The Tiger Within 279 May I Ask Her?

"You don't need our permission… it is your choice." The Emperor pointed out with a bit of a frown. Clovis nodded and smiled softly.

"Yea, but I know her. If she thinks either of you will be displeased she will turn me down. Family is always first in her heart." Clovis replied with a soft smile on his face. She would never agree if it would hurt the royal family. "Besides I would not want to marry her if it would cause her trouble."

"Go, you have our blessing as does she." The Emperor replied with a grin, rather proud of his son. This would be a very good match for them. Both the empire and the family would benefit from another tie between Shadow Veil and their royal family. Not to mention a child so close to Shaman HalfEye was definitely a plus in this situation.

"Make sure you give her three days to finalize her answer. That child has a high sense of duty. She may need to think it over." The Empress advised, well aware of both of their temperaments. She wanted this to work, for Raina's good if nothing else.

Kyera was unaware of the conversation as she made her way to the balcony. The guests were filling out, saying their goodbyes to The Emperor and Empress as they left for the night. Some making veiled inquiries as to if the prince had made a choice. Others hinted they had made their own matches thanks to the Emperors kindness in inviting other men of high birth to the party.

She watched the forest for a while, looking out over the gardens as unease filled her heart. There was smoke in the forest, danger on the wind. The scent… she knew it well. It was the smell that companied fear and change. The smoke before a fire consumed all they knew to be true. With a sad sigh, Kyera reached up and freed her hair to fall down her shoulders like rays of moonlight dancing against her skin and the dark dress.

Clovis soon stepped out onto the balcony near her sighing as the cold air brushed across his skin. She was looking away as the wind gently flirted with her hair, snowflakes clinging to her long white hair, now free from its bonds. His heart sped up as he realized this woman was the woman he wanted for his wife. Even if she never came to love him, or he never fell for her completely he knew he wanted to see her happy, and that was what mattered. He wanted her to be part of his world, no matter the cost. Perhaps that was love in a sense but in truth, he wasn't sure. So many marriages made it work on so much less.

"Kyera?" he called drawing her attention to him. She turned her head a warm smile on her fair lips.

"Yes, Prince Clovis?" Kyera asked as he came to rest against the railing beside her.

"You have come to mean alot to my family, you know. I have never seen my daughter as happy as she has been since you came into our lives." Clovis commented offhandedly and Kyera couldn't help but smile.

"I hope so." she agreed wholeheartedly.

"You saved my mother's life and gave my father a chance to reconcile with her. You saved Rashan." he added as a after thought. "And every time I am with you or talking to Raina I learn something new you taught her or you show me how to think about something in a new light." Clovis kept talking trying to find a way to express how he felt.  Kyera was watching him curiously, those warm considerate eyes patiently waiting for him to find whatever words he sought. The innocents in her eyes so very different from the gaze so many had laid on him.

"I do my best to do my best." Kyera replied with a smile and he chuckled at her answer.

"And that is so you. You do exactly that and in doing so, inspire everyone around you to do their best as well. Kyera…" he spoke with a bit of amus.e.m.e.nt in his voice. Clovis turned to face her completely, and Kyera squared herself off so they were looking at each other. It was obviously clear there was something more here. This wasn't a simple thank you.

"Clovis?" she asks a bit uncertainty.

"Kyera, will you continue to push me to be the best I can be and help our daughter realize all she can be?" he asked his words catching Kyera off guard. In response to her confusion, he reached out and took her hand, tugging her closer to him so his eyes could look deep into hers. "Kyera, will you marry me and be my Princess?"