The carriage arrived and both Kyera and Clovis stumbled into beds. It was nearly midnight by the time they got home and neither had any intentions of staying awake. In order to preserve the few precious hours she would get, Clovis had Kyera put up in the spare room she had slept in when she had been hurt. The pair passed out and slept through the night and deep into the next morning.
Kyera woke up to a knock at her door. She stretched and rubbed her eyes gently. The sleepiness hadn't quiet been alleviated but at least it was something. A second knock made Kyera sigh and pull the blankets up and smoothing the wrinkles out.
"Come in." Kyera called out, hoping it was just a maid. However, what she didn't expect was a young girl to come running into the room her cheeks glowing with excitement. The child launched herself up and landed on the bed, tackling Kyera like a excited puppy. A giggle escaped Kyera as she caught the princess, rather surprised by this sudden attack. Equally surprised that she honestly liked how it felt to be appreciated by this little one.
"Is it true! Is it true!" Raina asked speaking too fast for Kyera to get a word in edgewise. "Please Please Please tell me it is true!" Her blue eyes looked up at Kyera, wide and hopeful. There was so much excitement in her eyes. The Forest Princess had a pretty good idea what this little one was asking her. However, she chose to play dumb.
"Whatever do you mean?" Kyera teased and instantly regretted it. Raina looked like a puppy who had just been slapped in the nose with a paper scroll. She chuckled again and gently moved her hair out of her face. "I am just teasing you, Princess Raina. I am well aware of what your talking about. Yes, I am going to marry your father." She replied with a gentle smile.
"YEA I GET A AWESOME MOMMY!" Raina cheered and Kyera couldn't contain her laughter anymore. At that point she also heard a soft masculine chuckle. She looked up to see Clovis standing in the doorway. He had a rather wide smile spread across his face, nearly from ear to ear. She blushed slightly realizing he was wearing a loose robe, tied low and loose so the top was parted slightly so his pale chest peaked out from the black fabric.
"Yes, you do, Raina dear." Clovis assured her, reaffirming Kyera's words. She smiled brightly at Kyera and hugged her again, those warm little arms holding tight, unwilling to let go. She jumped a few times in excitement before Kyera stood up. She wrapped her arms around the child and held her as she stood.
"Lets not jump on me." Kyera replied holding her on her hip. "I am glad you are happy about this." Kyera added kissing the child's forehead. My child. Those words, even if they were just in her mind Made Kyera smile. Her face glowed as she realized she was finally going to get to be Raina's mother. No one could take this away from her. No one.
"We really should all get ready though. Your grandfather wants to see us at breakfast today." Clovis replied looking at the sun dial out the window. They really didn't need to be late.
"Of course. I will help Raina get ready." Kyera replied obediently falling into servant mode. Clovis shook his head taking Raina from her and setting her down. The little girl pouted a bit but Clovis gave her a bit of a look.
"No, Kyera you need to get yourself ready. The Emperor has requested all THREE of us." He replied with a deep chuckle. Kyera blushed realizing what he was saying.
"Me too?" Kyera asked a bit stunned honestly. She knew it was coming but she hadn't expected it to be so soon. The reality of the situation set in and she felt a little dizzy and trapped. What if things didn't go well with her first formal act before the Emperor? Not to mention the Empress Dowager would probably be there and to be honest she barely knew her. The only one she knew would have her back was the Empress. Would she even be there.
Clovis noticed Kyera's breathing starting to quicken and the sudden onslaught of worry in her eyes.
"Kyera, don't worry. Raina and I will be right at your side." Clovis reassured her, setting a gentle hand on her shoulder. Kyera looked up at him and he leaned in slowly, making his intentions clear. His lips caressed her brow gently. Kyera sighed and nodded.
"I will be ready soon." She agreed and Clovis smirked a bit evil.
"She's ready girls." He called out and several maids flooded into the room with cloth, bottles and make up. Kyera glanced at him just in time to see both father and daughter had evacuated the room.