Kyera watched them run off and held Feya still. "Your maids are quick to spread lies. No doubt something they learned from you." she gripped Freya's wrist tight, her back to Kyera's chest. The First princess tried to struggle but only increased her pain.
"You won't get away with this. There is no way the Emperor will let a violent forest rat marry our Third Prince " Feya chuckled triumphantly, more than happy to endure the pain. She even tried to jerk down and break her wrist to settle this trap once and for all. Kyera however followed her movement just enough to keep her bone in tact.
"Oh? Our Clovis? Dear if my senses speak true, you had your chance with him once. Why you left I can't be bothered to care about. However, I will say this Raina and Clovis belong to me. Deal with it." Kyera's voice was soft and whispered against Feya's ear. She finally shoved her away, Feya falling to the ground hard. Kyera dusted her dress off.
"What do you mean?" Feya replied turning to face Kyera, her eyes burning with fire. She felt a uneasy twinge in her heart and the merciless grin on Kyera's lips. Her expression was almost predatory.
"I know Raina's mother doesn't lay within the earth. You resemble each other when you don't wear the makeup. As she gets older she will be a beauty just like you. Pity she will never see you as her mother. Don't worry I will raise My Daughter well." Kyera purred as the sound of guards on the path caught her attention. "Tell the truth." Kyera warned her.
The First Queen rushed out in front with several guards on either side of her. The Empress and several of her maids Kyera didn't recognize not far behind. Seeing Feya on the ground, Queen Kira helped her to her feet.
"Oh dear… come let's get up. Is anything broken? I will teach that witch a lesson for you." Queen Kira growled turning fiery eyes on Kyera.
Princess Kyera didn't back down, though she showed respect with a bow. "Lady Queen, should you not hear the story before deciding to punish me?" Kyera asked letting her face fall to a vulnerable sad expression.
"The maids burst into the hall screaming about you beating up the First Princess. How dare you suggest royal servants lie." The queen pointed out. Reminding them that she had the upper hand. Kyera allowed her eyes to cast to the ground, pulling herself in a bit as if she was sad. The Queen couldn't help but grin. There was nothing the heathen could say now. She would have to reward her daughter in law later.
"I see… on the words of two maids you condemn me? Without so much as asking what happened? I see… then I will say no more." Kyera pulled herself up to full height, brushing away the sad submissiveness she had shown moments before. However, a carefully crafted flaw in her armor showed the sadness in her eyes.
"Then you will take the lashings for your misdeeds. We do not tolerate such behavior here." The queen added but the sound of grass crushing under wheels was heard.
"Queen Kira, I was unaware you were in charge of the harem. I was also unaware we sentenced without listening to all sides. Your heart is clouding your judgement." Empress Eve spoke, her tone clearly correcting the Queen.
"Evelyn all due respect but she is your daughter in law. You are too close to be impartial." Queen kira replied, made bold by the fact she wasn't aware the Emperor stood quietly near by.
"Is Feya not your daughter in law? Are those maids not her maids? It is their word against hers and you are no more fit to judge this situation than I." Evelyn replied, her eyes calm and kind even as she stated these facts. She would not allow Clovis ' wife to be to he bullied like this.
"There is no one else then, you suggest we don't punish her for her actions because the witnesses are maids?" Kira challenged and at that point Kyera frowned. There was a lot going on.
"I am not arguing this with you, First Queen Kira. You are not in charge here. I am the Empress and will hear both sides of this event." Eve finally couldn't help but put her in her place.
"You are weak, and unwell. You should be resting and focusing on recovering your legs before you try to manage affairs of the harem." Kira replied, a certain sneering quality to her words. Kyera was suddenly pissed off. How dare she throw Eve's infirmary in her face.
"Queen Kira, you should not speak to the Empress in such a way." Clovis corrected her as he walked up the path with Alexi by his side. Alexi looked a bit disheveled as if he had been running or tree climbing recently