342 Unilateral Decisions

Moonlight poured down on the gardens as the aftermath unfolded. Chairs were overturned, people were wounded and a few had fallen during the fight. The guards cleared the bodies, and maids cleaned up after the messes. The royal family saw odd the guests before retiring to the main hall by the demand of the Emperor.

Kyera and Clovis were the last to arrive. They had both insisted on taking Raina to the gypsy camp where they knew she would be surrounded by protection. It was all too clear the Darkness had been focused on her. There was no way they could take any chances when it came to their Princess. Daxin and several warriors would escort the child home while her parents were busy with the Emperor.

The rest of the royal family had already gathered at the table. The Emperor sat in his seat at the middle against the wall, at his right, was Queen Kira, followed by Bastil, Feya and the Second Queen and Alexi. On the left was the Empress waiting for Clovis and now Kyera to take their seats. The newly weds did so gratefully, both having put so much energy forth that they were completely exhausted.

"Kyera, do not take a seat yet." The Emperor requested and she stopped, and instead moved out from behind the table. There was a sense of confusion and exhaustion in the room when he made his request, but the tension underlying was more her concern. Mordrin and his father were still busy, and Clovis could only back her so much against his father. She held her head high.

"Yes, Your Majesty, is there something wrong?" Kyera asked, clasping her hands in front of her. She refused to be flustered. Clovis watched uneasily, but also did not take his seat though he had already pulled out his chair. He stood wavering before it.

"Fourth Prince Clovis, you may be seated." The Emperor added as if he expected that was what his son was waiting for. Clovis pushed the chair back in, having made his decision.

"I will take my seat when my bride joins me." Clovis replied smoothly folding his arms and standing at his place. Kyera frowned looking at her new husband with worried eyes. He had taken quite a beating, and if she was to be honest, she knew his body had not been ready for such a fight. It was a miracle he survived but there was a good chance he was rather beat up under those robes. She wanted to insist he sit, but the look on his face told her there was nothing she could say to make him do so. Instead, she left him his pride.

"I insist you sit. There is no need for such formality. You were brutalized at that wedding as was your brother, Alexi. I expect you need to rest." The Emperor replied frowning, his voice an octave higher as his son defied him.

"So was My Wife while protecting my child. Our child. I see no reason I should sit before she does." Clovis insisted and The Emperor frowned.