The Tiger Within

"Not at all . These things happen . Come sit at my other side . " he ushered her after the gla.s.s was off her dress . A pair of maids clean the remnants of the mess .

"Thank you . " Kyera lowered herself at his other side, resting on the chair . Clovis took his seat again . Turning his eyes back to Viren .

Advertis.e.m.e.nt"As you were saying?" Clovis asked while Mordrin and Viren shared a glance . There had been something there… between the pair for a fleeting moment . Both men wondered if they had imagined that spark between prince and princess .

"I was saying that No . That would not be possible without preparation . My people are still angry that your forefathers tried to subjugate and later destroy an entire civilization and for the most part did so . They would find it… odd to let your people into our lands . We have several strong clans of shifters who are protected by citizen"s law . " Prince Viren pointed out and Clovis sighed .

He had known that b.l.o.o.d.y war had caused a lot of tension between the kingdoms, but he had no idea it was this bad . The Snow Phoenix was one of the kingdoms that took it hardest and had protested against his father"s actions . Ultimately, resulting in the Queen Phoenix"s life being taken due to a illness that should have been cured . Yet his grandfather had closed all trade of medical herbs to their kingdom out of spite . In the end, all trade was closed permanently in retaliation . It remained that way today .

"Perhaps a compromise can be reached?" Kyera offered thoughtfully once again . Clovis looked at her . He never dreamed she would be so useful at dinner . They hadn"t even reached her part of the conversation yet .

"I would be willing to listen, My Lady . " Viren replied turning his eyes to her . He was certain now she broke the cup intentionally . It was meant to startle him enough to soften his hard no .

"What do you suggest?" Prince Clovis added when she looked to him for permission . She gave him another sweet smile that tightened his chest .

"Why not build a trial bazaar? There is small village on the edge of Snow Phoenix land and our own . If we rebuilt it, made it larger and allowed it to cross into both kingdoms, it would be an ideal trade post . Neither kingdom crossed into one another, it"s a shared s.p.a.ce and there is no unnecessary travel . If snow Phoenix people or our own bear a grudge they can just steer clear of that city . No harm no foul . " Kyera pointed out looking at the map pinned to the wall . She traced the edge of the two kingdoms, and found the little Village she was looking for .

Both Princes looked at the map, gauging the pros and cons of such a village . It would be interesting for sure, and a calm way to test reopening the trade routes without much risk . The profits however would be high .

Mordrin smiled at his dear friend wondering where she had come up with this idea . The ladies had been engrossed in a conversation among themselves about baby things . Vella chuckled at her brother"s expression while her mother also listened rather pleased .

"This is a pleasing plan, Lady Kyera . How did you think of it?" Vella asked with a curious smile . The tigress was slightly unnerved by the Princess"s smile . Anyone could see she was beautiful, but there was a sense of brilliance that Kyera could sense . Though she was purely human, there was a predatory vibe deep in her aura . Quiet and reserved, but bold under the right light .

"I remember reading about a similar situation in some old books that Shadow Shaman Half Eye kept in the study room . " Kyera replied smoothly . It was a lie . Not a blunt lie, since she had indeed read about it in a book, but it had been in her own library in the old home . She couldn"t admit that though . A little digging or a few questions about where she grew up could unravel everything like a slow pull of a string .