The Tiger Within 256 Comfort In Company

Clovis watched as Moon found her way back to her pallet beside his bed. She laid down on it resting her head on her paws. He could sense the wheels turning in her head and the restlessness in her form. There was a deep set sadness in her eyes that made him curious as to what really happened outside the gates.

He had watched most the exchange from Raina's room. The three Tigers facing off against his Moon and the two misfits at her side. For several moments he thought it would become a fight but then it became what he could only describe as a peace treaty. Trying to wait for her to come back had become too much so he had walked out there to her.

"Moon, hop up." Clovis called out to her patting the soft blankets at his side. Moon stared up at him a bit shocked by his words. To emphasize it he scooted back and patted the bed again. Moon turned around, looking at him as if to make sure before she jumped. She landed daintily on all four paws at the edge of the bed. The fourth Prince grinned at her. "Lay down and get some sleep." He ordered petting down her back a few times to soothe ruffled fur tufts. Moon was too shocked to speak. He had invited her onto his bed… into his s.p.a.ce. As a tigress this was a unusual thing more or less add in that he was the Prince and in her true form she was his daughter's teacher.

Unable to find a good reason not to, Moon laid down at his side and allowed her tail to fall off the edge of the bed so it could flick back and forth inches above the floor. Clovis curled his body so she had room but he could also feel her near as he fell asleep.

There was a odd sense of relaxation over both of them that was vaguely familiar. Clovis couldn't put his finger on it but there was a sense of familiarity sleeping this close to her. The aura and sense of calmness was soothing to both his body and his mind. The pair fell asleep rather peacefully.

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The morning that followed was heralded in by the sound of birds raising their voices in protest of the white powder that coated the landscape outside the cozy walls. Little feet ran down the hallway in effort to wake her father to see the snow fall. She leaped onto the bed, only to land on a rather surprised white furry ma.s.s.

"Good Morning, Princess Raina. Are we excited or something?" Moon teased sitting up to look the little girl over. SHe was already clothed in a warm dress and mittens for her little hands. There was even a warm strip tied in her hair, covering her ears from the nipping cold. Moon stood and jumped off the bed.

"Yes, there is snowfall! The first of the Year! Are you going to come play in it with me?" Raina asked hopefully. Moon smiled, nodding at her.

"Lead the way." Moon replied glancing back at the still sleeping Prince on the bed. She saw no reason to rouse him from his sleep. That was the servant's job and playing with the princess seemed like much more fun for the moment.

THe pair walked out toward the door but then Raina stopped. "Wait, you don't have your winter Gear." She exclaimed, her little face intensely worried. Moon went to respond but the child ran away, dashing down the hall to her room. Several moments later, Moon gathered the courage to follow her only for the Princess to emerge from the bedroom. In her hands was a vibrant purple scarf with silver details woven into the cloth. It looked suspiciously long for the child's tiny neck. Moon was suddenly reminded of a blue silken ribbon and realization dawned.