane beside him. The King stiffened and stared at her belly and then looked back at her. He looked like he wanted to explode... but they were in front of others... So he smiled and said "I'm so glad you're safe my child. Come... I'm sure you're exhausted from your ordeal."

River was too smart for that. She didn't budge. In front of the guards, the attendants, and the nobles of the court... she stated clearly "it was not an ordeal father. It was a long and wonderful trip. A trip which has accomplished much... including... exactly what you wanted."

"My dear?" the King asked "I don't believe you coming back swollen with what I can only assume is some mongrel ch*"

"The Chief's child..." she cut him off "A child of royal blood between two great people. A child who will serve to unite our people in the generations to come. A child with not one... but two royal birth rights. And a child that ushers in an era of peace. With this Child father... I have convinced the Chief to accept YOUR territorial boundaries... with no further bloodshed." The nobles all gasped in shock and awe. Some looked on in disgust. Others... actually looked impressed, even hopeful. Even from a greed aspect, many had to help fund the war efforts. If it truly meant peace, that meant more coin in their coffers.

The King was left speechless. But he recovered quickly and smiled "well then. I suppose I made the right decision in sending my daughter to negotiate didn't I?" He grinned and said "come child, tell me of your journey..." This time... River and Iris both followed him indoors and to his private chambers.

Once inside he rounded on them and opened his maw but River spoke first "instruct Bane to leave... immediately."

"Leave?" the King growled "why on earth would I do that?!"

"Because he did this to me..." she replied, lifting her hair back to show her scarred face. The scars were less bloodied now but still plain as day. The King winced and looked at Bane who shrank some, despite having evidence of his own wound clear on his face. He saw fit to see himself out before the King's wrath descended upon him. As he passed Iris he shot her a glare and she slid her hand to her sword hilt. The wolf huffed and then slipped out and slammed the door behind him.

"So..." the King said slowly "the Chief... has accepted my territorial terms?"

"He has" River replied "in exchange for his continued bloodline within our royal family. As I have learned from them... bloodlines are just as important to them as they are to us, if not moreso. For their royal bloodline contains dragon's blood."

"Dragon's blood?" the king scoffed "who would believe such a thing?"

"One who has seen his wings and flown above the clouds with them" she shot back "One who has flown so high she could see beyond the mountain, beyond our kingdom."

The King blinked and he looked at her "you're serious aren't you?..." he asked after a few moments, stepping closer.

"I am father, I would not lie" River replied, her head held high "I have found peace between our people in a tradition befitting our Kingdom."

"By whoring yourself out to a savage" the King growled "do you have any idea how disgusting it is to know my daughter traded her purity... her cunt... her WOMB... for LAND?!"

River winced sharply but she growled softly "I made no such trade! I love him. I would've let him have me for FREE. But he made the request and I saw no reason to deny it. I saw no reason to not take the opportunity to stop the war!"

"Oh you LOVE him now do you?!" her father snarled "what kind of spell have they put you under? What madness is this?! And YOU!" He rounded on Iris "you were supposed to protect her! Just what the hell have you been doing this entire time?! How the HELL could you let this happen? EXPLAIN YOURSELF!"

"I was fucking the Chief's most trusted advisor" Iris replied plainly.

The King's head almost exploded. River just giggled and smiled at him. "Father... This doesn't have to be anything but a celebration. A new generation of our royal family, made stronger then the last by the inclusion of a sacred... and powerful bloodline. And peace! Peace that can last... This is a blessing father. Nothing more. Please... just accept it as such."

The King glared at her for a long moment. He paced the room and gazed out the window. He was quiet for a very long time and then he turned and simply said "No." With that he started for the door.

"Wh... what?" River asked, glancing at Iris who grabbed her blade again. "Father what are you..."

"I said no" he replied "I will not accept it." He opened the door to the hall and barked for the guards. They came running quickly and Iris stepped in front of River. "Arrest the Princess' personal guard. Take her to the dungeons until further notice. And escort the Princess to her chambers and keep her there."

