The Tiger Within

The Emperor watched her face closely, looking for any hints of deceit and was shocked to find none . Her eyes were crystal clear like the waterfall and filled with the power and confidence of a leader . No wonder she trained beneath Half Eye, he valued courage and presence over power and connections .

"Did Shadow Shaman Half Eye send you?" he asked curiously . Why had he not been informed of such an important figure apprentice was to visit . Kyera smiled and nodded, looking at Mally . The affection in her eyes was undeniable .
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"Yes, I was running low on the antidote . A tiger got caught in a trap a few days ago that had this poison on the teeth . I had to use 4 vials before he was out of the woods . When I told Master Half Eye he suggested I impose on the Emperor"s hospitality on his behalf . I believe Mally Mentioned it to you?" Kyera asked glancing at him curiously . "Afterall I have a invitation to meet with you this afternoon . " She added holding up a familiar piece of parchment .

A light of recognition flashed in his eyes . He had indeed signed that parchment for Mally"s sister to visit… he had not realized that she would be such a striking beauty . He also didn"t remember her mentioning her sister"s Master being one of such… importance . However, the Shadow Shaman had never been one to flaunt his name to get access for his students, granted there have only been a few of them .

"Yes, of course . I was not aware Mally"s little sister would be such a stunning healer . " He replied with a smile, offering her a hand to her feet the issue falling to the wayside . "Queen Fae, I think you are mistaken . A student of Shadow Shaman Half Eye could hardly stoop so low . " He added crushing Queen Fae"s hopes of causing more trouble .

Kyera took his hand and slowly raised to her feet, figuring it would be rude to refuse . Honestly she had just too little energy left to refuse the help . Even as she pulled to her feet she swayed slightly . Raina"s little hand gripped the front of her dress near the knees to try and help steady Kyera . Concern painted her little face .

"Thank you, Princess . " Kyera smiled at her gently once she had her balance . "With Mally"s talent how could there be any doubt?" Kyera asked turning her eyes back to the Emperor who was slightly uncertain . There was a hint of question in his eyes as he stared at her . The slight sway to her stance almost resembles one who had a few too many drinks .

"Are you balanced?" He asked her and Kyera nodded but that seemed to sway her more . A gentle hand wrapped around her waist as Mally recognized the symptoms . The Emperor raised an eyebrow .

"Your Majesty, Kyera used quite a bit of her spirit energy and she"s a little off balance . Perhaps now is a good time for me to take her to my rooms and get her some rest and perhaps a change of clothes?" Mally suggested, her voice submissive . The Emperor heard that tone and nodded . Of course that made quite a bit of sense, but it also made him feel a slight bit of guilt . As weak as she was, she had just devoted a good part of herself to defending her friend, not to mention the healing of his lion had placed her into this predicament to begin with .

"Yes of course, that would be best . The rest of you may return to work . Lady Kyera, and Beauty Mally will join me for tea shortly, for now you may rest . " The Emperor decreed and waved people around . "At dusk, we will take it in the upper study . " He replied turning to leave . Rasha following slowly, his pained steps lighter and less swift than his normal step .

With Mally steadying her, Kyera bowed and the Emperor nodded, watching as Mally led her away . Raina bowed to her grandfather and took her fairy cage, leaving for her rooms . Alexi watched the girls go beside his father, ignoring his mothers searing glare .