The Tiger Within 277 Clif Hanger

"I only did what she needed. I am not trying to be her mother…" Kyera explained honestly feeling a little lost and hopeless. She herself had noticed exactly what he was saying. Over time, and she wasn't really sure how or when, but she had indeed started to act like a mother figure.

She had tried to be a teacher and a mentor but there was such a fine line between a mother and a teacher. A mother fulfilled the same duties to teach and to guide but a teacher who defends and loves was a mother. Kyera cursed herself knowing this was going to make things complicated. Alexi must have been able to see the conflict in her soul for he seemed concerned.

"Lady Kyera, forgive me if that seemed as though I was pointing out a flaw. You are one of the best things that has happened to Raina. There is nothing wrong with you being that role model for our Princess. If Prince Clovis or any of us that matter minded it, you would know by now." Alexi tried to a.s.sure her. Kyera sighred.

"I just… taking care of her and the time I have spent with the Fourth Prince has been one of the few things that has given me true joy. I don't want to jeopardize that." Kyera explained, not aware of how that sounded to the Prince standing before her or the one she hadn't noticed yet, listening nearby.

"I get that. Lady Kyera, if I may, don't worry about it too much. Clovis and Raina both adore you. I am certain nothing will take you away from them if you don't want to go." Alexi rea.s.sured her as Clovis walked up as though he didn't hear a word.

"Excuse me, Second prince, but there is but one guest I have not danced with tonight. You happen to be distracting her." Clovis interrupted with a bit of a polite smile. He honestly appreciated his brother for the first time since they were just children. He was completely right. Nothing could take her away if she didn't want to go.

"Of course. Good evening, Fourth brother, Lady Kyera." Alexi nodded at them both and walked away, melting into the crowd. Kyera looked at Clovis a little surprised by his behavior. He held a hand out to take her hand.

"Shall we dance?" he asked as he smiled at her, having saved the best for last. Of all the dances he had endured this evening, he had a feeling this would be most pleasing, her surprised expression alone told him it would not be traditional by any means.

Kyera laid her small hand in his, the soft silk of her skin in his palm. His fingers closed lightly as he led her onto the dance floor. She followed a bit surprised as he did so. Many of the other ladies in the room watched as Clovis placed a hand on Kyera's slender waist and the other held her hand. He was prepared moments before the song began.

"Clovis I don't know how to dance like this." she whispered and he looked surprised before offering a teasing grin, mischeif in his expression until he noticed the worry in her eyes. His expression became rea.s.suring as the first few steps were made.

"Just follow my lead. If you make a mistake, I will save you." he offered gently as he led her through the steps.

Kyera placed her trust in him, each step causing her dress to flow around them like a winter storm. Spinning and twirling across the dance floor as the fire light glistened off the embroidery of her dress and his jacket. Their elegance matched beautifully, and the way she submitted to his lead added to his masculine charm. There was something cohesive and enchanting as the two seemed to melt into one another.  

Clovis and Kyera however, were bluntly unaware of the men and women who were watching them. They could feel each other. Their core power, the warmth they both gave off and the sensation of moving together in such a pa.s.sionate way. The dance itself was elegant but the reactions and intensity of their spirits meeting was filled with pa.s.sion. As he dipped her back, Kyera's molten gold eyes met his and he leaned in his lips hovering inches from hers.