Mally was still in human form, washing some of the nobel consort's clothing in the river. It was a mindless task but one she didn't mind. She hummed as she worked, only a few pieces left to do.
"You know, I could have helped." Kyera said with a sigh, lying nearby on the grass. Her snow white coat soaking in the sunlight. Her body slowly rejuvenating from another evening of healing and talking.
"Yes but, with our new found friend's healing taking so much out of you, you needed rest. He's reopened that wound twice now trying to protect the princess without being seen. So inconsiderate." Mally huffed thinking of the black furred wolf who was once again laying down after 3 days of following the Princess.
"Hey now, I asked it of him. That being said, any word on The Empress?" Kyera asked sitting up and crossing her paws into a more stable position. Mally shook her head, concern in her eyes.
"I spoke to Addie today. Her condition hasn't changed and the physicians are lost. It looks like it might be the end of her reign." Mally replied, the sad note in her voice was soft but clear. Kyera went to speak but fell silent as a guard and little girl came into view.
Raina's face looked determined as she walked toward Mally. She didn't even seem to notice the tiger nearby, though her guard did. His hand settled comfortably on the hilt of his sword. Kyera found it amusing how he thought he would have a chance to draw it if she wanted him dead. Oh well.
"Beauty Mally, have you heard from Lady Kyera?" Raina asked, skipping any pleasantries they might have otherwise exchanged. Kyera sat up hearing her name mentioned. The movement caught Raina's eyes and they lit up. She ran past Mally and toward Kyera.
Instinct tried to kick in, but Kyera restrained it and allowed the child to hug her furry neck. If it gave her some peace of mind right now, it was worth it.
"Moon, I need Kyera. My grandmother is ill… please help me find her. I promise there will be good food and pets in it for you." Raina said trying to bribe the tiger best she could. Kyera couldn't help but chuckle and bump her head to Raina's.
She rose to her feet and stretched. Looking to the forest. "You will! Thank you." she hugged her again and Kyera waited for the warm moment to end. She gently used a paw to push Raina into a sitting position, as if telling her to stay here. Raina nodded.
Mally smiled and walked over. "We will wait for Kyera at the main garden. Go on Moon." Mally assured her, offering the princess a hand to get up. The Princess took it and the guard escorted them back to the gardens.
Kyera slipped through the woods and into garden of the Winter Rains Palace. She changed clothes with the assistance of the shadows. It only took her a few moments to look like a well to do medicine woman.
The dress she wore was much more like something she would wear in the forest. The skirt was tight at the hips but flared out at mid thigh to allow for fast movement. The thin material could be bunched up and tied above the knee and not be thick enough of a bundle to trip her. The deep green color and cream detailing looked nice with the rich brown corseting and matching emerald sleeves. Her hair fell free down her back for only a moment before Keric spun through her hair winding it into a perfect bun, secured with a hair pin.
Without another glance, Kyera hurried along to the main hall that lead to the gardens. When she arrived Mally and Raina were indeed waiting. The little girl bounced up and walked over curtsying before grabbing her hand. She was too rushed for formality at the moment.
"My Grandma is sick. I need you to look. Please?" Raina asked tugging Kyera toward the Main Palace. There was a sense of desperation that made Kyera frown. Missreading this, Raina's eyes watered. "I believe in you."