The Tiger Within 285 Details

He had a hunch she felt stifled in the rigidity  of the crown. If he was to marry her he at least wanted her comfortable in his rooms. There was no reason to force such formality at the moment. His hunch seemed to be correct, because Kyera seemed to relax and pull herself into a more comfortable position. She leaned back, tucking her left ankle under her and bending her right knee creating a tent under her dress.

"There has been some trouble in my home village. That darkness we discussed has struck sooner than we hoped. Nearly a hundred of my kin were lost. Of my clan there are 94 people still alive." Kyera explained with a heavy heart. She had to fight to control the tears that begged to rush down her cheeks.

His face showed alarm and shock. How could he have not known about such a war going on in his kingdom? These people answered to his law yet were slaughtered and he had no idea… how? "When, how? Why weren't we informed?" he asked as the image of the carnage formed in his mind. In truth it was a village destroyed during the war and not her village but it was the closest idea he had.

"Clovis, we are shifters. What are we going to say? Send for the guard, a shifter village you don't even know existed had been attacked by a horde of angry shifters aiming to kill us all over a key?" Kyera pointed out as she wiped her eyes, preventing tears from coming. "The shifters live in secret. We are happier that way. The problem is we have no homes anymore and of any of my kin return to the forest they will join our fallen in the shadows of death." Kyera continued to explain while clovis tried to wrap his mind around her words.

"What can I do to help?" he asked honestly determined to do what he could for them. What they would allow at the very least.

"Most of my people can go to Shadow Veil. Mordrin would never turn us away. However there is a good chance he will not feel safe leaving me here under your protection if my guard goes with him." Kyera reasoned calmly. Clovis couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy.

"Mordrin knows you well then?" he asked feeling  unusual resentment toward his brother in law. Had he known all along? He had a sickening feeling that she had trusted Mordrin with her secret long before now and it bothered him.

"Prince Mordrin is one of the few allies that my people have. He and his father support our kind and have for many years. He was like a brother to me and my elder brothers. So yes, I would say he knows me very well." Kyera agreed, the sour look on Clovis's face was hidden partially by his cup as he drained his tea again. Kyera noticed it and chuckled. "Your not jealous are you?" Kyera teased gently and he frowned.

"What's another option? Preferably one where I can help. Your people are part of this kingdom, and under my family thrown as well. I would prefer to protect them myself rather than make them refugees of another kingdom." Clovis bluntly ignored her question as he realized he couldn't outright deny it.

To be honest he was not really sure what he was feeling or why. All he knew at the moment was he didn't like it, not one little bit. Kyera smiled and nodded sighing.

"The other option is to go through with the marriage, making you and I one family. In doing so we would blend the two royal families and make the palace gardens part of my domain. This will allow my people to rebuild their lives in town and regain our strength." Kyera offerer honestly a bit hesitant. She really wasn't sure he would go for this. Not considering everything going on and knowing what she was.

"I see. I think that would be the best option. Why do you seem so hesitant?" he asked and Kyera finished her tea. It gave her just enough time to gather her thoughts.