The Dancing Winds palace still stood empty, untouched since the children had left . Raina's room was still as she left it, her weaving supplies organized on her low lying table . On her bed was the doll that the she had carried around when she was just a toddler . Alexi looked in from the doorway, his arms folded across his chest .
His eyes were fixed on his father who sat on the child's bed . The Emperor held the doll in his aged fingers, stroking it's lacy dress . It looked so strange, and out of place in his hands . There was longing in the old man's eyes, but Alexi felt no pity for him . It was his own fault The Empress and his dearest granddaughter had left with Kyera and Clovis .
"Father?" Alexi asked to get his attention after a few moments . He didn't want to be too cruel, he didn't have to be . The Emperor was conflicted enough without his help . If the pain ever lessened he would add to the fire then .
Advertisement
The old man jumped, setting the doll back on the bed . "The maids need to do a thorough cleaning . Even a child's room shouldn't be so disorganized . " He stated standing up . It was obvious the old man was trying to hide his feelings behind annoyance . Alexi just rolled his eyes, scowling inwardly at the old man's fake face .
"No, you need to get out of here . Brother and sister in law are at the city gates . " Alexi warned him clearly losing the politeness he had held before . Though this man still had the title of emperor he was a paper tiger, disregarded and dethroned by his own mother . It was only through her support that he had a chance to hold the throne to begin with .
"Ahh so Bastil and Feya have returned from gathering followers?" The Emperor asked as he stood from the child's bed .
"No, Prince Clovis and Princess Kyera have returned . " Alexi replied, his voice cold as ice . He turned and walked out, wasting no more time on the old man . He didn't want to listen to the scolding he would receive for calling Kyera Princess .
The Emperor's eyes widened as he followed his son out, and in the direction of the gates .
*************
Meanwhile in Town
The town square was abuzz with merchants, children, and shifters greeting their Prince and Princesses home again . Kyera and Raina were closely guarded by Lya and Talis, while Ryo followed Clovis . Raina sat on Talis's back as he carried her through the crowd . The trio had decided to stop for lunch before continuing onto the palace .
Kyera had led them to the same little place she and Clovis had eaten at only months ago, yet it felt like a lifetime . Once the three took their seats and their meals were served Raina looked about curiously .
"Why did we stop here rather than eating at the palace?" She asked out of curiosity . Kyera smiled at her gently .
"Honestly, it is my fault little one . I am craving Furoon Shya . It means feasting leaf in Forest tongue, and your sibling is hungry . " Kyera explained and her tummy growled as if agreeing with this sentiment . She opened a leaf and let Raina see the meat, rice, and leafy things that made up its filling .
"OH, well we will have to learn to make them . Especially if baby like them . Right, Daddy?" Raina asked looking at him expectantly . Both parents chuckled seeing that she was going to be a indulgent elder sister .
"Actually, your Mother makes better ones than anyone else in this kingdom or the Frost Lands . " A man offered as he walked over to the table . He bowed to Clovis then turned to Kyera . She tensed . She still wasn't use to being on civil terms with this tiger . Talis put himself between Kyera and Kan, growling a warning as his teeth bared .
Chapter end
Report
|
Donate
Oh o, this user has not set a donation button.
|