95 Tea and a Show Part 2

"That is… is unfortunate. I am certain a good match will be found for you, if i must seek it myself." he offered honestly enjoying the idea of creating a closer bond with this woman. A medicinal genius did not come along often and were of great importance if used correctly.

Mally watched astonished as her old friend majestically turned a her weakest points into endearing traits that led royal family right into her hands. She wondered why she had bothered to worry, Kyera was, after all a very peculiar princess.

"So, Kyera, will you be staying long?" Queen Kira asked, blowing daintily on her tea. Kyera turned to look at her for a moment. She hesitated and batted her eyelashes slowly, as if clearing a thought from her head. A soft blush tinted her cheeks as if she had a thought she did not dare speak aloud. Instead she shyly looked back up at the Queen and cleared her throat softly.

"I won't impose on your hospitality long, I assure you. I plan to go back to the mountain tops till my Master Half Eye returns. Afterall, I would be in the way here." Kyera replied softly, her voice hinting she already felt like a bother. The Emperor heard that and found her shyness endearing, humility and humbleness refreshing compared to those who seemed to believe they deserved his praise.

"How long will he be away?" The Emperor asked curiously and Kyera thanked the gods silently. She sighed softly, wiping her lips lightly with the cloth napkin next to her cup. It was obvious she was searching for a answer that would suffice.

"Quite a while I am afraid. I will be alone on the mountain… it's not a problem. I love the silence and the trees." she comments with a smile but there was a slightly forced quality to it. Kyera's acting was flawless as she sipped her tea with a wistful expression.

"How long has he been gone?" The Empress Dowager asked frowning at the girl's posture. Such a delicate thing shouldn't be left alone in the woods. She looked capable enough, but not quite healthy enough to be on her own in such a unforgiving wood. A completely healthy maid could become sickly with the bite of the wrong disease.

"Almost 3 weeks. I came to get the antidotes and see my sister since since I had permission. Of course I wouldn't dare impose on your Majesty's lands often…" Kyera explained quickly, letting him draw his own thoughts from her carefully planned words. His eyes softened at her, something about her seemed to remind him of Little Vella whom he had not seen in far too long.

"After what you have done for us today, Lady Moon, I wish to offer you a position in the palace. I would like you to be a Lady of My Medicinal Court." He offered, sitting back as he watched her face. Kyera's showed an appropriate amount of shock and hope in her eyes. As the emotions played out on her face he smiled, feeling even more sure of his decision.

"She is a bit young, don't you think, Emperor?" Queen Kira asked softly, Her voice submissive even as she directly challenged his decision. Kyera looked at the Queen and then down at her lap, obviously feeling uncomfortable by Kira's comment. The Emperor scoffed, causing the Queen to freeze for a moment.