"Yes...I did." Mordrin replied shaking his head at his own blunder. Making Kyera relive all this had not been his intention. "The betrayer was Kyera's guard. He helped a group of bandits kill his fellow guards, and Kyera's four brothers." Mordrin replied sighing a bit. It was easier to tell them himself. Making her would be wrong.
"Is this true, Kyera? Does this person have it out for you?" Vella asked seeming curious.
"I don't know. I was 12 when my brothers were killed. I don't remember much about that time." she replied honestly and Mordrin nodded. Her skin was paler now. Her small hands trembling under the table. Clovis stroked the back of her hand with his thumb.
"I think that's enough of this. Mother I have decided to invite Kyera to the bride ball. Thoughts?" Clovis interjected dropping a bomb he knew would change the course of the conversation.
He could tell by the expressions at the table, everyone had thoughts. Even Kyera's controlled little face showed a bit of a embarrassed tint. Her cheeks lightly rosey, making him smile a bit. Then he saw his mother and sister both seemed somewhat curious. Mordrin was grinning ear to ear. Which was interesting in and of itself. However Viren looked confused.
"Your bothering with a bride ball with Kyera as a option?" Viren asked honestly seeming perplexed.she was smart, funny, came from the same kingdom, had royal lines, and above all else she held herself with dignity. The two obviously got along.
"It is my father's wish, and Kyera has not expressed any intentions toward me. Therefore it's only fair I abide father's decision." Clovis replied. Kyera seemed shocked by the snow Prince's question. "We are indeed compatible." he admitted, unable to keep himself from poking her a bit. The flurry of emotions fluttering across her face was adorable.
"I see. It is a good idea. Afterall, Raina adores her and she would be stabilizing for her. A haven in the crowd." Eve spoke with added consideration. Her expression spoke louder than her words. It was clear the Empress was thinking this over. At that point Vella cleared her throat.
"Kyera, how do you feel about all this?" Vella asked honestly a bit curious. She had tried to decipher each expression as it passed her face but that proved difficult. The girl was all over the place. With as much control as she was exerting the subtle hints weren't enough to nail down her thoughts.
"I am going to be support for Raina. We don't really have any intentions of me being the bride." Kyera replied soothingly. 'of course they are questioning it, I am a forest girl. I could hardly compare to their high bred women.' Kyera thought a bit mockingly. Vella's words weren't sharp but it was clear she was unhappy. The only problem was Kyera misread her displeasure, too emotionally unstable to make sense of it all.
"Whether or not you intend it, Father may make that call. What will you do then?" Vella asked raising an eyebrow at her response. If they didn't plan to end up together it was a very dangerous gamble. The Emperor was already impressed with Kyera. There was a good chance of him taking more of a liking to her at the ball.
"Father has already assured me that he would not make the choice for me. After what happened last time." Clovis tried to sooth the girl beside him. His sisters words had made her a touch anxious.
"I see. Good then." Vella replied but for some reason she didn't seem quite convinced. However, she let the topic fall. Kyera offered everyone at the table a apologetic smile.
"I am sorry, but I need to say goodbye to my student and head to my room." Kyera tried go excuse herself, honestly just wanting to escape. Her chest felt tight and her mind was a bit muddle from the emotional shifts. Clovis looked a bit concerned as she said so. She curtsied low to him and the table.
"Walk safe. We will go to town tomorrow to meet the dressmaker." Clovis reminded her and Kyera paused for a moment. She gave him a dazzling smile, and the affect almost made his heart skip a beat if it wasn't for the look in her eyes. That smile was lost on her lips and never found its way to those golden pools of uncertainty.
"It truly isn't necessary. Thank you for the offer, Fourth Prince Clovis. I appreciate your hospitality and your offer." he was surprised to hear Kyera sound quite so formal. It was as though he could physically feel her putting distance between them. He excused himself from the table and followed after her.