The Tiger Within

"No, I considered several people, but then I considered the dangers I could face . It didn"t take long for me to realize my options are limited . I need someone strong enough to have my back when I can"t fight . Kan, you have some questionable morals and to be honest I have a h.e.l.l of a time trying to understand you . However, when it comes to the baby and our safety I need someone who can protect us, knowing I can"t fight . For all your flaws, you are the most skilled knight my mother ever trained . " Kyera pointed out with a bit of distaste . The word mother always left a sour look on her face, but he didn"t know that .

"Kyera, your mother trained many good knights but she gave birth to the strongest our clan had ever seen . You alone could best me if it wasn"t for the cub in your womb . You would just have to tap your full potential and let go of the hatred and your emotional turmoil . " Kan replied, a.s.suming she was angry because he was so much stronger than she was herself . It seemed that way from the outside, but he knew the truth of the matter was she didn"t know herself without the built up anger and grief that she had yet to truly feel .
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"My abilities or that of my brothers were never in question . I simply hate that one of our connections is through hat thing that thinks she can claim me as her daughter . She was proud of you, and I think that makes me hate you all the more . That being said you were trained as a knight, will you defend your princess?" Kyera asked standing up her eyes never leaving his . Kan looked back at her, rising to his feet as well . Slowly he knelt, holding her eyes till the last possible second and bowing his head, showing her his neck . Kyera was surprised to find she didn"t want to slice his throat open, but she was more surprised that he would bow his head to her .

"I will protect Kyera Shade of the Moon, Princess of the Dancing Winds . I will also protect her child, I give my word on the soul and blood of Fantasy AkiMei . " Kan spoke strong and clearly without raising his eyes to look at her . If he had he would have seen a flash of surprise, quickly followed by confusion .

"I accept your vow . Welcome back into the fold, Knight Kan Keirshan . " Kyera replied, her voice was a little uncertain of herself at this point . Those were words she never thought she would say again, not in her lifetime .

"Kyera, I don"t want to be a knight . I lost that right long ago . I am relieved you are willing to give me a chance to regain a place among my people again . " He replied, rising to his feet slowly so not to appear threatening . "I am not blind enough to say that I have done nothing wrong . I have plenty of sins to repent for, but at least this is a start . "

"Do not make me regret giving you a second chance . " Kyera replied running a hand over her delicate braid . There was a quiet calm to her actions . He nodded, a soft smile on his lips as she turned to lead him back toward the gates . Talis shared a look with her as they pa.s.sed, his eyes showing his pride in his leader . , before following her .

"Kyera the hunt is being held in the forest . " Kan reminded her lightly . "You know what awaits us there . "

"I know . That"s why it needs to be me and you . " Kyera whispered softly . Her eyes met his and he couldn"t help but smile lightly .

"No wonder you left Talis behind, if we don"t return, he is your failsafe . " Kan chuckled darkly . It was obvious by the look on her face that she had been thinking exactly that . "Come now, don"t be so surprised . You are talking to a man who has spent half his life planning for the worst . Don"t you think I would know the look of someone preparing for death?"