"Oh? I see. What do you need to see me in secret about, My Lady?" He asked sitting down, and pouring two glasses of tea at the table. The liquid still steaming against the cold air. He blew gently on the surface before handing her the glass. Kyera took it and sipped it gratefully letting the liquid to warm her body from the inside out. SHe lowered to her knees beside the table. It was nice to relax for a moment after running in the snow and the ice.
"Clovis, earlier you asked me to marry you. I told you there were some things I had to look into before I could give you an answer?" Kyera reminded him gently. She figured there was no use in dragging this out. He nodded.
"Yes I remember that conversation." He agreed figuring there was much more to it. Clovis put effort into not getting his hopes up too far.
"I need you to swear no matter what I say or show you, you will only blame me. No one else will come to harm because of this. I am asking for your word." Kyera replied seriously. He raised an eyebrow stareing at her for a long moment. What could she be so afraid of? It was clear on her face she was unsure and worried for how he would respond. What on earth could make him harm her?
"I give you my word as your Prince and as a man. I will do my best to take it in stride." Clovis replied calmly, falling back on his regal demeanor. He trusted her, perhaps more than he should, but nonetheless he did. If it was a mistake, it wasn't one he regretted.
"Alright… Well… here it goes then." Kyera set the tea cup down on the table and stepped back so she was about 8 feet away and between him and the balcony. If things went badly, she would need an escape route. She watched him closely, her heart thumping in her chest. The power of the shadows swirled inside her, aware of what she was doing. It was as though her father knew, and was supporting her choice. Perhaps it was just wishful thinking. It went against everything she had ever taught, everything she had dedicated herself to. She had to, there was no way around it but it was stressful. His understanding and kindness was still in his eyes, soothing her heart just a bit. In the back of her mind she prayed she would never see hatred and anger in those warm blue pools.
Clovis watched curiously, but stayed where he was. She was already nervous there was no need to make her even more so. Moments later he watched as her body blurred like softened clay. A blur of white and silver, her shape changed and her body arched and contorted. The shadows swirling around her just enough to hide her body from view as she finished her transformation.
Within several short moments, A white tigress with silver stripes stood where Kyera had been only moments before. She sat down so to look less intimidating as her soft warm fur fought off the cold that had been encasing her human skin. She couldn't enjoy it though she was focused on him, his expression of shock. The golden eyes he knew so well staring back at him. "Please don't scream." She whispered softly, and not for the first time she hoped he would listen.