The Tiger Within 315 No

"I am sorry to interrupt, may I ask what the conversation was concerning?" Clovis asked, having heard part of the conversation as well. Thankfully his little show of affection had the desired effect of removing the pressure from Raina. Kyera closed the fan with a flick and set it down her cheeks still rosey.

"We were discussing Music and wors.h.i.+p." The Empress supplied and Kyera smiled.

"Raina is quite a bright child. She chose her G.o.ddess all on her own. It took a few days of deliberation, she was split between two, but decided Mischief fit her best for now." Kyera supplied with a rather proud smile. It was more like a mother than a mentor but considering the circ.u.mstances, they were okay with that. Raina blushed.

"I see. Who was she between?" The Emperor asked nonchalantly. He was honestly curious as to what his grandchild's thoughts had been.

"I was caught between Mischeif and the Sunless G.o.ddess of the Chase." Raina replied with a soft smile. Her grandmother chuckled softly.

"The G.o.ddesses of Mischief and the Hunt? Why does that no surprise me?" The Empress added looking rather pleased as a maid filled their gla.s.ses. Kyera smiled.

"I will have the tudors put together some books and light reading on both. Afterall, Mischief is the Children's G.o.ddess. You will one day grow up." The Emperor offered and Kyera frowned slightly. Though what he said was true, it was best not to research G.o.ddesses while paying heed to another. However, Mischief was accustomed  to this, being as children were fickle things and lost their merriment and mirth as they grew older.

"I do not know how to read." Raina replied gently. Her voice was soft as she looked away and the table fell deathly quiet. Kyera could feel the rising emotions and allowed the shadows to s.h.i.+eld the child's spirit with a invisible wall.

"What do you mean you can not read? Your cousins have been reading well for nearly 2 years." The Emperor did not think about the barbs of his words as they left his mouth and sunk into Raina's heart. Though they were not real, she still flinched in shame and looked down at her plate. Kyera frowned.

"Emperor it may not be my place, but comparing the royal children when they have not had equal teaching is uncalled for." Kyera spoke slowly so to conceal her anger but there was no respect in her tones. Eve and Clovis both looked at her slightly worried but she didn't heed their eyes begging her to stop.

"You are to be Princess, but are not now. Mind your tone." The Emperor reminded her and then stopped. He felt pressure suddenly bearing down on him, much more than he had ever felt before. The air was thick and cold in seconds.  

"No."