The Tiger Within Chapter 112

"No, I suppose you didn't . I can't say I am as surprised . Afterall, you can't spend time with the cub without the Wolf checking your intentions . " Kyera replied with a chuckle at him . He found her laugh infections and chuckled as well .

"I suppose that is true . Mind if I join you for a bit?" He asked glancing at Mally and the basket she had sitting beside her . All three girls nodded as Kyera took a seat on the blanket beside the girls .

Advertis.e.m.e.nt"You are welcome to, Fourth Prince . We are graced with your presence . " Mally replied more formally than either of the other girls had spoken . Kyera winced slightly realizing she was behaving like she was still in the forest . There was a different etiquette here .

"Thank you, Mally My dear, but you need not be so formal with me . It's just the 4 of us out here . " Clovis replied with a sigh, laying back in the gra.s.s next to them . Kyera began unpacking the simple meal they had brought along . The meal was simple and made of some amazing warm dumplings and banana leaf packets that the prince had never seen before . For a moment he wondered where this meal had come from .

"I hope you enjoy, Prince Clovis . Raina was curious about the meals cooked in the forest, so I asked Kyera to make some of them for her . " Mally explained with a smile as Kyera served each of them from the basket . There seemed to be extras of everything still in the basket as she fed everyone . He raised an eyebrow glancing at the woman serving him .

"I see, I suppose cooking comes with living in the forest by yourself then? Do you cook for others often?" He asked, taking a bite of one of the dumplings on his plate . It melted in his mouth as he chewed and Kyera stirred a pot with leaves in it waiting for the tea to steep .

"I cook for others fairly often . The Banana Leaf has always been a good breakfast . I make several of them a night . My friend…" Her voice trailed off and her eyes turned away from them to the water . There was a sadness in her eyes as she looked away, but for a moment he was drawn in wondering what those eyes held so deeply . "My friend use to come over for breakfast . " Kyera finished her statement with a soft smile .

"Verone?" Mally asked softly, knowing what would cause such pain in her eyes . Kyera's eyes watered and she stood and wiped her eyes .

"Yes . We lost contact in a rather… cruel way . I worry about how he is doing now . " Kyera replied with a smile . Raina was eating her banana leaf packet with enthusiasm and nearly done, so Kyera busied herself with offering the child a second one while she regained control . It didn't take long for her to be able to smile properly .

"I know how that can feel, sometimes losing contact with loved ones can be harder than if they had actually died . You never know what has become of them . " Clovis added with a sigh, eating his packet and raising a brow as the warm fresh flavors coated his mouth and warmed him up . There was a sense of sweetness from the fruit as well as the well cooked meats that had cooked together in that tiny package . The fire smoke had infused with the meal itself giving it another flavor he was less use to . "This really is delicious . " He complimented and Raina nodded quickly .

"Teacher is a fantastic cook!" Raina agreed with a bright smile . That was enough to dispel the feelings of gloom that had started to settle on the group . Kyera chuckled .

"Thank you, My dear . However, as your teacher, I should remind you that when your father leaves, we need to review the chords you have learned . " Kyera replied with a grin . Raina's eyes lit up as she realized that Kyera was offering her a chance to practice . It had been almost a full day since she had first told Kyera the good news and yet she hadn't even seen the beloved instrument .

"MMMHM Snow Drop told me she would teach me a new song today . " Raina added with excitement bubbling out of her sweet little voice . Kyera couldn't help but shoot a look at Clovis and chuckle at his slightly lost expression . He was still finishing a bit before he had a chance to respond .