The Tiger Within

"Kyera is that a new dress?" Raina asked with a smile, taking note of just how young and pretty Kyera really was . There was so much life to her teacher hidden by those simple, long skirts . She always looked so matronly… but now her outfit was as full of life as her eyes . Kyera shook her head, smiling at her student .

"I borrowed it from your father actually . A maid brought it . Obviously I will return it after today . " Kyera replied hastily, not wanting to seem as though she"s taking the credit . He smiled at her adorable shy expression . Clovis was suddenly glad he hadn"t had the guards stay in the room . He had a feeling he would have been jealous if they had seen that coquettish look on her sweet face .

Advertis.e.m.e.nt"Actually it is a gift, Kyera . I don"t think it is fair to let another woman try to live up to the standards set for this look . " Clovis replied with a cheeky grin . She blushed as the comment sunk in . Her hands subconsciously moved to smooth the dress over her waist . She had not realized he could be such a charmer . Her shields needed to be raised around him apparently .

"I think we need to go . You and I need dresses for this ball of craziness . " Raina commented walking elegantly even as those words fell from that pretty mouth . Her contempt for the ball was pretty clear . Not that Kyera could blame her, there was no doubt in either ladies mind this would be a very interesting masquerade of Wolves wearing a rabbit"s skin .

"As you wish, Princess Raina . " Kyera replied subtly putting emphasis on Princess . Raina instantly realized where she had made the mistake and pouted slightly . Her words had indeed not been respectful at all . After all this ball was a order of the Emperor .

"it"s just you, me, and dad… . " Raina tried to protest and Kyera frowned slightly . It seemed the child had forgotten some of the earlier lessons Kyera had snuck in with her Zither training . She made a point of looking at the walls, sweeping the room for servants then looking back at Raina .

"What did I tell you about the walls?" Kyera asked raising an eyebrow . Clovis heard this lesson going on and decided to finish the doc.u.ment in front of him and stow it in the desk . He was curious as to what exactly his daughter had been taught . It seemed as though Kyera had been looking after more than her musical knowledge . In truth he was grateful for that .

"You never know who"s hiding behind it be they true friend or foe . " Raina recited the phrase back and then nodded . The "Oh" look on her face was incredibly clear . "I see . I will be more aware . "

The prince looked between the two girls as he stood up . Straightening his tunic, he stepped out to stand next to Kyera . "Lady Kyera, do you think your dressmaker may be able to outfit Raina as well?" He asked honestly curious . Raina also needed to be clothed for this event but in all honesty he didn"t want her trussed up in frills and jewels . He hopped that someone Kyera recommended would be more… true to the kingdom rather than fashions from other kingdoms that were in fashion, but said nothing of their own culture .

"Vivella would love to outfit the little Princess, but I don"t know if you will approve of her style . " Kyera replied carefully, there was a reason she wished to see Vivella about her dress . It would be suitable for her, but for the princess… it would depend on her father . Clovis raised a brow but a smile creeped over his lips .

"I am sure we will figure something out . We won"t know for sure until we see what she is capable of . " Clovis reasoned and they walked down the path toward the main gate . Raina smiled and walked proudly between Kyera and Clovis but several feet ahead . Kyera glanced at Clovis for half a second, realizing he was relaxed she let her guard down .

As they reached the gate she noticed a simple carriage was prepared for them . Kyera looked at it questioningly then at Clovis who seemed surprised . He opened the door the the Carriage and Kyera suddenly felt the pressure build in her chest . Uneasy . She didn"t quite feel comfortable in such a contraption .