The Tiger Within 308 A Word Alone Part 2

Kyera nodded and offered Clovis a smile. "Talis may be young, but he has spent most his life training. He is a good warrior, even if he is not built for war." Kyera added before, it sounding exactly how it was meant to. A very polite way of saying if anything went wrong, don't try and handle it fist to fist. The winner would have to face her and the loser had best be breathing. Her wrath was something both were fairly sure they never wished to face.

"I won't put you in jeopardy, Kyera. You  can trust your Princeling is safe with me." Talis replied, knowing it was partially a warning for him as well. Kyera was obviously dedicated to this peace, and the law demanded they try to keep it. Even outside the forest he knew it governed her more surely than that mark on her chest. If she was willing to warn the prince in front of him, it was a warning to any of her clan as well.

"I will go gather the elders and make the final decision on what's to come." Kyera replied before turning to walk inside. Clovis couldn't help but sigh. It had been a busy few days and he was feeling it. He also knew if he was this worn out without the emotional element, she had to be exhausted but she didn't seem it. It was hidden in her practiced way of being a Queen to be. Yet he knew deep beneath that facade that Kyera was a woman. She had to be exhausted from facing down so much in this short time. He needed to get her home and to bed.

"She will be the death of me." Clovis muttered more to himself than present company. However, though aware of this, the present company did not pretend not to hear him and instead used it to start the discussion he wished to have.

"In more than one way if you get any ideas about her. Kyera is a strong woman, but she is loyal and loving. She has a nurturing nature and will sacrifice anything for her people." Talis replied coolly. There was a certain sad seriousness in his eyes. "I expected her to become my Sister in Law and I have treated her as such since I was old enough to understand her and Verone. I hope you can come to cherish her as much as he did." Talis added and Clovis felt a wave of emotion. His fists clenched as he listened the the last part of the boy's spill. The fourth prince had to remind himself 'He is just a boy, and a boy in mourning for that matter. Keep your cool.'

"Talis, I did not know your brother, nor see how he treated Lady Kyera. However, I will treat her as my Empress. I respect the 9intricate flower she is and have no intention of taming it. Will that suffice?" Clovis asked, honestly having to keep his cool. 'What type of man was this Verone fellow? Would he have found it amusing to have a prince constantly compared to him? Did Kyera compare the two?' He couldn't help but wonder quietly.

"Thank you. I will take care of our people for now, till our Princess is in a position to rule." Talis replied suddenly changing to all business. His manner was so similar to Kyera's that it sparked a whole nother thought process.

"Thank you. The wedding will not be far off." Clovis a.s.sured him before the pair walked back inside.

Kyera was sitting with Daxin and the few remaining elders nodding, her expression  grim. He could see pain in her eyes, though she tried very hard to hide it. There was obviously news that had pained her once again. How he wished he could s.h.i.+eld her, if only for a moment. Clovis smiled and nodded to Race and Oslo who had stayed nearby.

"The dark in the sky is going to wane soon. It is time the Princess and the Prince retire." Lazren spoke up, s.h.i.+fting out of the shadows that hid him near the table. Clovis jumped slightly, having never seen this sort of magic used so close to him. He hadn't even noticed Lazren's presence. Several of the council chuckled but Kyera frowned. They thought it silly and endearing but she found it discomforting.

"Lazren is correct, my dear friends. I will see you soon. Make a camp near the east gate in the forest. I will cast the necessary protections as soon as I am able." Kyera ordered before standing to her feet and moving away from the bench she had been resting on. The elders stood, each moving to show her out, Daxin at the lead.

"Of course. We will also find out who sent that a.s.sasin." Daxin a.s.sured her and her gaze turned cold. She shook her head.