"Thank you, Father. It is kind of you to say so." Raina replied as she began to eat a rather sweet red fruit. Kyera nodded her agreement and took a bite of the rice porridge. She made a small sound of delight before settling in more seriously to eat. She barely managed to remember her manners and eat with dignity but, she was starving.
"Thank you both. I am sorry to have intruded on your hospitality for so long." Kyera took the time to apologize formally. She had never meant to fall asleep like that, whether it be carelessness or exhaustion. Her wounds were no excuse for bad manners.
Clovis on the other hand sat and stared at her for several long moments, stirring his porridge. He was struggling not to feel offended by her apology. Did she not realize that she mattered here? That they considered her part of the family? Then again probably not. He wasn't even sure when it had happened.
When had she gone from a stranger tending his child's education to family? It could have started when she rescued Raina the first time… or perhaps when she appeared at the palace tending Rasha. Perhaps when she had jumped in and dedicated herself wholeheartedly to healing The Empress? To be honest, he wasn't sure, and it didn't matter. Somehow they were here.
"Kyera, you are always welcome here. Please do not feel the need to apologize. In all honesty it is I who should apologize to you." Clovis replied dragging himself out of his thoughts. He could examine them further in private, away from prying eyes. "You tried to warn me those people were up to no good and good at trouble but I did not pay attention. That resulted in you fighting several men and a woman on your own." he pointed out knowing full well it was his mistake. They had looked so simple and young, he never dreamed they had that much skill between them.
"It was partially my fault. Bina… do you remember when we first met and you had to kill those men?" Kyera asked motioning to Raina. Clovis' eyes darkened as he remembered that day, he had almost lost Raina. It had been yet another failure while the queens watched the children. "Bina's elder brother was one of their number. She blames me for stalling them because if I hadn't got in the way he would be alive."
"And My daughter, your princess would have been dead or worse." Clovis replied anger boiling in his heart at these peoples logic. Afterall, she is just a child. Why does everyone aim at the child?
"Yes, I know. That is precisely why I don't feel guilty. I did what needed to he done." Kyera replied soothingly, her tone careful. She could feel his anger as could Raina who honestly seemed concerned. This sounded like more dangerous grown up talk than she was accustomed to.
"Good. She will be dealt with as will those other 2 we brought back. You need to focus on getting better." Clovis replied calmly. His body had dissipated the anger as he remembered his composure. "That being said the ball was pushed back, so it will be in 4 days time. Do you think you will be in shape to attend?" he asked, his composure carefully in place, but Kyera almost felt as though she sensed a hopefulness in those eyes. It was gone so quickly she truly couldn't be sure.
"Yes, in all honesty I think I will be fine in a couple days. Master Half Eye wants me to go with him for a day or so and try to recenter myself." Kyera admittedly left out that she needed to go be a beast for a bit because her muscles were starting to ache. Clovis nodded understandingly.
"Of course, he must have had a reason to come all this way. We had not sent for him as of yet." Clovis replied and Raina looked curious then.
"Then will you be teaching me when you get back?" Raina asked hopefully and Kyera smiled brightly.
"Practice 'Come little Fairies' until I get back and I will teach you the sister song "Fall Fairy Fling"." Kyera promised with a bit of a chuckle at the child's excitement. It was so refreshing to be around one so pure with her motives.
"Yes, Mistress Kyera." Raina agreed with a bright smile. It was infections and quickly infected both Clovis and Kyera with joy.
"Then it is settled. I will be back in two days." Kyera assured them both before standing to reenter the house. Half eye would no doubt be waiting for her up front.
"Be safe." Clovis whispered as she disappeared through the door, leaving him to his thoughts while the sound of fairies dancing played nearby.