278 A Kiss

Her heart beat felt faster as she danced with him. Each step he took she followed until he smiled. There was a step and then he dipped her back, her weight balanced on his arm. She didn't have time to gasp before Clovis caught her attention. He leaned in, warmth and energy crackled between them as his lips slowly approached her own.

She watched, her mind going blank as she waited for that touch. The room around her was focused in, every eye was focused on The Fourth Prince and the Medicine Woman he was about to kiss. At the last moment his lips changed paths and placed a gentle kiss to her forehead. It was a soft, reassuring touch of lips to skin taking away her worries like a magic spell. There was a sense of intimacy that Kyera struggled to understand as her cheeks turned red from the heat rushing up. Then he swung the stunned Lady to her feet bringing her ear to his lips.

He whispered three soft words into her ear but then the dance continued on. Kyera couldn't be sure what she heard… was it 'I want to' or did he say 'I want you'? She wondered as he guided her through the rest of the dance. She couldn't decide and yet she found herself wishing it had been 'you'. Yet she dare not hope for so much, not when she held such secrets from him. Her heart torn by conflict as his warm kiss still tingling on her forehead. The feeling both heavenly and hellacious as it toyed with her emotions muddling her thoughts even more. She simply committed herself to the dance he offered.

She was glad he didn't kiss her here, in front of all these people. At least she thought she was. However, as the song came to the end and he let her go, she found she didn't want to leave his side. Clovis bowed slightly to her and Kyera was in a daze as she curtsied for him.

"Thank you, Lady Kyera. I enjoyed that very much." he praised her before letting go of her hand. Kyera smiled snapping out of her shock.

"No, thank you, Fourth Prince. I could not think of a better ending for us this evening." she replied as she tried to catch her breath and emotions both.

"I want to see you when this is done for the night. Please meet me at the Balcony before you go." Clovis requested, knowing she would never refuse. She smiled and nodded as he waited for an answer. Seeing her response he turned away and looked for his mother.

Empress Evelyn sat quietly in the same corner of the room she had been in all night. He made his way toward her, seeing the knowing look on her face told him she already knew. Beside her however, stood a man he didn't expect to see. The Emperor standing tall at his wife's side. Clovis couldn't believe that he was standing so protectively at his first wife's side.

"Raina has been sent to bed." Eve offered when he looked at the chair the child had been in all night.

"Clovis, we both know what you want, son. Yes." The Empress replied to his complete shock. He had been prepared to argue his point and deal with the disagreements he had expected. At the very least he expected to have to explain what he wanted. He was left speechless as he looked between his parents for a moment lost for words.

"Clovis it should not be a surprise that we know. Raina loves the girl and you invited her yourself. We both knew she was a strong contender in your eyes. She's been your greatest support since she came to us." Empress Eve replied her eyes warm and loving as she took a moment to find Kyera in the crowd. The girl was drinking tea and talking to a few of the other girls. It seemed to be idle chit chat.