Unlike the other earthy palaces, Alexi's humble home was anything but . The walls were made of white stone that had been polished smooth . Wood and gold arched doorways and soft blue paint and glass made up accents throughout the home . There were murals on some walls of birds flying in small groups across walls, down hallways, and birds of prey perched in ceiling corners . It was magnificent and glowing with life .
Raina looked around, her little mind curious as she had never been in her Uncle's palace . There were too many people for her to run into, both on the way here and in these very halls . However, now her father was here and so was Mother and Talis . There was nothing that could touch her with her family so near . Thinking of family she missed Grandmother, and Grandfather Mordakai . She wondered what they were doing now .
Meanwhile she was led to a central room, it was a room with eight walls, and on every other wall there was a arch, leading down one hallway or another . The layout of the palace was very interesting . There were several servants scuttling about, hurrying about their tasks with a bit of urgency . It was as if the master of the house was a fire breathing dragon who needed things exactly right to be appeased .
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"I had the servants prepare two rooms, adjoining and both well guarded . You three can get some rest and we will talk to Father and the Holding Empress when you feel refreshed . " Alexi offered as he motioned to the hallways behind him . Several servants, men and women stood ready to show them the way . Kyera smiled, the smile weary and almost angelic on her gentle face . Clovis nodded .
"Kyera and the baby need rest at the very least . I would like to catch up with you, brother . That is, if you have the mind to waste a little time with me?" Clovis asked with a bit of a teasing smile . Alexi seemed to consider this for several seconds . His expression was almost too serious to be believed . In fact, even little Raina didn't believe it .
"I will go with Mommy and lay down . You two be good . Lya please make sure they behave . " Raina ordered the panther who seemed to salute her . Kyera smiled as her daughter took her hand and led her to follow the servants .
The two men watched the girls go with warm smiles as the panther stayed to watch them both . "Raina has grown up so much . She's quite the young lady . " Alexi complimented honestly impressed at what a change just a few weeks had made .
"Yes, I wish I could say it was completely my doing . However, I'm afraid Shadow Veil and the Royals there have done a world of good for her . she has confidence and skills I never dreamed she would take to so easily . " Clovis admitted as he and his brother walked side by side .
Of the two, Clovis was more slender and fair boned . Though taller than Alexi, the elder boy was more muscular and built for bow as well as sword . They were a stark contrast, like Fae and Elf . They were carved from the same cloth but one more sturdy than the other .
Back inside the room, the servants placed piping hot tea and a assortment of cakes on a plate in the room . Kyera and Raina sat down to tea, unable to turn down non ration food . The cakes were lovely and a perfect blend of tart and sweet . One was even topped with dragon fruit, one of Kyera's favorites and apparently, the babies too .
"I am glad to be back, but I miss my room . " Raina offered the conversation and Kyera smiled .
"We will be back in the Palace of Dancing Winds soon . There is just some misunderstandings . " Kyera tried to reassure her but Raina frowned putting down the raspberry tart in her hands .
"Mommy, will you be honest with me?" Raina asked and the danger sensors went off in Kyera's head . There were so many dangerous questions and even more dangerous answers if the child had the mind to ask . However, Kyera felt she didn't really have a choice .
"I will always be as honest as I can, Raina . " Kyera replied tactfully and Raina nodded . It was apparent the child had expected a answer like that .
"Good . Then why did First Uncle Bastil cause trouble for Daddy?" Raina asked, those pretty blue eyes boring into Kyera's very soul .
She knew whatever her answer may be, it would shape their relationship from this day forward . The full truth, which would cause conflict, or a simplification and a bit of selective omission to calm the child's fears . Which was the right choice as a mother? As a Princess? As a Warrior?
Chapter end
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