304 Blessings

"If I am the Fourth Princess and we manage to make him Emperor I will be Empress. I will be able to change the laws the tortured us and held us captive for all these years. I can protect my people with both our own army, but that of this nation. Many of you could find jobs at the palace and make respectable livings in city as well as the forest without Hiding. Isn't that what we have always worked toward?" Kyera asked them meeting each pair of eyes that stared back at her with her own challenge. The truth of her words struck a chord in their hearts. No one could refute that. Most the doubt had been dispelled with their determination alone. Clovis placed a gentle hand on her side showing his support for her words.

"You mean to say if the Dark ones come after us, the humans will help defend?" the wise old monkey asked. Kyera looked up at Clovis, this needed to be his response. She could respond but in all honesty, this wasn't about her proving herself. They were more concerned with his character as a Prince than hers as a Princess.

"Yes, should they leave or when I must send a army in after them. They will pay for spilling blood on this land." Clovis added firmly. There were ripples of surprise through the shifters before the surprise turned to consideration. Kyera couldn't help but smile as they started thinking this over. She had a good feeling about it.

"Are you both sure this is what you want?" Daxin asked, seeing that most the council seemed to be warming to the idea. He wasn't sure how he felt, in all honesty he didn't trust this young blood with the Princess. Without her they would have no one to lead them and sooth the young bloods thirst for revenge. There were many ways they could respond to this most recent tragedy, but revenge was not one of them. There would be no end to the number lost that way. So few had survived the first attack, more or less a second.

"Yes, Elder Daxin. I ask you grant me my request." Kyera replied and Clovis nodded in agreement, choosing to let his hold on Kyera's waist speak for itself. Daxin nodded and went to speak but before he could a cup landed hard on the table. Amber liquid splashed out onto the wood and floor.

"It seems the council has given you their blessing." Talis spoke loudly, looking at her from the shadows nearby. His voice caused her to jump and look back at the youth who watched her. "Gods help you." Talis added meeting her eyes. Kyera froze for a moment, her eyes diving into his. There was so much captured in those blue pools, so much like his brother's eyes. She felt a twinge of pain, was that betrayal she saw there? For the first time since Kyera made her decision, she felt ashamed. She had to explain.