466 Cost of the Crown Part 1

Raina watched her, giving Kyera a moment to decide how to answer. Finally, Kyera realized there was no right answer, there was only her answer. Without knowing the facts, how could Raina make a informed decision?

"Raina, I love you baby. This… is a really complicated question and it is loaded with repercussions. I will answer it, but realize once I do you will have to listen to your heart to make your decisions from there. I can't say your decision nor can your father. This has to be you." Kyera replied carefully. Raina looked a slight bit confused, her little eyebrows furrowed.

"Okay, Mommy will you still love me no matter what I choose?" Raina asked as the pair sat facing each other on the bed. Kyera chuckled and leaned in Kissing Raina's forehead to banish those fears.

"You, my love, will always be my daughter.

Your choices are yours, but you will always be mine." Kyera soothed her and Raina nodded confident now.

"Okay, I want to know." Raina decided finally. Kyera nodded, having expected as much. It was best the child knew what she was asking for at any rate.

"Your father and Bastil are both trying for the throne. Your Father, being first born, has the support of the Emperor, and being a good man he has the support of the soldiers, guard, and the people. Bastil has two outside royals and the nobles. So, your father has a better chance of being Emperor." Kyera explained as objectively as she could. Her love for Clovis slipped into her description just a bit, but there was no way she could try to hide that even if she tried for a hundred years.

"But Alexi is in the same race,  as is Damar why don't they cause trouble?" Raina asked and Kyera smiled softly.

"Because Alexi is a good Prince, and knows that your father is the best option for Emperor. He wants what's best for his people. You see he knows he can't beat Bastil but your father can." Kyera explained patiently. Raina nodded, that made sense.

"Why would Bastil be a bad Emperor?" Raina asked. Kyera took a deep breath. She was pleased Raina had gained enough confidence to speak her pretty little mind. However, she had never expected that inside Raina's head lived a very intelligent torture master.

"There is a saying that my family has used since  they chose their Crest. Those who seek power the most, often are least fit for the role." Kyera remembered those words, from a distant memory. It had always stuck with her, but she also wasn't sure who had said those words.

"Okay?" Raina wasn't sure she understood. Afterall, that sounded a bit strange. "But doesnt the one who seeks it most put the most effort in and deserve it?"