The Tiger Within 215 The Dress Makes The Difference Part 2

"Kyera is that a new dress?" Raina asked with a smile, taking note of just how young and pretty Kyera really was. There was so much life to her teacher hidden by those simple, long skirts. She always looked so matronly… but now her outfit was as full of life as her eyes. Kyera shook her head, smiling at her student.

"I borrowed it from your father actually. A maid brought it. Obviously I will return it after today." Kyera replied hastily, not wanting to seem as though she's taking the credit. He smiled at her adorable shy expression. Clovis was suddenly glad he hadn't had the guards stay in the room. He had a feeling he would have been jealous if they had seen that coquettish look on her sweet face.

"Actually it is a gift, Kyera. I don't think it is fair to let another woman try to live up to the standards set for this look." Clovis replied with a cheeky grin. She blushed as the comment sunk in. Her hands subconsciously moved to smooth the dress over her waist. She had not realized he could be such a charmer. Her s.h.i.+elds needed to be raised around him apparently.

"I think we need to go. You and I need dresses for this ball of craziness." Raina commented walking elegantly even as those words fell from that pretty mouth. Her contempt for the ball was pretty clear. Not that Kyera could blame her, there was no doubt in either ladies mind this would be a very interesting masquerade of Wolves wearing a rabbit's skin.

"As you wish, Princess Raina." Kyera replied subtly putting emphasis on Princess. Raina instantly realized where she had made the mistake and pouted slightly. Her words had indeed not been respectful at all. After all this ball was a order of the Emperor.

"it's just you, me, and dad…." Raina tried to protest and Kyera frowned slightly. It seemed the child had forgotten some of the earlier lessons Kyera had snuck in with her Zither training. She made a point of looking at the walls, sweeping the room for servants then looking back at Raina.

"What did I tell you about the walls?" Kyera asked raising an eyebrow. Clovis heard this lesson going on and decided to finish the doc.u.ment in front of him and stow it in the desk. He was curious as to what exactly his daughter had been taught. It seemed as though Kyera had been looking after more than her musical knowledge. In truth he was grateful for that.

"You never know who's hiding behind it be they true friend or foe." Raina recited the phrase back and then nodded. The 'Oh' look on her face was incredibly clear. "I see. I will be more aware."

The prince looked between the two girls as he stood up. Straightening his tunic, he stepped out to stand next to Kyera. "Lady Kyera, do you think your dressmaker may be able to outfit Raina as well?" He asked honestly curious. Raina also needed to be clothed for this event but in all honesty he didn't want her trussed up in frills and jewels. He hopped that someone Kyera recommended would be more… true to the kingdom rather than fas.h.i.+ons from other kingdoms that were in fas.h.i.+on, but said nothing of their own culture.

"Vivella would love to outfit the little Princess, but I don't know if you will approve of her style." Kyera replied carefully, there was a reason she wished to see Vivella about her dress. It would be suitable for her, but for the princess… it would depend on her father. Clovis raised a brow but a smile creeped over his lips.

"I am sure we will figure something out. We won't know for sure until we see what she is capable of." Clovis reasoned and they walked down the path toward the main gate. Raina smiled and walked proudly between Kyera and Clovis but several feet ahead. Kyera glanced at Clovis for half a second, realizing he was relaxed she let her guard down.

As they reached the gate she noticed a simple carriage was prepared for them. Kyera looked at it questioningly then at Clovis who seemed surprised. He opened the door the the Carriage and Kyera suddenly felt the pressure build in her chest. Uneasy. She didn't quite feel comfortable in such a contraption.