178 Law or Life Part 2

"Let me take the tea to the Empress Dowager, then we will see what we can do for Mally." Akira replied placing the clay pot on a tray. The younger tigress looked at her a bit wary of her intentions.

"I told you, I have responsibilities… I can't do what you asked." Kyera reminded her, unwilling to hope she had changed her mind. Akira raised an eyebrow and settled one hand on her sheet clad hip.

"So what is your plan?" Akira asked turning to pick up the tea tray. She walked toward the door, motioning Kyera to follow. Uncertainty, her daughter followed, her steps careful.

"I will take her back to the base and try to heal her medicinally." Kyera replied, honestly unsure that would work at this point. Akira poured a cup of tea on the tray she held. Once the cup was full of the warm honey golden liquid,.she passed it to her daughter.

"drink it." Akira urged and Kyera weighed her options. In the end she tossed back the tea. Her instincts and senses told her it wasn't poisoned and they hadn't failed her yet. The warm earthy tones, tingling of mint and cool soothing rose tones hid the medicinal herbal note beneath.

"Thank you." Kyera spoke as the shadows seemed to surge through her. She felt as though her spirit was refreshed. Every inch of her hummed with power again. This was more than just a recovery, it was pure magic filtering into her system transforming into the keys to the barrier. She looked at Akira who chuckled at her wide eyed expression.

"Go on. The effects only last a few hours after which I suggest you pass out somewhere safe. Your body will take the sleep you need, regardless of whether or not you have time for it." Akira advised, for a moment she sounded like the stern mother Kyera remembered. Where had this woman gone? Why had this mother left her children? Perhaps one day Kyera would ask.

"Thanks." Kyera smiled softly before turning to head for the base, leaving Akira to enter the building behind her where the Empress Dowager awaited. She never noticed the knight approaching her mother's side.

"Queen Akira, was that Princess Kyera?" he asked running a hand through his deep crimson hair. His eyes followed the girl out of site. Concern in his eyes, but a sense of curiosity and intrigue on his face.

"Yes, it was. Oh and why didn't you tell me about my sons?" Akira asked turning to face the knight. He looked confused as he placed his help on his side, draping a arm off of it.

"So it's true." he looked away for a moment sadly before coming back to her eyes. "It happened after I left. I only heard rumors and didn't want to break your heart over something that was just hear say." he replied, shaking his head softly. "I have been looking into it but it seems the clan has kept it quiet."