The Tiger Within 299 Answering To The People Part 2

A old monkey stepped out of the shadows, approaching Kyera and the others. He was obviously very old, silver strands overtaking his dark brown coat. He leaned on a wooden branch that was carefully carved to support his weight at either human or creature height. Clovis froze remembering the stories his mother had told him when he was young of her dearest friend in the harem. The old man had everyone's attention, including Kyera's.

"May I speak, Princessa Kyera Mei?" The monkey asked looking up at her. Kyera smiled softly and bowed her head respectfully.

"You may, Elder Fanan. I would be pleased to hear your thoughts." Kyera allowed honestly pleased to see the old monkey was still alive. This old man was hard to kill for sure, she couldn't help but be proud of his perseverance.

"Your Grandfather took my sister as his wife. She was obedient and dedicated to pleasing her husband. Meek and sweet. She was taken from the only family she knew and placed in that forsaken Harem. He found out what she was and murdered her. We trusted your line before and countless times we were attacked and proven to be fools for doing so. How are you any different?" He asked levelly, there was no anger or accusation in his voice. The past was simple a way of putting his question in perspective. Though, Clovis couldn't help but look away taking a deep breath.

"Your sister was Clover Fafell?" He asked mainly clarifying. The old Monkey's eyebrows raised as the name was spoken. He opened and closed his mouth a few times before nodding. "Clover and My grandmother, The Empress Dowager Clarice knew each other well. Often they referred to her as My grandmother's pretty shadow. To this day my grandmother reminds us of her murder, and what blind hatred of a creature can cause. I am sorry for the death of your Sister, and the brutality of it all. I want to move forward with your kind being as welcome in our cities as our own. Just give me a chance to prove myself, or am I to be punished for the faults of my father?" Clovis asked looking down a bit submissively. Kyera smiled softly as he spoke. The Monkey looked up at him, those deep brown eyes glazed over with tears. He closed them both, and within seconds a Old man stood before him, weathered face bare to his eyes.

"I will trust you. I do not believe he intends to betray us." Elder Fanan spoke clearly before walking back to his place near a group of monkey s.h.i.+fters. Each turned human as they sat around his table. They would follow their elder anywhere. Kyera couldn't help but smile, so many of the survivors had accepted his words so easily. It was almost too good to be true.

"Thank you, I will be certain nothing will happen to Lady Kyera in my care." Clovis a.s.sured them and several of her kin that had seemed calm, suddenly p.r.i.c.ked up. Their attention was suddenly sharper as they stared him down.

"In your Care?" Daxin asked honestly being the first to speak up. "What EXACTLY do you mean by that, Prince Clovis?" He all but demanded. His voice dangerously low. Kyera felt the fur on the back of her neck raise.