18 Thirteen Men on Horseback Part 6

The prince walked forward, unaware the woman on her knees had a second form hidden within. Oblivious to the danger he stopped and nodded at her. "stand my Dear. Such a Noble warrior maid has every right to stand before her 4th prince." he replied coolly, offering her a hand to her feet. Kyera stood, but refused his hand.

"Thank you, but perhaps you should tell them that." she said motioning to the brutes who forced her to the ground. He frowned.

"You have done a great service for our kingdom. How did you find Princess Raina? We were on the chase but lost them not far from here." He offered, and she chuckled knowing his intentions better than he did himself. The princess however, looked at her father as if he was insane, but her timidness caused her to look away, aiming her eyes back at the ground.

"Your Majesty, let us be honest shall we? No confusing the forest for the trees. I was not part of a plot to kidnap the princess. I was simply in the right place, at the right time and happen to have a soft heart." She replied, her voice both amused and reassuring. The look in her eyes was bewitchingly sweet, drawing him in with her gentle mocking amusement. There was something almost brazen about this little warrioress. Something small that made him want to peel back the layers and find what makes her tick. However, that would damage her.. Perhaps a simple mind reading spell instead?

"I see. Well we will do a careful investigation. If you don't mind, where are you staying in case we have further questions?" The fourth prince asked with a smile. It was quite the smile, it even made her heart flutter for a moment and earned a tender smile. However, it quickly passed as she remembered the fourth prince, Clovis, had always been good with girls. Knowing what to say and when to give which look was a talent taught to all in the court, but very few became master's of it quite the way Clovis did.

"You can find me at the Market twice a week. I sell Medicines and cloth down by the triangle." She replied motioning toward the main bustling center of town. He raised an eyebrow and she chuckled. "Tiger's Eye Trinkets." He chuckled at the name, a bit in disbelief.

"Your the maiden of Tiger's Eye? My sisters and Mother rave of your shop. Softest cloth for sleeping and such. Perhaps I'll pay you a visit." He added with a smirk. Knowing she worked at such a prestigious shop actually calmed him a bit. It would not be easy to see her again, not as long as he had excuses to buy presents and spare coin. Speaking of coin he remebered a slight detail."How may I repay you?" he asked and she shook her head, rotating her less injured shoulder.

Something like a switch flipped in Kyeara's head. Suddenly she felt like she was being paid. Like she had killed for the sake of money. It didn't set well with her and she flashed him a pretty playful grin.

Her words seemed to strike a chord in the prince as he looked her over from head to toe. Her hair was a mess, but slightly sensual in its unkempt array. Her skin was flushed from the efforts but pink marks where bruises will soon turn black were scattered across her skin. Thin lines of blood here and there from a couple Jackal's claws were clear across her flesh. He sighed, too bad he had been so far away, he couldn't tell she was this battered at such a distance. Frankly.. He was impressed.