The Tiger Within

Kyera nodded and offered Clovis a smile . "Talis may be young, but he has spent most his life training . He is a good warrior, even if he is not built for war . " Kyera added before, it sounding exactly how it was meant to . A very polite way of saying if anything went wrong, don"t try and handle it fist to fist . The winner would have to face her and the loser had best be breathing . Her wrath was something both were fairly sure they never wished to face .

"I won"t put you in jeopardy, Kyera . You  can trust your Princeling is safe with me . " Talis replied, knowing it was partially a warning for him as well . Kyera was obviously dedicated to this peace, and the law demanded they try to keep it . Even outside the forest he knew it governed her more surely than that mark on her chest . If she was willing to warn the prince in front of him, it was a warning to any of her clan as well .

Advertis.e.m.e.nt"I will go gather the elders and make the final decision on what"s to come . " Kyera replied before turning to walk inside . Clovis couldn"t help but sigh . It had been a busy few days and he was feeling it . He also knew if he was this worn out without the emotional element, she had to be exhausted but she didn"t seem it . It was hidden in her practiced way of being a Queen to be . Yet he knew deep beneath that facade that Kyera was a woman . She had to be exhausted from facing down so much in this short time . He needed to get her home and to bed .

"She will be the death of me . " Clovis muttered more to himself than present company . However, though aware of this, the present company did not pretend not to hear him and instead used it to start the discussion he wished to have .

"In more than one way if you get any ideas about her . Kyera is a strong woman, but she is loyal and loving . She has a nurturing nature and will sacrifice anything for her people . " Talis replied coolly . There was a certain sad seriousness in his eyes . "I expected her to become my Sister in Law and I have treated her as such since I was old enough to understand her and Verone . I hope you can come to cherish her as much as he did . " Talis added and Clovis felt a wave of emotion . His fists clenched as he listened the the last part of the boy"s spill . The fourth prince had to remind himself "He is just a boy, and a boy in mourning for that matter . Keep your cool . "

"Talis, I did not know your brother, nor see how he treated Lady Kyera . However, I will treat her as my Empress . I respect the 9intricate flower she is and have no intention of taming it . Will that suffice?" Clovis asked, honestly having to keep his cool . "What type of man was this Verone fellow? Would he have found it amusing to have a prince constantly compared to him? Did Kyera compare the two?" He couldn"t help but wonder quietly .

"Thank you . I will take care of our people for now, till our Princess is in a position to rule . " Talis replied suddenly changing to all business . His manner was so similar to Kyera"s that it sparked a whole nother thought process .

"Thank you . The wedding will not be far off . " Clovis a.s.sured him before the pair walked back inside .

Kyera was sitting with Daxin and the few remaining elders nodding, her expression  grim . He could see pain in her eyes, though she tried very hard to hide it . There was obviously news that had pained her once again . How he wished he could shield her, if only for a moment . Clovis smiled and nodded to Race and Oslo who had stayed nearby .

"The dark in the sky is going to wane soon . It is time the Princess and the Prince retire . " Lazren spoke up, shifting out of the shadows that hid him near the table . Clovis jumped slightly, having never seen this sort of magic used so close to him . He hadn"t even noticed Lazren"s presence . Several of the council chuckled but Kyera frowned . They thought it silly and endearing but she found it discomforting .

"Lazren is correct, my dear friends . I will see you soon . Make a camp near the east gate in the forest . I will cast the necessary protections as soon as I am able . " Kyera ordered before standing to her feet and moving away from the bench she had been resting on . The elders stood, each moving to show her out, Daxin at the lead .

"Of course . We will also find out who sent that a.s.sasin . " Daxin a.s.sured her and her gaze turned cold . She shook her head .