The Tiger Within 203 Out Of His Head

Kyera stopped and thought this over for a moment. The surprise on her face was carefully controlled and tasteful. She seemed more humbly surprised then thinking he was COMPLETELY out of his mind. Granted the second was more her actual mood. "I would be honored to attend such a event, but in what capacity?" Kyera asked honestly wanting to clarify. There could be a less… surprising reason.

"Well, I would like you to be a bride elect to be honest with you. However the main reason I want you there is for Raina." Clovis replied, deciding honesty was best with this woman. His expression hid how he felt about the whole thing. The cool collected fourth Prince made this offer, not the sweet funny Clovis she knew days before.

"I see. How does this ball affect Raina other than choosing her mother?" Kyera asked, deciding to focus on getting information before she processed it. The first sentence making it clear that was her best option.

"Raina will be attending. How the women treat her will affect whether or not I consider them. We ignored Raina's distaste toward the last woman and nearly lost Raina. I don't want to chance that again. So, we are taking Raina's impressions as a factor this time." Clovis explained, honestly glossing over the mistake they had made. He didn't want to dwell on the damage it did to their family structure. The only good thing was it reminded his father not to a.s.sign wives and expect them to treat Raina well.

"I see. So I will be there to accompany her?" Kyera asked, much more comfortable with this concept. She couldn't explain the slight tightness in her chest, so she pushed it to the side.

"Yes, I think it would be best to have you there as her support. I will be considerably busy floating through the crowd and greeting people since it will be my marriage. However I need to know that if anyone tries to be overbearing…" Clovis trailed oft slightly in awe of the fire that seemed to ignite in Kyera's eyes. A blazing protectiveness that he hadn't seen in a woman her age, unmarried and without children. He did recognize the look from his own mother though and it gave him pause for thought.

"You need someone with enough status with the king to run interference." Kyera offered. It wasn't so much a question as a agreed conclusion. Clovis smiled at her, this seemed easier than he had originally expected.

"Yes exactly. I need someone who can manage a room full of n.o.bles and not feel inferior or intimidated." Clovis agreed honestly relieved that she understood. Kyera nodded.

"I can do that. As Shaman HalfEyes Apprentice I am practically n.o.bility as it stands." Kyera pointed out and Clovis grinned. Apparently she hadn't heard the news.

"Actually, Lady Kyera, it is my understanding you were adopted by Shaman Half Eye?" Clovis clarified and Kyera stilled for a moment. What source had given him that information? She couldn't help but wonder.

"Well, yes by Forest law I am in his family Register." Kyera agreed knowing he had added her as his daughter years ago. At the request of her father.

"The house of Shade Creed had been added to the n.o.bles of the Shadow Veil kingdom. Therefore you are now a n.o.ble and a representative of their kingdom, might I add." Clovis pointed out and Kyera smiled softly. She knew who was behind this, there was no doubt in her mind.

"I see. Then it will be even easier to explain my presence there. We only come to one major issue. I will need to have a dress made. On short notice. I only know of one dressmaker and she's in town.." Kyera pointed out with a bit of a sigh. Internally she was calculating how long it would take her and Ella to make a dress from scratch. Would they have time?

"We have two royal outfitters who can help you with your ensemble." he offered and Kyera smiled gratefully.

"I prefer using Ella Von. She is very skilled and already knows my size and taste. It will save time." Kyera pointed out and Clovis grinned.

"So another date in the city then?" he asked with a chuckle. Kyera blushed slightly at the mention of their last dinner.