"Daxin… I want my Daddy." Raina tangled her little fingers in Daxin's neck fur. The world nodded and turned away, leading Raina away.
"You don't have the right to call any of Kyera's family your own, Akira. Kyera's name lays on my family register." Half Eye reminded her, his voice cool as ice. "The shadow King will take his due, Queen Shadow Dancer."
"No one calls me that anymore." She growled at him once again but Half Eye Laughed.
"Yet, I notice you wear a high neck gown to hide his mark. You made your choice, My Lady. He is being lenient now, but if you hurt Kyera again, he will send the lady Raven to invite you to Moria." He says quietly "Personally."
His words left her standing speechless. What could she say to that? He was right. She turned away and Half Eye smirked walking back toward the royals to find Raina and Daxin waiting.
"Shaman Half Eye… can I have a word?" Raina asked a bit fidgety.
"I have quite a few to spare, what kind of word would you like?" He asked and it took her a moment to realize he was teasing her. She smiled.
"I was going to ask you not tell my Mommy I met that lady." Raina replied and Daxin looked at Raina curiously. "I don't want Mommy mad at me."
"Your Mother will not be angry, I assure you. Akira was out of line and if it makes you feel better, I will be your personal escort tonight." Half Eye offered showing her a smile and bowing low. It was something he rarely did and the stiffness of his old muscles reminded him why he didn't do such things.
"Thank you, Shaman Half Eye, I think I am just going to stay with grandmother. I need to take her the tea." Raina turned away and swept off to her grandmother, pouring her a cup of tea. She also poured a cup for Vella who was sitting next to her mother, the baby on her lap.
"I was wondering where you went, Princess. Your father and I were getting a touch worried." Evelyn offered as she sipped her tea. It was warm and soothing, exactly what she needed.
"I got held up by a servant that was out of line. It is okay though, Shaman Half Eye came to rescue me." Raina replied offering a dazzling smile, hoping to distract them from her story. Evelyn smiled and nodded at Half Eye her eyes warm and kind as she sat in the chair.
"Thank you for looking after the Princess. Have either of you seen Clovis?" Evelyn asked a bit curiously. Raina shook her head tilting her head slightly to one side. "He went to inquire if everything is prepared for your Mother." She smiled seeing the way her granddaughter beamed at the mention of Kyera.
"Is it almost time for the Princesses to appear?" Raina asked rather excited. She was already missing her mother, having not seen her this morning.
"Yes. They should be coming in soon." Vella agreed offering her niece a pretty smile. Raina turned and hugged her little cousin. The baby boy chuckled brightly as Raina tickled him playfully.
"That will be fantastic. I am ready to see her dress." Raina replied with a smile.
"Oh? You know about her dress?" A familiar voice asked from behind her. She turned and smiled seeing Kan, appearing dressed nicely in a guard's uniform, a sword at his side. The child chuckled, knowing that was just a fancy toy for the Tiger in human form. It would be the last thing he reached for if it came to protection.
"No, but I know she's safe now. When your near , Mommy isn't far away." Raina replied sharing yet another smile. Kan knelt and bowed his head to her.
"As always, our Princess is as intelligent as she is fair." Kan replied with a slight purr to his voice. His respect for the child was a bit surprising.
"Are you one of Kyera's guards?" Vella asked raising an eyebrow. She had not seen Kan before and the way Raina seemed familiar with him was new. She had never been close to a guard before.