The Tiger Within 261 The First Dance

The party was rather lively by now, the soft gentle music allowing for dancing and talking. The Empress sat watching the others spin on dainty legs, pretty motions of grace and elegance she once enjoyed. She was more aware of the numbness in her own lower body than she had been in a long while. A subtle sadness in her eyes hardly noticeable to the others at the party.She tried to focus on her son as he tried to brave these hungry cats.

Clovis was flowing with them through the crowd, dancing and spinning from partner to partner. Each lovely lady flirting with him as he continued through. His eyes would flirt with them, a charming half smirk or a wink here or there to keep the party lively. In all honesty he was starting to get disheartened. The one he wanted to see wasn't here yet.

The doors opened and the frosty winds dance in, a flurry of tiny snowflakes fluttering around the room as two women entered. A young woman and a child walked together into the room. The Princess Raina smiled confidently as she walked inside. Her dress catching the firelight as she curtsied to the room. Evelyn's eyes lit up as she watched her granddaughter walk in. The dress flattering her adorable little spirit.

"h.e.l.lo Everyone, I apologize for being late. I had a bit of trouble with my hair." She offers with a soft smile. The expression enough to melt most the ladies hearts that were near her.

Clovis smiled at his daughter and took her hand, he gently pressed his lips to the back of her hand. "Welcome, may I introduce the Princess of the Dancing Winds Palace, Princess Raina." his voice trailed off slightly as he guided her into the room. "My next dance is with my daughter. Musicians… Begin." He commanded his focus on his little girl.

This dance was important for several reasons and the main one was to be clear that no matter what was going on, Raina was the center of his world. Her little eyes looked up at him, and he couldn't help but wonder how long they would be so clear and pure full of childish innocents. "You look lovely, Princess." Clovis praised her gently as he spun her under his hand, the dress showing off its design by flowing around her, the flowers seeming to dance on the fabric. A soft rosey color came to her cheeks, embarra.s.sed.

"You don't think it's too improper?" She asks and he raised a elegant eyebrow at her. He made a clear show of inspecting her dress as he spun her again. Everything was covered, she looked like a elegant angel.

"Improper? Where would you get an idea like that?" He whispered so only she could hear him despite so many women focused on the pair. Some of the male guests tried to distract them but the main event had entered.

Kyera however, made her way to the Empress Evelyn's side. "Empress, I hope the Evening has found you stronger than the day before." Kyera curtsied, though not to the floor. There was a certain amount of dignity she desired to remain in tact. She respected this woman for what she had done but would never truly yield to the dynasty of blood.

"Lady Kyera, you look lovely. Thank you for bringing my Raina tonight. Your choice of dress seems to behave as a armor for her. I have never seen her so confident in the ruffles and lace of the court." Empress Evelyn gave the compliment generously, completely unaware that the dress was only part of why her granddaughter looked so beautiful tonight.

A smile played across Kyera's lips as she watched her student dance with her father. "No, My Dear Empress, that dress has nothing to do with it. Princess Raina glows deep within, it is her radiance that brings out the best in that dress, not the other way around. Dressed in gra.s.s or finest silk, as long as Raina is allowed to be herself, there will never be another woman to challenge her beauty. And her beauty mind you, is second only to the heart and soul within her." Kyera corrected, her voice gentle and loving in a way that Evelyn could appreciate. A small smile found its way onto the old woman's lips.

"Oh, that is so true. I am just glad Princess Raina seems to have realized it too." Eve agreed turning her eyes to watch as well. The song was nearing a end and the Princess and her father were lost in conversation. Kyera did all she could not to listen to the words spoken. After All such a delicate, precious moment should be shared by father and child, no other ears.