The Tiger Within 314 Breakfast with the In Laws to Be Part 4

"Empress, this breakfast is for you and I to meet our daughter in law. I do not see a reason to put her under so much pressure for her first family meal. I thought you would like best if it was you, me, and the Empress Dowager." The Emperor replied, honestly having thought this through a bit before making the decision. He wanted to keep some of the pressure off of Empress Evelyn as well. She had enough stress with her legs having issues, there was no reason to add to it by making her face people she was not overly comfortable with. No matter how much he had wanted them to be perfectly compatible, he had to accept Evelyn did not feel at ease with the other two ladies.

She was stunned for a moment, but finally a small smile appeared on her face. For the first time in a while, that soft smile reflected in her eyes. "Thank you, I appreciate your concern for my daughter in law to be as well as myself." Empress Evelyn replied and he placed a gentle hand on hers.

"Your feelings matter, dear." He added before smiling at their granddaughter who seemed to watch them curiously. She noticed the way the pair were reacting to one another and was surprised. There was something there she had never seen between them before.

"Oh, Emperor did you hear what your GrandDaughter did at the Ball?" The Empress asked trying to get the attention off herself. He beamed with pride, trying to contain his reaction and keep a straight face.

"No, I am afraid I did not. What happened, Princess?" The Emperor asked, giving her a chance to speak.

"I played the Zither for the dance! Lady Kyera started the song and let me take up when I was ready. We did a really nice duet, Emperor." Raina replied her smile shy but filled with pride. The Emperor raised an eyebrow rather surprised.

"I see. I didn't realize your skill were so advanced." he commented with a bit of a soft smile. He was pleased the princess had a skill she could boast now. A proper skill he could show off and support his grand Daughter with as he did his grandsons. He wasn't blind enough not to realize he seemed to favor the boys. She was just so much less noticeable and demanding. Little did he know, that wasn't on her own account. Even the brightest star can be hidden if the clouds are determined to hide its splendor.

"Yes, you should hear her play some time. Raina has developed her hand and voice well since her training began." The Empress offered smiling at her grandchild. The Emperor smiled nodding gently, his eyes thoughtful.

"Yes, yes we shall. You play the Zither, correct, my dear? Is your practice instrument holding well?" he asked realizing the amount of practice could wear out an instrument quickly.

"I do not use a practice instrument. Mom… Lady Kyera allows me to use her own zither." Raina replied adjusting how she was sitting to be more postured.

"Oh? I wasn't aware she played. I know she was teaching you but I have never heard her play." The Emperor replied and Raina nodded.

"That is because her Zither is special. It's made of wood that grows in the spirit realm. She plays as part of her dedication to the God of Shadows." Raina replied. Both Emperor and Empress glanced at each other, a bit surprised to hear that. They had both known she worshiped him but they never thought the Princess did. Red flags went off.

"Who do you play for, Raina?" The Empress asked, giving her the chance to set them straight. Raina smiled brightly.

"I play for the Goddess Mischief. She is the goddess of children, and laughter." Raina explained with a twinkle in her eyes. The Emperor sighed in relief.

"Who taught you about her? Your tudors?" The Emperor asked. Raina looked puzzled. She paused not wanting to answer him. Kyera and Clovis approached hearing this question Kyera couldn't help but frown. She didn't really want to see Princess Raina put on the spot like this.

"My Lord Emperor, Lady Empress." Kyera didn't hesitate to greet them both clasping her hands over her left hip before curtsying to them both. She allowed herself to count to five in her head before standing again.

"Welcome Lady Kyera, please sit. Join Us." The Emperor welcomed, his voice kind and jovial. Kyera smiled gratefully and turned to pull out her chair to find Clovis already hand. He winked at her, a simple flirting motion as though he hadn't noticed the Emperor or Empress sitting across from her in full view.

Chapter end