River's eyes widened and she said "Father you can't do that!" The guards approached and Iris drew her blade. Two in the back shouldered crossbows though and Iris stiffened. She narrowed her eyes on the guards and River could tell she was weighing her chances.

"I don't want to kill her" he replied "she's a good guard. And the stress could harm you. But I will if I have to."

River hesitated but put a hand on Iris' shoulder. The wolfess looked back at her and the vixen's eyes welled with tears but she shook her head. She didn't want to lose her only friend left here. Iris hesitated and glared at the King but she tossed her sword down. She raised her hands but she said "Let me stay with her My Lord."

"And why should I do that?" he replied.

"You said it yourself, the stress would be bad for her." Iris replied "Don't force her to be alone. Let me stay with her and care for her and the baby." The King hesitated but River clutched Iris' arm.

"If you try to escape..." he warned River "I'll torture her in front of you... and kill her..." River winced but Iris remained unafraid. Finally he nodded and the two were escorted through the halls to River's room and locked inside. Once inside River turned and buried herself against the wolfess, sobbing softly.

"I thought... I thought he would be happy..." she whispered "for ONCE I thought he might actually be proud of me for doing something good... but he's just... he's just a stupid stubborn old man!" The reality of it all came crashing down on her. She was scared now. She was a prisoner in her own home. She just... wanted to go back to the forest. She found herself wishing she'd never left... that they'd stayed and fought. Or even faked her death. Something, ANYTHING... to be back there now.

"It's going to be okay" Iris replied softly "we're going to be alright. I promise... We'll... We'll figure something out..." But River could tell... she didn't truly sound hopeful. She was scared too... All they could do now was change and curl up to rest after their long journey. But Iris knew in her gut... that their nightmare was only beginning.

Less then a week later the King announced River's betrothal to Bane. The wedding would be held in a few months and everyone would be invited. The nobles of the court were sworn to secrecy about what they saw and heard. Anyone who dared say anything... would be hanged for treason under the King's direct orders. He was losing his mind... losing his grip on reality. And despite Feugen's sacrifice... he was still planning for war.

River's belly continued to grow at a rapid rate. Iris made sure she was given hearty meals and any time they skimped on her she gave her some of her own to compensate. She knew they had to escape. But River was no longer in any condition to travel. Even if they could get out of the Palace and somehow out of the Kingdom. They couldn't make it back to the forest before the birth... and being out in the wilderness would be too dangerous. They had no choice but to wait for right now.

As River grew more and more though she knew the moment was coming closer and closer. She grew more and more worried, more terrified of what her father would do. What he might do to her, to Iris... to the baby. Iris tried to comfort her, to help her to not worry so much. It wasn't good for her or the child. But there was little she could do.

The night finally came... And it was not good. River woke in the middle of the night with a startling cry of pain. Iris bolted up and pulled back the sheets to find blood... and a lot of it. "GUARDS!" she barked and one of them unlocked and opened the door. "Send for the healers! NOW!" The guards didn't hesitate and immediately bolted down the hall.

"Iris..." River whined "Iris it hurts!... AHHH!" she gave another cry as another wave of pain crashed into her.

"It's okay River it's going to be okay..." Iris said shakily. But as she looked down and saw the bloodstained sheets her mind flashed. She had seen this before... Silver had shown her. She trembled but she pushed those feelings aside. She took River's hand and shifted down between her legs.

"C... Can you see anything?" River whined softly "Is it okay? Is the baby okay?" Iris had to try and wipe some of the blood away. Just then the door burst open and the King stepped in.

"What's going on?" he growled.

"She's having the baby where are the healers?!" Iris growled.

"No healers. No one will know of this abomination..." he snarled back.

"What are you... Are you INSANE?!" Iris growled at him but River gave another cry and she turned her attention back to the vixen. "R... River I see the head! I can see the head can you push?" she spoke calmer, trying to help the vixen work through this.

"P... Papa I'm scared..." River sobbed, looking at her father. Iris glanced over at him and for the briefest moment... his gaze softened. For a brief moment he looked at her like his little girl again. Just scared and begging for her papa to comfort her. But his face hardened again and the moment was gone.

