"My Lord Emperor, could you see fit to reduce their lashings and place them both under my service as slaves?" Kyera asked. She was so often being surrounded by death that she didn't want two more lives on her heart. These maids were not evil, just missguided.
The Emperor seemed surprised by her request but Mordakai smiled. He knew her mind. "This was not something I expected from you, Princess Kyera." the Emperor concluded aloud.
"Even in a warriors heart must lie some mercy, or be no more than a butcher." Mordakai explained nodding at Kyera. "You are lucky my friend to have Kyera as your daughter in law. There was a time I had hopes for the same myself, but then Mordrin fell for Vella and our family became complete."
"Thank you, Emperor Mordakai for your words. Now that this has been solved, isn't there a wedding to be getting ready for?" The Emperor asked raising a brow. Most the people in the room filtered out as Mordakai and Mordrin walked down to Kyera.
"We need to talk, Warrior Princess." Mordakai whispered and Kyera nodded. There was a note of sadness in his eyes as he lead her away. Yet another heartbreaking was about to unfold as Kyera learned the fate of poor Werol and the three missing council members.
**********************
The next morning came in singing. The birds twittered and then wind danced against the chimes making soft music as Kyera rose from bed. Her heart sped up as she remembered the most crucial thing about today. She was getting married.
Her bath was meticulous as she prepared to put on the long dress that had been so lovingly crafted. She loved every bit of it, the fit, the movement and how the style was very much her own. Her mind wandered as a maid began brushing her hair in preparation of its updo.
She wished her brothers could be here, to give her away. Half Eye had been caught up in business far away so instead, Kyera's head guard Daxin had agreed to hand her off. She had envisioned this day since she was a child, and everything was perfect. Even though the groom was not who she had expected, she was happy to think.of spending her life at his side. He and Raina both would be hers from now on.
As the long purple veil was draped over her face it started to become very real. Butterflies seems to flutter around in her stomach, every nerve ending uncomfortably active. She walked out to meet her escort, barely able to see through the delicate lace. The man who took her hand however, was not Daxin.
"Princess, I hope you don't mind but I believe this is my duty." spoke a gentle voice as her hand was placed on his forearm. Tears welled in her eyes as Kyera looked into his sea blue eyes.
"Thank you,Talis. This means so much to me." Kyera whispered and he nodded, kissing her forehead through the veil.
"I know. You are still my sister, no matter whose last name you carry. He would have wanted you happy, and I know I do." Talis responded as the band began to play. Kyera took a deep breath and let him guide her out into the room. She could feel all eyes on her as they glided down the floor. Clovis couldn't take his eyes off of her. So beautiful and graceful exactly as he knew she would he.