The Tiger Within

The sunlight peeked over the mountains, casting pale colors that shimmered off the fresh snow. Another snow storm had gifted the land with a new blanket of white. Cold winter air caused steam to rise off the dark liquid in Kyera"s cup as she sat quietly on the library Balcony. Baby Gale was nested in the small crib beside her, made specially for him to accompany his mother in the library.

He lay awake, watching his poor mother stare out at the horizon. She did this often when she believed him asleep. At first, he felt jealous that Mother was paying so much attention to things other than him. Then however, before he started crying he noticed the look in her eyes. He had seen it before, staring back at him in the mirror under that blood laced crown. He stayed quiet.

"Kyera, it"s cold out." A gentle, older voice spoke. He had not met this voice before but Kyera knew her.

"h.e.l.lo Aunt Rose. To what do I owe this pleasure?" Mother"s voice was wrong… hollow. She sounded pleasant but he knew by now it was always true.

"When you spend over half your life ensuring peace in this palace, you learn to feel the wind. The storm brewing on your heart, Kyera, is louder than you think." The older woman replied as she walked in and sat on the stone railing across from Mother. Her dress was pretty and she had a sharpness to her eyes but a kind face.

Mother"s expression fell, and she looked real again. "I just got a letter from home. Bastil is using this as a chance to impose his rule." 
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"We expected something similar did we not?" The woman Mother called Aunt Rose asked.

"Yes, but he is systematically fueling the Dark Ones fire. He executed a scullery maid because she was suspected of being a mouse. He"s also tossed 2 guards to the dark ones for the same reason. One a bear and one human, both are part of the earth now. The battle is getting bloodier and my people aren"t safe. My freinds are dying and I sit here nursing my body from the pregnancy and stealing what little time I can with Gale." Mother covered her face with one hand as if that would stop the onslaught of tears from pouring down her face. He didn"t know the names, but Gale understood the meaning of battle and dying. They were precursors to war. His mother"s heart ached and as such so did his own.

"So, What will you do, Storm Queen Frost Dancer, Princess of the Forest Knights, Princess of the Dancing Winds?" Aunt Rose asked folding her arms over her chest expectantly. It was clear there was an answer and one she expected Kyera to respond with quickly.

"I will…" Mother cast a sorrow filled look at Gale before looking back at the Aunt. "I will rescue my people and then… as a unit… we will begin preparations. There will be war, but when I am strong enough to fight."

"But fight who? The Dark Ones, Or do you return to fight Bastil, your husband"s blood?" Rose countered and Kyera scooped Gale into her arms and cradled him and his fur blanket close. Mother"s warmth was comforting, but Gale knew she needed his comfort more right now. He snuggled his little face into her neck.

"I don"t know. I will fight the Dark Ones because they started this war. However, I do not want to fight Bastil." Mother rocked him gently, and sleep began to tug on him.

"I see, then you believe he will be a good king." Rose replied, readjusting her arms.

"No… I am afraid he will be a horrible king." Mothers words hurt for a moment, but then Gale realized she wasn"t talking about him.

"Then are you willing to fight him?" Rose challenged again.

"I will fight him if I must. For the people, if I must" Kyera replied. Her thoughts flickering to the Woman and her son who wanted nothing more than to go back home to their husband and father. Would he really force her to destroy that?

"You are a true Queen, Kyera. A Guardian of the people. Do not forget that." Aunt Rose reminded her before kicking off the stone and patting Kyera"s cheek. "For what its worth, Fantasy would be proud of you."