The Tiger Within

Raina sat gratefully behind the Tigress Zither she had come to love . Each movement she made was careful and calculated, her focus fully applied to every note . Her lips sang the song from memory every note matching that wich her hand brought to life . There was hardly a difference between her hands and voice and the song her teacher had played .

There was a awe in the crowd as the quiet, shy princess debut her abilities for them to hear . Clovis was shocked, his eyes darting to Kyera who stood near her own zither to rescue the princess if she stumbled or lost her place . Yet it was clear there was nothing to worry about as the child finished her song and set the Zither down on the stand beside her .

Advertis.e.m.e.nt"Thank you . " Raina bowed her head before rising to her feet and gliding back to her grandmother"s side . The Empress was repressing tears as her grand daughter looked up at her, eyes hopeful . "Did it please you, Empress?" Raina asked a hint of nervousness as she tried to read Eve"s complex emotions . The compliments her father was being showered with from the ladies here hardly mattered . They had all been so mean, their words only proved their two face manners .

The ladies and their escorts were showering Clovis with praise for his brilliant daughter . He was brilliant to teach his daughter such a elegant instrument that played to her talents . Yet, he didn"t take the credit, honestly focused on the woman who had given his daughter a reason to feel confident .

"You played wonderfully, Raina dear . I have never heard that song played so heavenly . You have much to learn, but you have a talent little one!" Eve a.s.sured her, her eyes glowing with pride . Raina beamed as well and curtsied to her .

"As long as you are pleased, Empress . I will continue my studies . " she agreed openly offering her obedience . The Empress smiled proud of her granddaughter, especially seeing the look on a few of the disrespectful older women"s faces . she had always known Raina was a treasure, but now they were forced to see it as well .

Kyera finished thanking the musicians as Alexi approached her with a knowing grin . "That was pretty thoughtful of you . What you did for my niece, Lady Kyera . " Alexi praised as he came to stand beside her .

"I did very little . Princess Raina has a gift better than my own . She will be a amazing musician if given the chance . " Kyera replied smiling, eyes gentle and warm . Alexi nodded .

"Yes, but without you she would never have had the courage to play so publicly . You have no idea how much good that would do for her reputation . " Alexi added and Kyera shook her head, raising her hand to stop him . He seemed surprised by the sudden royalness of that gesture .

"I did not do this for her reputation or your social circles impression of her . I think your society puts too much pressure on little children"s shoulders and would never guide her to fulfill such ignorant requirements . " Kyera replied firmly . There was a fire in her eyes that warned him she was serious and sparked his curiosity .

"Then why did you do it?" Alexi asked feeling he had to now .

"Raina was losing her self confidence . These people talked badly about her, comparing her to others . I needed to give her a way to fight back without resorting to childish games . I let her prove to herself she could do it . If they changed their opinions or her family is proud of her, that is only a bonus to me . What is important is her knowing to be sure of herself . " Kyera replied honestly . Her heart and soul bare in her voice as well as her previous annoyance at those cruel women who had damaged the child to begin with .

"You sound like a mother defending her daughter, you know . " Prince Alexi pointed out with a wide grin . To his surprise, Kyera didn"t deny it, but her cheeks turned pink .