Raina stayed quiet for a long period after. Her little mind struggled to understand. Kyera's words had been more than she expected. There was another layer to her title that she never understood. The pain in her mother's eyes were a testament to the words she had spoken.
"Do you know the weight of the crown?" Raina asked and Kyera smiled ruefully.
"Raina, do you know what someone is labeled if they even attempt to harm a royal child?" Kyera asked gently, looking away.
"A traitor… because it's a act of treason." Raina replied, knowing this one. She was proud of herself for half a second.
"Do you remember the day of the wedding, the tiger that chased you into the woods?" Kyera asked, continuing to lead the child down a rabbit whole.
"Yes, he's a traitor." Raina agreed realizing where she was going with this. At least, she thought she did.
"Long before I met you, or your father he was my best friend, my confidant and…" she took a deep breath to steady herself "He was to be my husband." Kyera replied looking into Raina's surprised little eyes. "If I ever meet him again, there will be no loving reunion. There will be no chance for us to be friends again. He attacked you, Princess. He became a traitor and I… it is my duty to end his life should I see him again. So I ask you, Princess Raina, do I know the weight of the crown?"
Raina's eyes misted over as she realized why there was so much pain in her mother's golden eyes, molten with emotion. She broke the space barrier between them, and hugged her mom.
"I am sorry." Raina whispered. "I will never take the crown lightly again." Kyera hugged her taking in the child's crystal clear scent and the feel of her hair in her hands.
"I never thought you would, love. The thing is, I need you to understand, Raina that your uncle has gone to some extremes for this crown. Trying to subdue your father and his other competition. Do your best not to become a pawn in his game. You are smart, and beautiful and they have no idea what skills you possess or hide. Remember who you are, and stand tall. You can outwit them if you try, and if wit wont work well there's always Talis and a sword by your side." Kyera reminded her gently. Raina nodded, there was a solemn understanding in those pure blue eyes.
"I will, Mommy. We should rest now." Raina suggested and Kyera sighed tearfully. This had been a exhausting conversation as well. No sooner than her head hit the pillow, sleep claimed her for it's own. Raina wasn't far behind, curling up beside her mother and falling asleep.
***************
In Alexi's Garden
"Are you sure this is what you want, Brother?" Alexi asked raising a eyebrow in disbelief. Clovis nodded resolutely.
"Yes. I have had more than enough time to consider it. This is what I want." Clovis assured him. Alexi sat down next to him a bit dumbfounded. This was the last thing he had expected.
"Does Kyera know?" He asked, grasping at straws.
"No, my wife has her own troubles to be worried about. I am simply asking your help. She will support me whatever I do." Clovis replied and Alexi nodded.
"Then I will do my best to fulfill your wish, My Brother." Alexi replied sighing deeply. This was going to be a long, hard road.
"Thank you. I really had nowhere else to turn." Clovis replied rather relieved as he sipped his drink.
"Well, I'm glad you turned to me. Should we go check on the ladies?" Alexi asked standing and Clovis followed suit.