"You should've thought of that before you spread your legs for an animal" he snarled. He rounded on Iris "get it out of her... cut it out if you have to."

"She's bleeding already I can't cut her!" Iris growled. She turned back and said to River "Push baby girl push!" River screamed again in pain but the baby's head began to emerge. Iris could see it... then the shoulders... and something... rather surprising. A pair of tiny wings protruding from it's back. It was a canine for certain... a fox just like it's mother. "That's it River that's it! It's almost out! One more push!" Iris called. River took a few deep breathes and then screamed a final time as she pushed.

The room suddenly filled with the wailing cries of a little fox cub. A little girl. She wailed and wailed as River sank back in the bed. Iris cradled her carefully and stared in amazement at the beautiful little baby. She was perfect... beautiful... She looked up at River and then glanced at the King. "I need a blade... to cut the cord I need a blade. Now."

The King hesitated but grabbed a knife from one of the guards and held it out to her. She tied the cord carefully and then cut it before cleaning the baby as best as she could and bringing her over to River. The exhausted vixen gazed upon her little crying baby girl and whispered softly "shhh shhh it's okay... it's okay sweetheart... Mama's here... Mama's got you. Gods above you're so beautiful..." Iris could only watch in pure adoration... she truly was a beautiful child. She stiffened as the King stepped over and looked down at his daughter and his new granddaughter. Iris watched him very carefully, tightening her grip on the blade.

"So... that's what a dragon blooded looks like is it?" he asked quietly.

River looked up at him and said softly "isn't she beautiful Papa?... My little Princess..." She looked back down at the little cub with tired eyes. She was still bleeding quite a bit between her legs.

"My Lord she needs a healer..." Iris said quietly "Please..."

The King looked at her and was quiet for a long moment and then said "go and fetch one then..." Iris hesitated and looked at River.

"I'll be fine..." River said with a small smile. She shifted her gown and started to let the little fox cub nurse. Iris turned and slipped out of the room, shutting it behind her. She set off down the dark halls in search of a healer. A storm had begun raging outside, flashes of lightning lighting up the windows as she passed.

"You know... you weren't much bigger then that when you were born..." the King said quietly. He moved slowly to the door and shut it, locking it from the inside this time. He turned back and said softly "we almost didn't think you'd make it... you were so weak... so helpless..." River blinked and looked up at her father and her heart started to chill.

"P... Papa?..." she whispered softly.

In the hall another flash of lightning struck Iris like a fist. She stumbled into the wall and blinked, panting heavily. Her hand went to her breast, to her marking. And her eyes widened. She had tried to fight it... tried to change it... but Silver had warned her. She turned and sprinted back down the hall for the room.

"It's... so easy..." the King whispered "for these little ones to just... slip away..." He raised the blade up above his granddaughter. River's eyes widened and she curled her arms around her baby... and tried to roll away.

Iris reached the door and found it locked. With a crash of thunder and a snarl she barreled through it, breaking the frame. What she saw... broke her... The king stood over the bed, a bloodied dagger in his hands. His eyes were wide with shock as he stared down at River. She was on her side, bleeding from the wound under her arm. She was struggling to breathe now... her lung had been punctured... her baby cried on the bed before her. "Shhh... shhh m... mama's here..." she whined softly "M... Mama loves you... v... very much... My little Lilly..." And with that... she was gone. She wheezed out one last breathe... and lay very still.

"You... You killed her..." Iris breathed out... almost in disbelief at what she was looking at. The King turned and glared at her.

"She killed herself... when she sided with those savages..." he turned and raised the blade to finish the job on the child.

"NO!" Iris screamed. She grabbed the male from behind and hurled him across the room. He slammed into a table, knocking it over. The little cub began to bawl and scream from all the noise, frightened without her mother. The King rounded on Iris, still holding the blade.

"There's no need to keep you around anymore..." he snarled darkly.

