Catch a Tiger by the Tail

"Don't worry first Aunt, the Good big snake only eats the evil black bellied snakes. As long as your a good person he will protect you." Raina said with a smile. Clovis shot Feya a look that chilled her blood. She knew at that moment, though the words came from Raina's lips, it was a warning from Clovis' own heart.

"Oh, then I shall be fine, don't you think, Raina?" Feya asked, her voice velvety smooth. Raina seemed to think for a long moment and Feya's mind couldn't help but wonder how much he had told their child. Finally, Raina pursed her lips and began to speak.

"Yes, but you need to keep an eye on my cousins…" Raina replied seriously. Her sweet little face seemed truly concerned. Though Clovis was fairly sure why she said that he decided to prompt her anyway.

"And Why's that, Princess?" he asked and she looked up at her Father with true concern.

"They are young but they don't know any better and can be mean sometimes. The Good Indigo Snake doesn't like mean kids." she pointed out and he sighed, having expected this. Feya's interest was peaked.

"But they are close to your age, and two are older than you, Princess." Feya pointed out smoothly. Clovis shot her a death glare and she was lost. She didn't realize she said something wrong till Raina looked down at the edge of her sleeve, fiddling with it.

"Yes… but Beauty Lyra says I had to grow up faster because I didn't have a Mommy to protect me. They get to be kids longer and need more attention." Raina's response was like shards of ice digging into Feya's heart. Before Feya could respond, Clovis picked his little girl up. He placed a kiss to her soft raven hair and shot Feya a look that was filled with sorrow and disappointment of a broken heart.

"Let me walk you out, First Princess Feya." Clovis interceded before anymore could be said. Feya nodded and Clovis walked toward the doors. "Thank you, Feya. If it wasn't for you, I would have been too late to protect what I have." he whispered so Raina could not hear. He then turned and walked back inside, carrying his little girl to her room.

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The Beauty Palace of Winter Rains

Kyera stood quietly in the mirror looking at the slip she wore. Mally was preparing to wrap her in silks and satins again but Kyera shook her head. She raised a hand and swirled it several times. The shadows seemed to follow her every move. The cloth found itself wrapped and swirled around her, tied snuggly and carefully in place. A fox and a wolf tying the bow on her hip.