The Tiger Within 127 Backing Part 2

"Good decision. So as of right now we have a plan for a wife, a companion, and your backing. So that's a plan for 3 of the four. Naming your council is the last piece of the puzzle and getting their consent." the Emperor concluded and Clovis chuckled. He pulled a paper from his robes, this one was not a magic contract. There were no burns on the parchment. The Emperor took the piece and read it over, starting to laugh.

"I underestimated you. This was the one piece you could control, thus it's where you started." The Emperor seemed genuinely pleased with his fourth son. This level of preparation was more than he had gotten from his other three.

"Yes, I still need a healer. I am hoping to convince Kyera on that, and General Hanash has verbally agreed to take my side, but I need his signature still." Clovis replied, filling in the gaps on the sheet of advisors and representatives needed.

"You are a good person, letting both he and Miss Songwind stay on your list. Most your brothers went with Songwind's brother Tanner to avoid the arguments with Hanash." The Emperor observed reading through the signatures and t.i.tles. Clovis nodded with a heavy sigh. He had considered that heavily. Even today he wondered if he made a mistake keeping them both.

"Yes, but Tanner is quiet and though n.o.bel he is submissive. General Hanash will drive his warhorse over him in a moment. At least Aria Songwind stands up to him. Sometimes the warriors must be checked by the suppliers. We need Aria to be able to balance as well as keep food flow proper." Clovis explained knowing that despite the headaches these two were his best options. The Emperor chuckled. He had chosen the pair for similar reasons nearly ten years ago.

"Agreed, you will be a good leader if you keep that head on your shoulders. Have you considered strategy for the forest?" he asked and Clovis finally shook his head. He had nothing to present there and the Emperor raised a eyebrow. "why not?"

"Because we are not there yet. I will get there, but this is more important. Making sure I have the right people to help me lead is first. The physical compet.i.tion is a deciding factor but if I win with the wrong people… I could doom our Empire." Clovis pointed out as he rolled the scroll up and tucked it away again. The Emperor started at him for several long moments. His 'Elf Pretty' son had turned out to be so much more than expected.

"It sounds like you have a handle on this. I will give you your s.p.a.ce to continue your duties." The Emperor stood and Clovis rose to his feet, bowing to his father. The Emperor turned and walked to the door. He paused at it as if to speak, but the words wouldn't come. He left head high but eyes lost in thought.

Clovis sighed, curious but also knowing his father's temperament there was no reason to be surprised. He wouldn't share his inner thoughts so easily, and this obviously was conflicting for him or he wouldn't have paused at the door. He stood and walked to the gardens just beyond the CourtYard.

He was surprised to see his daughter sitting with the little girl who had been a.s.signed to play with her. It had been a suggestion of the first queen when she realized how little Raina interacted with others. They seemed to be eating and talking… well more the girl was talking and Raina was listening quietly. Her pretty eyes lost in thought.

"Princess Raina, miss Anna, it is a pleasure to see you both." he greeted them and saw the lights in his daughter's eyes brighten at the approach of her father.

"h.e.l.lo, Father. How are you today?" Raina asked while Anna curtsied. He nodded at her and turned to his little girl.

"I am well but a slight bit curious as to why you are not at lessons?" he asked. For some reason seeing her without Kyera and Mally was interesting. She still held herself differently before she began learning music. It was little things like how she held her head, and the calm fires in her eyes.

"Kyera had a important patient she had to take the day off. She will see me again in three days." Raina recited as if she had memorized the entire speal. He nodded, a slight crease in his brow.

"Alright. I can find you a teacher in the meantime." Clovis offered, realizing that was probably best. Kyera was a great teacher but she would always be pulled away by medicine. Having two teachers made more sense.

"No need to trouble yourself, Snow Drop is going to work on my singing till she gets back." Raina replied with a smile. He sighed nodding at her. There was no point in arguing.

"As you wish. If you get board or need an audience you know where I am." Clovis reminded her before giving the playmate a warning glance and walking back into the court, nodding at the black haired guard that seemed to be watching the children. Though he didn't recognize him, something about his eyes was Calming. The pair pa.s.sed as the guard once again turned his gaze to the two young charges, his hand lightly rubbing a section of his chest when he believed no one would see.