The Tiger Within 468 Empress Vivian

As a Grandmother, his behavior the last 20 years had ripped her heart to shreds. Yet, she couldn't do anything about it back then. It was a family affair not a government affair. That was only true as long as Empress Evelyn still sat upon the Empress's throne. The day she left, hope for her son's rule to turn around came cras.h.i.+ng down.

The Empress Dowager became the Reigning Empress Dowager with the a.s.sistance of the guard. Her son had forgotten how he had become Emperor, it was because his mother had stepped aside. With a few words to the court, and a wave of her hand to the guard, he was nothing more than a disgraced Emperor. She had chosen not to humiliate him publicly, at least not as long as he or his wives didn't continue to humiliate Eve and the children.

Disrespect of the Empress was to disrespect the Mother of the country. The woman the people looked to for strength and understanding. Neither Fae or Kira could soothe the ma.s.ses. They wouldn't try to either. It wasn't their style, so she hadn't given them the chance.

"Any word on Prince Clovis? He should have sent word he was coming by now, or asked me for a audience." She asked glancing over at the servant for a half second before dragging the ink tipped brush over the paper with elegant clear strokes.

"Yes, Reigning Empress. It seems Prince Clovis and Princess Raina arrived at the gate, but were denied entry." The servant paused when he felt the air around them grow cold. "According to the reports the guard had intended to let Clovis and Raina enter but since they had another woman with them she would have to wait outside. They were very rude to Lady Kyera." There was a soft growl as he said her name. Grace the white tiger rose from her place by the fire and came to sit by her mistress.

"Princess Kyera." The Reigning Empress Dowager reminded him with a cold tone to her words. She reached down and pet Grace's head.

"Yes, Lady Empress. The Prince refused to enter without her, and they ended up being invited as Prince Alexi's guests to his Palace." The servant finished his report and stood before the desk. The Reigning Empress Dowager frowned just slightly as she seemed to contemplate things.

"I see. I wonder what Alexi is playing at. Oh well, we should go and rectify this situation. All guards on duty are to report to me tomorrow morning. I wish to know why they denied a son of this throne to be turned away." She replied standing up. A few maids hurried forward and helped put a cloak around her shoulders and take the books and things away.

"Yes, Lady Empress." The Servant bowed and exited the room. There was no reason for him to chance further notice from the Reigning Empress.

The Reigning Empress Dowager frowned softly as she glanced into the mirror, reorganizing herself in the cloak her maids had provided. The fur over her shoulders was warm, and should protect her against the evening chill. Her hands trailed up to fix the bow in her hair before sliding down to her shoulders. Her pale skin was thin and weathered, paler just from the stress she had been under as of late.

"I am getting too old for this." She murmured softly, before tucking her silvering hair behind her ear. Addie nodded slowly, sighing softly at the elderly woman she had known since she was a child. Empress Evelyn had been like a mother to her, and Empress Dowager Vivian had been like a grandmother. It had been a easy thing to promise when The Empress had asked her to stay behind and protect her.

"It will be over soon, My Lady. Shall we go greet the Fourth Prince and little Princess?" Addie asked and Empress Vivian nodded in agreement.

"Yes, I think we shall." She agreed before leading the way out the door and onto the stone path. It wasn't a long walk, but the cool wind made it seem much longer.