"You... have no idea what you've done..." Iris said quietly. "What he'll do... when he finds out..."

"Who?" the King growled.

"The baby's father..." Iris whispered. The King growled and lunged at her. She drew the blade she'd kept to cut the cord and ducked his swing, planting her's between his ribs. His eyes widened and he flailed, trying to escape his fate. Iris grabbed his arm instead and twisted it hard enough to snap it. He screamed as he sank to his knees, wheezing from the blade in his chest. Iris plucked the other one from his grasp easily and crouched in front of him. She gazed upon this dying man... this once proud King... and she saw nothing but a useless heap of flesh. Her heart was filled with hatred... as she calmly lifted the blade and sank it slowly into his stomach. He groaned and tried feebly to push at her wrist, trying to stop her. "You will not live to see his vengeance... you will not live to see her grow up... you will not live to see her become a Princess... nor a queen... you will not live beyond this night..." She slowly began pulling the blade from one side of his gut to the other. He gurgled and tried to scream but couldn't get enough air. He clasped at his stomach, desperate to keep his innards from spilling out. She reached up and yanked on his hair to tilt his head back and look into his eyes.

"You will burn for this..." she whispered to him and then yanked the blade the rest of the way. The King fell back with another pained gurgle... and died there on the floor. Iris slowly stood up and turned back to the bed. She saw River's lifeless body... still staring at her beautiful little baby girl. Iris reached down and scooped up the little mewling cub. She gazed at River and whispered gently "I won't let you down baby girl... I promise you..." With that... she reached out and closed her eyes. Her sharp ears twitched to the sound of the guards coming down the hall. All the screaming and shouting... it had drawn their attention. She didn't have much time... didn't have much to wear... and the storm outside was brutal. She looked at the little cub... barely minutes old. It was doubtful she would survive the journey. But she knew... she would not survive if she stayed.

When the guards reached the room they found only two bodies and an open window. Bane was at their lead. He rounded on them and barked "Find her! Find her and the baby and bring them to me NOW!" The guards didn't hesitate. But Iris was already gone.

Silver woke with a cry of pain and fright, clutching her side. She panted heavily, running her fingers through her hair as she looked around. She stumbled up to her feet and hurried out of her hut, racing to Feugen's as fast as she could go. She burst inside and found him already awake. He could feel it... magic or not... he knew something terrible had happened. "Feugen I..." Silver whispered "I'm so sorry..."

"What is it?..." he asked, afraid of the answer. Silver opened her maw but her eyes suddenly flashed for a moment.

"No..." she whispered softly "she won't make it..." Then she was gone.

"Silver!" Feugen called but the wolfess was off, running up the path that lead up the mountain. Feugen grabbed his waistwrap and raced off after her even as the rain poured down on them. Silver ran and ran hard, clawing her way up the mountain side towards the cliff that overlooked the entire forest and the fields beyond. She fought against the wind and the rain... and made her way to the edge, gazing out through the storm as though she could see. "Silver what the hell is going on!" Feugen called over the storm.

Silver turned to face him, the wind whipping her hair and dress about wildly. "She won't make it!" Silver called "It was too soon! The storm is too much! She won't make it!"

"Who?!" Feugen called "Who are you talking about?!..." he didn't understand. Silver knew he wouldn't. How could he?... he couldn't hear the whispers like she could.

"Tell her I'm sorry Feu..." she called gently "Tell her... if there was any other way... I would've taken it. Please... can you do that for me?"

"Silver please!" he called "tell me what's going on!"

"Goodbye Feu..." she said gently "take care of them both..."

"Silver!" Feugen called. He stepped towards her and there was a flash of lightning. It struck the wolfess and blinded the panther. He shielded his eyes by reflex and when he lowered his arm... she was gone... No body... not even a scorch mark. She was just... gone. "SILVER!" he called over the storm, racing to the edge of the cliff to see if she had fallen. But there was no sign of her...

