The Tiger Within

The sun was starting to descend from the sky, slowly but surely it would be night fall within the next few hours . Nerves ran high between the families, and each palace had its own sense of urgency . With the increased guards, there was a buzz in the air among the maids, while the children were uncharacteristically quiet . Their behavior however, were due to a whole different reason . The heir games had moved to the next phase, the children"s part .

The heir rules had always been very strict, since the first emperor"s time to step down came, and his sons had to be considered for the throne . He and his wives had been blessed with multiple sons, all of whom would have been good heirs in his mind, but which was the perfect heir? In order to keep peace within his harem, he chose to select his heir through their own ability rather than his opinions . Thus the heir games were born . Now, if he had known how many lives would be ruined by this game through the years, wives and children killed, fiance"s lost and men crippled, perhaps he would have chosen a different tactic and set of rules .
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However, being blissfully unaware of the consequences of his choices he laid forth several rules to be considered for the games . First, one must prove they can shoulder the weight of a political seat, and thus they must serve the kingdom in some capacity . Second, one must have a strong partner to help guide the nation with the people"s best interest at heart, thus they must have a Mother of the people, a wife . Third they must provide an heir, for the next generation is the future of a nation and without an heir a king will surely fall . As such, a child must be born to the wife and the Prince . These three rules were incredibly important, but the last rule was added years later, when relations between nations became tense . The fourth rule of the heir games insisted that the Prince must have the backing of at least 2 countries dignitaries before they could be considered .

The games began with the Wives Hunt, to prove she can be an Empress, a Mother of the People . Then it was followed by the ball, proof that the nations supported their candidates . Tonight"s event, was to be the chance for the heirs to prove themselves . Each child would showcase their abilities, their strengths, or their talents . It was up to each child what they wanted to represent them . A group of elders would award points for each round, 3 in total where the child would demonstrate something different in each round . This had Raina nervous .

Kyera however, was not nervous at all, her pride in her daughter was clear on her face . Raina was standing as still as her fidgeting would allow . A maid was getting exasperated as she tried to pin Raina"s hair up and out of her face . It was clear this maid didn"t have the patience for it and Raina wasn"t working with her today .

"Miss, thank you for your efforts, you may go, I will handle this . " Kyera took the brush away from her . The Maid glared at Kyera but didn"t dare to correct her . Raina sighed deeply looking down .

"Sorry, Mom, I am just… nervous . " Raina tried to explain away her fidgeting but Kyera chuckled . The sound was filled with love and happiness, not the mocking laughter that Raina expected in this sort of situation . It put her mind at ease .  
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"Child, your father is nervous for you, and he doesn"t have to do anything . How can I expect you not to be nervous you silly little thing . " Kyera teased her as she began brushing, swirling and pinning strands into place like an artist . The untamed black locks were quickly becoming a neat and tidy bun on the back of Raina"s head .

"You aren"t though, your not nervous at all . " Raina"s voice was soft as if she was talking to herself . Did Kyera not care how Raina did tonight? Afterall Kyera had the cub now… would she need her? That thought was depressing and suddenly filled Raina with sadness, sadness that Kyera recognized instantly . She pinned the last strand of hair in place and turned Raina around to face her .