Catch a Tiger by the Tail

The two humans standing nearby watched in awe as as the fairy and the white haired maiden spoke in the twinkling tongue of fae and elf. The pair never cast a look at the other two, but the fairy was obviously begging to the cold, compassionless eyes of the slighted woman. The exchange of words only took a few moments, and each second Kyera seemed more like a nobel woman in the eyes of the Second Prince. The last of it sounded like an order as the fae flew away. Kyera turned back to the lion gently stroking his fur.

"You will be alright, Wild One. Just wait now." Kyera whispered reassuringly, laying her forehead to that of the lion. The great cat's eyes slowly opened and looked up at her, pain and trust seems to blend in those warm brown orbs. A soft smile creased her lips, reassuring and sweet. Raina watched her, seeing the the red in Kyera's hair for the first time. Confusion and worry inched its way into her heart, but then she saw it.

Raina's eyes fell to the wounded lion and a shocked little O formed on her lips. The wound was mostly obscured by Kyera's dress and her position, but the little that could be seen still looked painful. The child moved to the head of the lion and sat down, petting him lovingly. "What happened to Rasha?" she asked turning shimmering eyes on Kyera.

"Well," Kyera began to respond only for a woman's voice to cut her off as though she had never spoken. It was annoying for Kyera, being as in the forest no one would cut her off, they had manners there. Here she was simply a captive in desperate need of escape, whether the humans around her knew it or not.

"That is a very, very good question. Why wasn't I informed that something so tragic had happened?" The crowd around Kyera bowed or knelt depending on their station. Kyera was already on the ground and paid no heed to the Queen who entered the room.

She hardly cared at the moment, even if the emperor himself came, Kyera's attention was more useful paid to the lion's comfort than to the royals here. The only thing She did note that Raina flinched at this woman's voice and her heart grew fierce. The inner tiger threatening to break free. Anyone causing a child to react in such a way was not a good person. "Send for the Emperor!" she demanded as if it hadn't already been done. Two servants hurried away to do her bidding as Alexi shook his head quietly. They had sent for him a couple hours ago now, but affairs of state had held him at bay. Sending for him again and delaying his work would only extend his absence.

"Mother, it seems the Emperor's Rashan was bit by a trap that was coated in poison. It seems someone decided to try trapping in the Winter Gardens." Alexi explained watching as the apparently grief stricken woman walked over to the wounded lion. The emotion seemed hollow after the rush of Emotion he had seen from Kyera. It was a wonder anyone believed her.