The sunrise found the main palace abuzz with activity. Like a swarm of bees, each busy with it's own little task for the upcoming ball. House maids running around to gather last minute accessories and lead dress designers to their Princesses. Among them was a woman demanding to know where Princess Kyera was afterall, she dressed all the royals. No one, however, told Kyera that.
Currently, the Fourth Princess was in the village with three of her guards. A familiar side of the market, where she had been several times before. It was almost empty, a ghost town here. Almost everyone had gone when the Darkness fell. However, one blind old woman, and her grand daughter had refused to leave. Kyera knocked on the door, surprised to see the old woman not in her favorite place beside it.
Ella Von opened the door and grinned from ear to ear seeing Kyera. "I thought you didn't need my services today." Ella commented opening the door for Kyera to walk in. The princess and her guards came inside.
"I don't need your services, Ella I need one of your best armors." Kyera replied "I need a genuine Ella Von Masterpiece." The mouse girl looked a bit surprised.
"I have a leather and lace gown that might do." Ella offered and Kyera shook her head. The seamstress was completely confused.
"Ella, I need to meet these women on their turf today. I need to look like a Empress, not a general." Kyera replied and Ella's eyes widened at the thought. There was suddenly all manner of excitement in the girls eyes as she giggled with glee.
"You will be amazing." Ella replied leading Kyera to the back room, but closing the door In her guards face. "No one will see my work till it is complete." She orders them. The guards waited patiently outside. Talis looked at Lazren then at the door. Neither of them nor the woman guard with them knew what to think of the noises they heard in the back room. Swishing, flustered murmurs, "oh hold still" spoken several times and eventually six hours passed.
*************
Clovis and Raina stood side by side in the ballroom. It was tradition for the Princesses to enter alone, with the fur of their biggest kill draped over their arm. The problem was, normally the Princesses were at least seen by their husbands before the ball, yet Kyera had been missing since they went to bed last night. The royal tailor hadn't seen her either.
Raina held her polite pose, she still had her sword attached to a delicate leather belt. The pretty dress she wore swishes with her movements and hid the sword in its ruffles. "Mommy will be here soon, right?" She asked with a tense smile and Clovis nodded.
"Yes. She will be. Remember to stay close to me and Kan." Clovis reminded her and the tiger at her side looked up at him with a lazy contemplation. Did this man seriously think he was going to let this Princess out of his site?
"Yes, Daddy." Raina agreed as they walked into the venue. The servants had decorated with Mark's of the hunt. There were bows, arrows and spears on the walls. Great masters had painted depictions of the great hunts of old to be hung at this very occasion. Everyone was lavishly dressed. It was beautiful.
Raina spotted Mordakai before her father, and walked directly toward him. She couldn't help but run the last few steps and hug his legs. Mordakai chuckled and hugged her back.
"My my, you have grown a bit Princess. Such a pretty doll." Mordakai greeted and Raina beamed with delight at the praise.
"Welcome to the Kingdom of the Forest Gate, Lord Shadow Veil." Raina greeted more formally, sweeping an elegant curtsey. He bowed at the waist for him.