The Tiger Within 88 The Emperor Part 3

The Emperor watched her face closely, looking for any hints of deceit and was shocked to find none. Her eyes were crystal clear like the waterfall and filled with the power and confidence of a leader. No wonder she trained beneath Half Eye, he valued courage and presence over power and connections.

"Did Shadow Shaman Half Eye send you?" he asked curiously. Why had he not been informed of such an important figure apprentice was to visit. Kyera smiled and nodded, looking at Mally. The affection in her eyes was undeniable.

"Yes, I was running low on the antidote. A tiger got caught in a trap a few days ago that had this poison on the teeth. I had to use 4 vials before he was out of the woods. When I told Master Half Eye he suggested I impose on the Emperor's hospitality on his behalf. I believe Mally Mentioned it to you?" Kyera asked glancing at him curiously. "Afterall I have a invitation to meet with you this afternoon." She added holding up a familiar piece of parchment.

A light of recognition flashed in his eyes. He had indeed signed that parchment for Mally's sister to visit… he had not realized that she would be such a striking beauty. He also didn't remember her mentioning her sister's Master being one of such… importance. However, the Shadow Shaman had never been one to flaunt his name to get access for his students, granted there have only been a few of them.

"Yes, of course. I was not aware Mally's little sister would be such a stunning healer." He replied with a smile, offering her a hand to her feet the issue falling to the wayside. "Queen Fae, I think you are mistaken. A student of Shadow Shaman Half Eye could hardly stoop so low." He added crushing Queen Fae's hopes of causing more trouble.

Kyera took his hand and slowly raised to her feet, figuring it would be rude to refuse. Honestly she had just too little energy left to refuse the help. Even as she pulled to her feet she swayed slightly. Raina's little hand gripped the front of her dress near the knees to try and help steady Kyera. Concern painted her little face.

"Thank you, Princess." Kyera smiled at her gently once she had her balance. "With Mally's talent how could there be any doubt?" Kyera asked turning her eyes back to the Emperor who was slightly uncertain. There was a hint of question in his eyes as he stared at her. The slight sway to her stance almost resembles one who had a few too many drinks.

"Are you balanced?" He asked her and Kyera nodded but that seemed to sway her more. A gentle hand wrapped around her waist as Mally recognized the symptoms. The Emperor raised an eyebrow.

"Your Majesty, Kyera used quite a bit of her spirit energy and she's a little off balance. Perhaps now is a good time for me to take her to my rooms and get her some rest and perhaps a change of clothes?" Mally suggested, her voice submissive. The Emperor heard that tone and nodded. Of course that made quite a bit of sense, but it also made him feel a slight bit of guilt. As weak as she was, she had just devoted a good part of herself to defending her friend, not to mention the healing of his lion had placed her into this predicament to begin with.

"Yes of course, that would be best. The rest of you may return to work. Lady Kyera, and Beauty Mally will join me for tea shortly, for now you may rest." The Emperor decreed and waved people around. "At dusk, we will take it in the upper study." He replied turning to leave. Rasha following slowly, his pained steps lighter and less swift than his normal step.

With Mally steadying her, Kyera bowed and the Emperor nodded, watching as Mally led her away. Raina bowed to her grandfather and took her fairy cage, leaving for her rooms. Alexi watched the girls go beside his father, ignoring his mothers searing glare.