The Next Day
Kyera stood holding the package her brother had given to her that morning. Her mind wandered through a plethora of questions and she held the parcel. Was she doing the right thing? Was there really a right and wrong here? She wasn't sure. It's what she wanted. That much she knew. She watched the steam rise lazily from the single serving teapot in front of her. The streak of pale grey curled and swirled off dissipating into the gardens. She had been taking this brew for nearly a week and it was nasty stuff.
Yet; she kept drinking the bitter cup day after day. Mainly because she could feel the effect it had on the baby. She felt stronger and more energetic as if the child wasn't sapping her energy to create itself. Her hand came down to caress the cub as she waited for her guard.
Kan walked out of the forest clearing, shying away from the two knights who guarded the gate. It was subconscious, and no one would have thought anything of it, except those who knew him. These two men didn't, yet his reaction was the same. Her hands gripped the package in her hands a little tighter.
Kan swept a low bow before her, in a way she still wasn't comfortable with. There was something… different about a bow. Taking a knee as a night was not as… vulnerable perhaps? She wasn't sure but she hoped he wouldn't do so again after today.
"You sent for me, My Lady?" He asked, his voice a tired purr. Between keeping watch on her and the Princess as well as avoiding the knights he was exhausted. She wasn't sure when the last time he had slept actually was.
"Yes, I did. I have something for you… a gift that is worth more than gold, and weighs more than the same even in the smallest amounts." Kyera replied smoothly. The words caused him to think, but his eyes flicked to the package in her hands. Confusion filled his expression as he looked at her.
"I wonder what such a precious gift this must be, Kyera. A bell so you can hear me coming?" He teased playfully. She had to admit it was a damn good idea. She couldn't hear him when he watched over her. He couldn't hide from shadow sense but he did a decent job at hiding in general.
"My trust." Kyera replied honestly as she held out the package. Kane's expression changed, his surprise and wary nature clashed as he took the package from her. Casting an uncertain look at her he set the package on the table and untied the knot.
As he slid the twine off, and pulled the brown cloth open his fingers trembled. He cast one more glance at her as if seeing if she was laughing at him, or toying with him. Either way tears pricked his eyes as he recognized the white shift and green tunic carefully embroidered with milky white vines and detailed leaves. A leather belt with its sheath clip still in place.
"A Forest Knight's best armor is his skill, but his uniform is a symbol of trust and acceptance of its Princess. Do you accept the responsibility to protect out people and respect the human crown? Do you take this path and swear an oath to obey the law of the forest and loyalty to your Princess and through her the crown of the land?" Kyera asked him, her voice clear and strong. It was only then that he realized she was serious.
Kan knelt, bowing his head to her and she cleared her throat. He looked up at her, taking the stance of a knight, straight backed and up as he addressed her. "My Lady, Princess Kyera I dedicate my blade, my loyalty, and my life to defend our people, the crown, and my brothers in arms. My claws, however are dedicated to You alone. May I never betray your trust." Kan replied completely unaware of how deeply his words would touch her.