The Tiger Within 424 Names Part 1

The snow glittered and glowed under the sunlight's gentle caress. Even the wind was dancing slowly across the land, spreading the warmth of the spring across the land. The royal family was taking tea in the garden as a complete unit for the last time before Kyera and Clovis returned home. There was a mix of sadness as well as mellow enjoyment hanging in the air.

"I am sad to see you go, Kyera. Are you sure your wounds healed well enough to travel? Even the royal medic warned you of the dangers?" Myra asked almost hopefully, she wasn't ready for her cousin to leave as of yet. The elders looked toward Kyera, apparently unaware she had been warned against trying to leave yet.

"Kyera, I know you are eager to get back to the child, but you can not take your health so lightly…" Crystalsa chided her gently. No one knew better than she did how Kyera and Clovis felt right now, separated from their daughter.

"Grandmother, No. Myra misunderstood the Medic. He cautioned me against walking or riding a horse because of the jarring motion of the horse or the exhaustion of walk. Flying has neither of those issues and with the Storm Twins we should be just fine." Kyera soothed her grandmother's fears. She knew they didn't want to let her go.

"Ahh I see. Then there is nothing to worry about then. Come now Mother, Myra, Our Kyera has he own path to walk. It was already a blessing she got to come home at all. I hope your path brings you back home again soon, my dear girl." Bryson offered, smoothing over both the ladies at the table and talking sense. In all honesty he wanted her back home… for good. However, there was no chance of that right now. They could only make sure she knew the doors were open to her, whenever she may have need of them.

"Thank you, Grand Uncle. Next time I will bring your niece to meet you as well." Kyera a.s.sured him and he nodded a soft smile on his face, but something unreadable in his eyes. She found herself set off center for a moment.

"Good, I will look forward to it then." He agreed, his expression erasing the previous look. It was as though those complicated expressions hadn't been there at all.

"Then, it is time for us to say our final goodbyes. Clovis… come before me." Crystalsa ordered, her voice was formal but her eyes were filled with pride. He nodded, and walked to the Matriarch's chair. Slowly, he lowered onto one knee, his chin raised so his eyes met hers not bowed in submission. There was respect there but there was no servitude as most would show in this position. He may be her Grandson but he was still the Fourth Prince of his own nation.

"Yes, Matriarch Crystalsa?" He prompted her, holding the pose.

"You were willing to give your life to me, and I made a promise to your wife, our Princess. I must now pa.s.s to you this trinket. A symbol of power pa.s.sed down from my Father to me when I chose not to be married. This crest is to remind us of who we are, but also who holds the crown in the palm of their hand." She explained holding up a metal coin. It appeared to be made of solid gemstone. The transparent crystal polished and intricately carved with the family cest. There was a single hole at North, South, East, and West edge of the coin. It was rather lovely, the edges slightly smoothed from years of age. "This Crystal was mined from these very hills, the first sighting of this mineral, a powerful focus for the power within. It represents the power within a king, a true king." Crystalsa gazed at him through the center of the coin, holding it level with him.

The surprise seemed to spread slowly, disbelief as they saw the coin they hadn't seen in years and never without its ribbons of lace to hold it to the hollow of the Matriarch's throat. Kyera took a black ribbon from her hair and held out her hand. The Matriarch smiled as she, instead handed the coin to her grandchild. Kyera threaded the ribbon through the holes, making it wearable again. SHe then reached for his hand.

Clovis took his wife's hand allowing her to do as she would with his body. The ribbons were wrapped around his wrist, the coin settled over his pulse. "Clovis, you are now the future King of The Frost Fall Kingdom. Do you accept the duties and dedication that will require should the need for you arise?" Crystalsa asked, and Clovis stared at her for a long moment… no one could read what was going on in his head. They could feel the emotions pouring out of him, but it was hard to sort them into piles that could be interpreted.

"I...I accept this gift given by both My Grandest Mother and My wife." He replied softly looking at Kyera, his eyes deep with emotion. She had known this would happen. Kyera who had always valued her people above all else had been aware he would be king of them. Their safety, their happiness would be his to tend to and yet she had still done this for him. He had every right to fight for his own throne now, whether his father wanted him too or not.

"Good, then I can rest at ease." She replied before turning to Kyera, a kind smile on her face. "Kyera Mei Shade of the Moon, will you once again take your family name? Will you be Kyera Mei Shade of the Moon the Frost Born?" Crystalsa asked and Kyera could see the look in her grandest mother's eyes. There was so much attached to that name. Was she ready to accept her mother's heritage? Was she ready to acknowledge her mother?

"Grand Mother… I… I love you and I love our family but Akira… I am sorry I can't forgive her." Kyera replied as firmly as she could. There was so much sadness in her voice that it broke the Matriarch's heart. So many negative emotions filled the child's heart, and yet hatred didn't seem to be the driving force.