The Tiger Within Chapter 32

Raina obediently walked to her father's side . Her eyes shifted to the ground as his hand raised to caress her cheek . A quick flinch brought a frown to his face . Clovis reached for the string securing the cloth to her ear and she shook her head .

"Kimi say no . " she says softly and Clovis stopped, confused . He vaguely remembered a Kimi being a.s.signed to watch over Raina… but she shouldn't be giving the child orders .

"Rain, Kimi is a servant . You are a princess . What Kimi tells you to do does not matter, what you want matters . So let me ask you this: Do you want to hide your pretty smile from your Father?" Clovis patiently corrected her, letting her process his words . She was young but this should make sense to her if he gave her time . She was nearly four now and spoke well, even if imperfectly .
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The torrent of emotions in the child's head made her soft eyes stormy . If she told, Kimi would be angry . If she lied Father would be unhappy if he found out . She wanted Kimi to like her so Kimi would play with her . At that moment the image of Kimi playing ball with her and laughing popped into her mind . That would be so much fun . Then she thought of Clovis and the disappointed look he would have if he found out she had not told him .

Raina was torn . She didn't want Daddy and uncle to fight . They argued a lot because of her already . Sometimes they even got physical . Grandpa and the Grandmas never said anything, but she knew they didn't like it either . However, Daddy trusted her . If she didn't tell him wouldn't that be dishonest?

The second hurt more than the first one was worth . "No…" she slipped the cloth off herself to reveal the bruised swollen cheek beneath .

The instant rage overcame the shock as Clovis tilted her head in the light . A handprint followed her cheek and side of her neck . There was no way this 25 pound child was standing after the force behind it . The ring mark on her neck, a small indentation spoke volumes of who had hit her . Writing his name on her skin in ink wouldn't have made it more clear .

His eyes softened as he saw the fear and shame on his baby girls face . "What happened?" he asked softly bracing himself for the worst . He knew how shameless his brother could be . The little one lifted her hands to him, asking to be picked up . With one hand he scooped her up and settled her onto his hip while the other was on her back . She laid her head on his shoulder .

"Cousin wanted my good luck charm . I said no . My friend face it to me . He called me a liar . He said i didn't have any friends i must have stolen it . Daddy you saw her give it to me… you saw . " she whispered looking up at him, pleading him to remember . For a split second he froze, looking into those eyes . He had no idea what he was suppose to have seen but he nodded .

"Rain, are you talking about your pendant?" he asked motioning to the silver and amethyst charm attached to her sash . Clovis knew he made a mistake when her little heart shattered in her eyes .

"No… my real good luck charm . From my warrior lady . " she said almost sulkily . He was still at a loss till he noticed the silver clip still on her ear . A light sparked in his head and he ran a finger over the clip .

"You mean this little trinket?" he asked really looking at it for the first time . It was wonderfully crafted of silver, swirls and flourishes etched into the metal . A single purple stone, seemingly hollow, held in place by 3 thin silver strands that looked like vines . It really was very pretty . A single silver chain fell from it behind her ear and a little claps dangled there . "We need to find a pretty feather to dangle from it . " he added as her eyes lit up .

"So… I can keep it?" she asked her eyes hopeful . He chuckled at her childish energy .

"You can wear it every day if you like . I'll see to it . " the little one smiled and hugged her father . She didn't see the pain in his face or anger in his eyes . This was far from settled .