The Tiger Within 513 Kettle On The Fire Part 1

"We did nothing of the sort, it is against hunting regulations for two human guards to a.s.sist protect their Princess on the hunt." Lazren replied, though the words seemed practiced and careful. Kan nodded, only once and it was a slow, considering motion.

"We certainly did not follow our Princess on just own two legs and the Matriarch would never have a.s.sisted us in following you. I'm offended you would say that aloud." Kan added his word choice even more bazaar. Kyera caught the main words and chuckled.

"Alright, alright I'm too tired for this." She laughed and left it alone as she headed back up stairs. As they turned the corner to her room, Kan raised an arm in front of her chest. He pointed at the woman standing beside Kyera's door. Kyera's brow furrowed as she recognized the woman as her aunt. She pulled away from Kan and approached Rose with a delicate smile.

The older woman didn't seem to notice Kyera's approach. Her mind was obviously else where as she nervously fiddled with a small bottle in her hands. When she finally noticed Kyera she offered a smile.

"Kyera, can we speak?" Rose asked, her normally dominant voice gentle and kind. It reminded Kyera of Daxin's dearly departed wife.

"Yes, of course Aunt. Come inside." Kyera welcomed her in and nodded for Kan to stay by the door. It was clear he and Lazren both were not to come inside.

Rose followed her and closed the door with a firm click behind her. Kyera took off her coat and laid it by the fire. "Make yourself at home, auntie. I have tea brewing if you would like a cup." Kyera offered as she took the kettle off the fire. She sprinkled tea leaves into the water and let it steep.

"Thank you, that would be lovely. Kyera do you want this child?" Rose asked and Kyera nearly dropped her cup. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end as she turned to face to woman she let into her room. Her eyes flocked toward the door questioning the choice to leave her guards outside. Perhaps, next time she wouldn't be so foolish.

"Oh don't look at me like that, and don't bother calling for those two. Before they opened the door I could have killed you or the baby if I wanted." Rose pointed out with a dismissive wave of her delicate hand. Kyera knew all too well how powerful a snow wolf's paw could be should she unleash its force.

"Aunt… I am afraid your question may have seemed more a threat than you realized." Kyera said carefully her claws slowly extending in reaction. Rose smiled wearily and poured two cups of tea.

"Kyera, darling it was suppose to. That fear I just instilled in you does one of two things to a expectant mother. It instills relief and hope  that you can get out from under the baby, or it triggers a instant protective mother response. Your grandmother asked me the same question when I got pregnant with Lavender." Rose replied and Kyera slowly sat down in her own chair,  table between them.

"Fantasy threatened your child?" Kyera asked raising a brow, clearly displaying she didn't believe the woman's words. Rose chuckled at her, gentle amus.e.m.e.nt dancing in her old, wise eyes. A tendril of gray curls falling in her face.