The Tiger Within 268 What Is A Mother's Job?

"Let her go for tonight. We will deal with her after the festivities. Enough time has been wasted. Please, continue to enjoy yourselves. The night is still young." Empress Evelyn urged everyone with a bright smile. The crowd dispersed and Clovis nodded turning his eyes on Kyera.

"Are you okay, Lady Kyera?" he asked honestly concerned now that the major excitement died down. He could see the white edge of a bandage peaking up under her bodice. She offered a rea.s.suring smile.

"It is nothing I haven't endured before cooking. Learning to brew tea has its upsides, downsides, and inevitabilities." Kyera brushed the injury off fairly easily but truth be told, he wasn't sure he was willing to let it go quite yet. The look on his brother's face told him it was a lot more than a few red marks. He chose not to make a scene here, for now.

Raina was looking up at her, with worry on her little face. Kyera leanded down and smiled gently at the child. "I will be fine, dear girl. Don't you have hostess duties tonight?" Kyera prompted gently, trying to change her focus. The child nodded her eyes brightened as she realized everything was okay. The honesty and trust she had built with Kyera made it hard for the child to question her.

"Empress,  do you still need tea?" Princess Raina asked turning to her grandmother with serious eyes. The Empress smiled lightly.

"I would like a drink." she replied honestly and Raina nodded looking at the guard who escorted her to the door. Lazren smiled, amused by the child's expression. He knelt so she could see his face, showing obedience and respect for the little princess.

"Sir Lazren, please escort Lady Kyera to get the Empress tea." Raina ordered and he smiled bowing his head, trying hard not to chuckle at the sweet girl's concern. Such a authoritatively stern voice out of such a young body was quite humorous for him. As a wolf she was a two bit snack at most, but as a human she was his princess.

"As you wish, Princess. I will guard her well." he agreed keeping his outward expression serious as he accepted her order. He was well aware several guards and buddies in attendance were laughing at him. He would never hear the end of this but to be honest, he really didn't care.

"Thank you." She turned to Kyera and smiled "Lady Kyera, I have to trouble you. Will you go get my Grandmother, The Empress some tea?" the child asked struggling slightly to piece the sentence together. Only Kyera knew this was one of the phrases they had practiced in the likelihood of it happening at dinner. Thankfully the child didn't have to scramble for words.

"As you wish, Princess." Kyera agreed and glanced at Lazren who stood and moved to her side. He waved a arm out in front of him in a low key sweeping gesture.

"After you, My Lady." he spoke formally and yet it p.r.i.c.ked something in Clovis' chest as he watched the beautiful snow fairy walk away with a guard.

He turned and went to greet the guests he had not yet, leaving Raina once again with Grandma. However this time the child had eyes on Kyera as she stood at the Empress's side. The older woman realized a good opportunity as it fell into her lap.

"Raina, dear, you said earlier you wished to have your opinions heard. Perhaps you wouldn't mind answering a few delicate questions for me? This way I can help narrow down our candidates." the Empress tried to coax her granddaughter. The child seemed to think this over for a moment, before nodding slowly.

It would be easier if this whole room was no longer a option and she couldn't narrow them down herself. Having Grandma help would he a much better solution. With that in mind, she met the older woman's eyes.

"Okay, Empress Grandmother. How can I help?" she asked honestly being more adult than the Empress had expected of a child so young.

"What do you think a Mother's job is?" Empress Evelyn asked curiously. To her surprise, she didn't get a simple childish response. Raina seemed to consider it.

"A mother's job is to care." Raina replied after her thinking was through. The Empress smiled, impressed.