The Tiger Within 319 The Pas

"Yes, and I don't care about a t.i.tle. Let us be honest, I have seen how court works, the troubles between queens and Empress. I will be quite happy as a Princess instead." Kyera replied and the Empress Eve looked away. She couldn't rebuke her, afterall, there were many days she wished she could go back to being his Princess again, before he won the Heir trials. When they had been in love.  Yet Kyera continued. "However, should be become Emperor and I his Empress I will do my best to control the Harem early on and ensure there is harmony for the families. Though I will be supportive and fair I will not allow a snake to bite my heel." Kyera explained and both women smiled. At least the child was aware of the dangers she could face. That calmed both of them.

"Do you think you can balance that and a Empress's work load?" Eve asked, honestly concerned. This had indeed been her downfall. Kyera thought for a while as to a answer here.

"Well, I can not be sure of that. I have never had to do so before obviously. Perhaps I could shadow you for a few days and learn how you manage? This will give me a chance to learn at your side." Kyera replied, having found this question trickey. She had to come out without sounding arrogant or lacking confidence. There were very few ways to answer well.

"I would be happy to teach you." Empress Eve replied and Kyera nodded at her. Her expression was obviously pleased with Kyera's efforts. The answer both recognized her status and showed a willingness to learn. It was a humble perfection she hadn't seen in many other women this age.

"Thank you, your grace. I will do my best to be a good student." Kyera a.s.sured her and Empress Eve couldn't help but smile. Kyera bowed her head to her in thanks.

"Raina is a beautiful girl and we love her dearly this has no bearing on that. My next question is simple, does your family have a fertile line?" the Empress dowager asked rather carefully. Kyera had yet to mention a mother and Shaman Halfeye had not mentioned it either.  

"Shaman Half eye adopted me, he is not my father. My Mother left when I was little but, there were Five of us children. My four elder brothers, and myself." Kyera answered honestly, she looked away ashamed of the truth, but knowing she had to bring it to light. It wasn't a secret among the forest folk and people talked. With her people living nearby there was a chance it would be brought up.

"I see. Your four brothers, what do they do? Are they knights?" The Empress Dowager pressed. Eve went to stop her but the question was already out there. Those mournful golden eyes met hers as Kyera straightened in her seat.

"My brothers were murdered in their beds by a traitor. I was almost kidnapped, but my eldest brother gave his life to protect me. The others never even woke up." Kyera explained her eyes cold as she tried to restrain the feelings she felt. The look on the Empress and the Dowager's faces were sad and filled with pity. "I was barely over ten when it happened, but I still smell the blood and remember being so helpless to protect my family. I trained tirelessly from then, making sure no matter what is thrown at me, nothing will take my family away ever again. Clovis and Raina will never face a danger alone." Kyera rea.s.sured them, letting her determination peak through.

"I see dear, I am sorry." The Empress Dowager agreed, seeming rather pleased herself. She liked Kyera's answers and felt her pain. A good Empress should know loss. However, she wasn't cruel enough to keep asking questions now. "Empress you and I should retire to the gardens for some fresh air and rest. Good day, Lady Kyera." The Empress Dowager bid moving to push the Empress' chair. Kyera chuckled.

"Let me accompany you. I would much like to see your garden." Kyera offered taking the wheelchair chair from the Empress Dowager. Surprised, but pleased they allowed Kyera to navigate the Empress to the Dowager's garden.