The Tiger Within 228 Heart Melting Grins

Kyera looked up to see a archer walking toward her. A heart meltingly mischievous smile on his lips. "It just so happens I was on my way back from a hunt and found a lady in distress. Lucky me." Alexi smiled as he offered Kyera a hand up as the hunting party secured the 3 remaining attackers.

She took his hand and stood, wincing in pain as her body reacted to the abuse she had put it through. The sapphire dress was destroyed, the fabric torn and b.l.o.o.d.y from the fight. Regret twinged her heart as she tried to dust it off, realizing it was useless.

Bina was grabbed by two men and forced to her feet. They escorted her away from Kyera using more force than perhaps required.

"Thank you, Alexi." She offered him a light smile honestly annoyed with herself now. Her eyes darted over to Raina and Clovis who were both okay. Alexi sighed and took his cloak off, wrapping it over Kyera's shoulders. It wasn't till that moment she realized just how much skin was showing from the ragged rips. It was completely ruined, and her skin was bruised and painful.

"Just give it back to me later." He offered gently, knowing she was probably quite tired. Kyera couldn't even protest, her body just too weak to do so and embarra.s.sed of her state of dress.

The little princess ran over and tossed her arms around Kyera's legs. Tears were running down her face as she buried her face in her hip. Kyera gently caressed her hair, enduring the burning pain in her leg.

"I am fine, Princess. Stop your tears." Kyera's words were soothing as she could manage in the current circ.u.mstance. Lovingly, she wiped the tears from the child's face. Prince Clovis walked over as well, nodding at his brother who seemed a bit surprised to see them here.

"Thank you, Brother. They caught me off guard." Prince Clovis explained and Alexi raised a eyebrow slowly. He waved at the four on the ground. Each of whom were being bound and carried away.

"It seems you did fairly well." Alexi countered and Clovis felt a small pang of guilt. He hadn't raised a hand, they were all Kyera's victims. Well not quite. His eyes swept among the ones there for the two who had joined the fight, but neither of them were there now. It was just as well, he wanted to thank them but honestly didn't feel up to dealing with too much. He was acutely aware of Kyera's uneasy breathing.

"Ella, are you okay?" Kyera asked looking between the dainty woman and the elder. She was gently cleaning Granny's wounds. A few dark bruises already forming on her frail skin. Anger burned like a fire in the Tigress's chest. She had let them off too easy.

"Yes, Granny and I just took a few sc.r.a.pes and bruises. Are you okay, Kyera? Those jackals are not known for being weak." The young Seamstress fretted as her eyes traced over Kyera's damaged dress. There was some deep set sorrow in that and the guilt nipped Kyera again to remind her of its existence.

"I will pay for your time, Ella. I am sorry I ruined your masterpiece." Kyera admitted with a deep sigh. Ella shook her head and bowed low to Kyera murmuring thanks in the Forest way.

"Princess, once again you rescued a mouse from a demon. Thank you." Ella whispered trying not to be heard by those around her. Kyera sighed and smiled nodding at her.

"It is my Duty, Ella. Thank you. Please simplify the dresses a bit so you can complete them and get decent rest. Please don't push yourself too far." Kyera nodded at her honestly the pain creeping deeper into her chest. She seriously needed to sit down. Ella nodded at her and turned to go inside with her Granny. Kyera however, walked toward the others. A wagon having arrived to cart the prisoners to the palace. With a soft sigh, she eyed the wagon aware they were getting the better side of this deal. A open top wagon for the long ride home.