The Tiger Within 19 Thirteen Men On Horseback Part 7

"You wish. Thank you for your a.s.sistance, Little Warrioress." He replied with a genteel smile even though his words clipped slightly on Little, making the word seem sharper than the rest. She shot him a look for a half second, but then realized she had started it and nodded in understanding.

"Fair enough. Till we meet again?" She asked picking up the bits of her cloak and laying them over her arm.

"I look forward to it." He agreed dismissing her.

She walked to the princess and knelt down offering the shy child a smile. "I enjoyed our Sword Dance, Princess. Please accept this as a token of protection. If ever you find yourself in the forest, wear this proudly dear one." she told the sweet girl, taking a silver cuff off her ear as she did so. A purple stone set into the small silver bead. Using her teeth she tightened the tiny gap that fit over the outside bone of the ear, and slipped it into place on the Princess.

"Be safe young one, May the shadow's guide you." she says softly, careful so only the child could hear her. The little one blushed, and out of nowhere threw her short arms around Kyera's neck.

Kyera jolted in surprise looking at the prince and his guard to make sure no knew knives were pointed at her. A few gave her very disapproving looks, though Kyera couldn't understand why. The child hugged her, why was it her fault?

She shrugged it off and noticed a couple were surprised but all swords and knives seemed to be firmly in their sheaths for the moment, and she couldn't resist hugging the little darling back. A feeling warmth gathering in her chest as she did so. It lingered even in the moments after the Princess let go.

The ladies were not the only ones affected by this little show of affection and grat.i.tude. Clovis watched with a smile as his little girl interacted with this strange warrioress. She didn't speak, but he didn't expect her too. Raina had always been a quiet and shy child. At least she was coming out of her sh.e.l.l a bit with the hug, but he really wouldn't hold his breath for much more.

"Be good now, Princess." Kyera added tapping the baby on the nose with one small finger before rising, crossing one hand over her wais and the other out she bowed at the waist in a interesting fas.h.i.+on. She waited for the prince to nod before leaving, walking down the path into the heart of the forest.

Clovis stood there a moment, watching her walk away. His hand found itself holding a small bit of smooth warm skin as his daughter slipped her hand into his. A smile found its way onto his lips as he looked down at her and winked. A sweet fatherly gesture only reserved for this little girl.

"I think Grandma and Grandpa are probably worried. Should we go calm them?" He asked scooping her up into his arms.

The little girl was still focused on the forest edge, her little eyes deep in thought. Once Clovis picked her up she flashed him a sweet little smile. It hurt him a bit.

She was starting to learn how to survive in the Palace. Her innocent feelings of excitement, and love were becoming a thing of the past. She was becoming a Princess and for some reason… that wasn't a happy thought for him. He was proud of her yes, and knew this was unavoidable, however it isn't what he wanted for her. She had just turned 3, afterall. There were a few years yet before etiquette would set rules her life.

Clovis sighed mounting his horse and turning his head back toward the palace. At least she was safe. Yet not for the first time he wondered if being safe in a cage was the same as being free and at risk.