288 You Know the Truth Right?

"Kyera?" Clovis spoke gently from close behind her. She hadn't noticed him as he walked in. Nor when he had moved closer and placed his shoes on the bed. He was surprised to see her staring at the door he had come in without saying a word. It wasn't till tears appeared in her eyes that he became concerned enough to speak. "Kyera, I heard the yelling. Are you okay?" He pressed a bit more. SHe snapped out of it, those golden pools focusing again and looking toward him.

"I… I am fine. Clovis… I… You know my heart still belongs to another right? You know that though I care for you I still bleed for the loss of my first love." Kyera pointed out turning to face him. The Fourth Prince smiled gently at her. He moved closer, taking her hands in his, keeping his eyes focused on her.

"Kyera, I expect nothing else from you. Your heart and my own are both wounded from the death of two people, each held our hearts. I am simply looking for something safe for my daughter that can be comfortable for you and I." Clovis replied gently. His thumbs moved over the back of her hands to sooth her. "Don't feel as though you are betraying him, because you aren't. You are making the most of a bad situation and protecting your people in the process. If I have to explain this to them myself, I will." He whispered gently offering her a understanding smile. Kyera tried to return it with a smile of her own, but it didn't reach those lovley eyes.

"Thank you, Fourth Prince. I am just.. It was Mally. She… she can't forgive me." Kyera whispered and he frowned.

"Did she know you both…" He began and Kyera nodded.

"Yes. She knew me and Verone when we were children." Kyera replied gently guiding her hair out of her face. He nodded.

"I see. Kyera, let us go speak to your people. We can talk this out with them. If your people do not agree this is best for them, or if they do not understand, I will release you from your promise to marry me. How does that sound?" Clovis offered soothingly. He didn't want her to feel trapped or guilty for choosing to marry him. Her people were his own and in all honesty they were a side of the society that had been neglected for far too long. He had no intention of seeing them neglected any longer.

"Thank you, Fourth Prince. Shall we?" She asked soothing her braid yet again. He nodded, opening the door for her.

"Should I have a guard come along?" He asked curiously, honestly a bit concerned. IF there was so much unrest out there, would traveling alone be a good path? Kyera thought for a moment.

"I see, that sounds reasonable enough. Go ahead and see what you can about setting up a  escort. I will see to my morning duties with the court and let my father know I will be heading out for a while this afternoon. We can meet around lunch if you like?" He asked and Kyera smiled.

"That sounds best. I will go see what I can do about getting things set up. Are you going to tell The Empress and Emperor?" Kyera asked curiously. He smiled and nodded.