The Tiger Within

"So, What"s the Job, Princess?" Lazren asked, breaking this topic off . He didn"t want to put the Prince on the spot .

"The Fourth Prince has asked to marry me, but I need the permission of the clan elders and he needs their blessing . With the people of our village being so badly beaten and our home destroyed, we need to meet them in town but I don"t trust the forests . " Kyera pointed out as she skimmed over their expressions as they looked between Clovis and Kyera . They had not expected marriage to be part of this . They had understood it to be an alliance and the fact she seemed not to be bothered by it was unsettling .

"Alright, I don"t know how the Wild Ken will respond to their Tiger Princess marrying a human Prince . " Oslo pointed out .
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"No, I am pretty sure exactly what they are going to say . Have you spoken to Talis or Daxin first? Either of them responding negatively could shoot this entire thing . " Race pointed out, having been the most recent capture from the village . Kyera sighed hearing this .

"Race, dear friend I have to . This is The only way I can protect our people from the darkness . Clovis and I are a good match . I am certain the village leaders will see that" Kyera replied raising an eyebrow at the two . She had to sidestep the question a bit because she honestly didn"t know how either her G.o.dfather or her brother would react . Why would they behave in such a way? They knew what she was planning, but then she realized their test wasn"t for her .

"Race, Oslo, Lazren, If I may?" Clovis asked gaining their attention . All three looked toward him and he smiled . "Lady Kyera is doing what is best for her people, and in doing so my own . I will stand at her side as we talk to them . If they have questions, we will answer them together . " He a.s.sures them calmly . "I will face them for her hand . "

"Alright . " Race seemed to be convinced as he stood and straightened his jacket back onto his body . Oslo followed suit with a big bear grin .

"Then Shall we go face our wounded brothers?" He asked his eyes meeting Kyera"s and offering her a hand to stand . She took it smoothing her dress .

"I think We shall . Fourth Prince?" Kyera asked looking back at Clovis who still had quite the determined look in his eyes .

"Yes, Yes we shall . " He agreed standing and once again taking her hand . They made their way to the carriage that was prepared outside . Clovis looked at her a bit surprised . He had not ordered a carriage, she had to have changed his orders .

"It will be safer . As much as I hate such small closed in places, we have to do what"s best for us for now . " Kyera replied honestly unsure as she looked the coach over . She would almost rather take her chances with the Dark but at the same time she couldn"t take the chance with his life . There was a good chance she couldn"t defend them both .

"Alright Kyera . Thank you . " He added before opening the carriage, aware of exactly what she was doing to help him . The pair both got into the carriage and settled onto the benches . Lazren took his horse to the front while Oslo and Race took their places on the front and footboard of the carriage .

She nodded settling in . Several moments pa.s.sed and exhaustion started to set in . Clovis watched her as her eyes closed in a fitful sleep as the carriage rocked along the road . With a heavy sigh he adjusted himself in the seat for a moment, once he was fairly sure he was comfortable he guided her onto his lap . Her head resting gently on his lap .

"Silly girl . " He whispered brushing her hair out of her face while she slept . There was a sense of warmth in his heart as he tried to sooth her fitful rest . The gentle lady in his lap was quiet and fast asleep, so vulnerable under his hand . Clovis took care not to make a sound as she rested on his lap, letting her sleep . She would need her rest for what was to come .