Iris raced the horse as fast as it would go, keeping the little baby close to her breast even as the rain pounded her like bullets. Every part of her exposed skin hurt from the freezing impacts but she had to go... had to make it. She could already feel the horse starting to fail. She could smell the blood coming up from it's lungs. But if she didn't make it... the baby wouldn't either. She found herself praying... to who she didn't know at first. Anyone! It didn't matter. But she landed on Gaia...

"Please Allmother" she cried out "I beg of you. Don't take this child. Please... don't take her from me." She raced the horse harder and harder through the night, nearing the edge of the forest. The river had swelled from the rain... the bridge was partially under water. But she had to try... as they started to cross the horse lost it's footing. The water had made the wood slippery. The wolfess gave a cry as she was thrown into the current. She shoved herself above the surface though, holding the baby in one hand and desperately trying to keep herself up with the other. She had to... she begged, she pleaded even as she began to swallow water. She couldn't fail... she promised River... she promised... her baby girl...

Then she felt a hand grasp her's... a calm settled over her even there under the water. She felt someone pulling her... pulling her to the edge and then up and out of the water. She coughed violently and then looked up... and saw her...

"Silver?..." she whispered softly. The sounds of the storm all stopped. Even the rushing river was silent now. The wolfess looked so beautiful... younger. Her fur glowed like it was made of moonlight. Iris looked down at the little cub and realized... she was too still... far too still. "S... Silver she's not breathing!" she said quickly.

"It's alright..." Silver whispered gently. She stepped closer with a smile "it's going to be alright now... The prices have been paid... No one else... is going to die."

"P... Prices what do you mean?" Iris asked "You said we wouldn't all make it... that one of us would die!"

Silver looked at her and her eyes saddened "I said we would not all survive..." she whispered "I didn't say... it would cost only one..." Iris stared at her and tears welled and spilled down her cheeks.

"Please... I... I can't..." she started to say.

"You can..." Silver whispered "you both can. You have to. For her sake..." she looked down at the little lifeless form of the baby. "She's more important then you know..." Silver said quietly "look after her..."

"B.. But she's already" Iris stammered out. Silver slowly stepped closer and leaned down, kissing the little baby's forehead. There was a flash of white light... and a pentagram appeared upon her brow before it faded away. The little babe coughed and then started to cry softly again. She was cold... and wet...

Iris looked up at Silver again and the white wolfess touched her cheek. She smiled tenderly and whispered "I know it hurts. But I promise you I will ease it. I will visit you in your dreams... You will not... be alone my love..." She leaned forward and kissed her very gently... and then she was gone.

Iris blinked and looked around as the sound returned to the world and everything seemed to start up again. The rain battered at her, the river roared behind her. But she felt warm... and the baby did too. She looked up towards the mountain in the distance and she trudged on... knowing now, that Lady Gaia had answered her prayers.

She reached the settlement at dawn. The sun had risen... the rains had ceased and were beginning to dry. She trudged right through the middle of the village, heading for the grand hut. A few of the villagers sounded an alarm and Feugen stepped out immediately. When he saw her there... holding a little bundle... but alone. He knew...

Tears rolled down his cheeks, matching the ones that Iris was shedding herself. She stepped up to him, and offered him the little mewling cub. He took her with trembling hands and gazed upon her magnificence and beauty. She... she was perfect. Iris swallowed and managed to choke out "she named her... Lilly..." Feugen looked at her and then nodded and looked at the little cub again. He held her close... cradling her like the most precious gift in the world. The sacrifices made for her.

"She has her mother's eyes..." he whispered shakily.

"Feugen..." Iris said quietly. He looked up at her and she said "The King is dead... but a new one will rise... one far worse... far more cruel..." She looked down at the little baby sleeping so peacefully in her father's arms. "She has to be ready... when the time comes..." she said quietly. Feugen looked confused at first... and Iris shifted her wrap to expose her pentagram. Feugen recognized it like Silver's... and understood.

"She will be" he said firmly. He looked down at his little baby girl and said "she will be a Princess... and a Warrior."

Iris shook her head "no..." He looked at her and her eyes began to glow. She took a breathe...

"She will be a Queen."