"Thank you, My Lord . My reasons are pure, I a.s.sure you . I have no intention to seek vengeance . Only to prevent and protect future harm to my Kingdom and my family . " Clovis replied placing his fists together and bowing his head in grat.i.tude . The Emperor nodded, knowing the sincerity of the actions he just witnessed .

"We will hold the ceremony tomorrow, however there is a slight problem . " The Emperor pointed out finis.h.i.+ng his tea . Reflexively, Clovis poured him another . "You are several steps behind your brothers . " he pointed out taking another sip . The realization took a second to sink into Clovis' mind . He indeed was behind the steps .

Advertis.e.m.e.nt"Yes, I am aware however they are not difficult ones to pa.s.s and I am ahead of my brothers in a couple more difficult areas . " he countered realizing why The Dowager Empress had been so helpful the last few days . She had been silently working on his war path . The Emperor raised a brow .

"Oh and in what ways?" he asked honestly pleasantly surprised . Clovis seemed to have thought this through more than he expected .

"First off, I have taken over palace duties already . I manage the budget meetings and inspect the troops on a regular basis . I also have the support of several foreign dignitaries including my brother in law and The Emperor of the Flaming Wolf Country . " Clovis pointed out stirring his tea . The leaves danced around the cup as he did so . The Emperor chuckled pleasantly .

"That is true . Lord ShadowVeil and Lord Celestor are both very strong Allies . The palace duties are good additions, but you still need a wife and a beast . " The Emperor replied logicly . The statement sounded like a warning but he knew the Emperor was also praising him . Clovis winced slightly at the mention of a wife and the Emperor sighed

"You know you have to let what happened go and find a new wife . " The Emperor reminded him gently . He knew the boy's wound still burned deep within . Little did he know, the death of the first Fourth Princess Taleena had not caused the deepest wound in Clovis' battered heart . Another name was etched on that blade .

""Yes, Father . Mally will help me find a decent beast to fit my hand . A bride will take a bit longer, perhaps but I will solve both issues soon . " Clovis replied, honestly wanting to see Mally . He knew her calm mind would sooth him greatly . She had a way about her, like the soothing spring or graceful dance of a jungle cat .

"Good . I suggest you begin working on both . I will set things in order for the meeting tomorrow . Your brothers will be there . " the mention was more than just a pa.s.sing statement . It was a thinly veiled warning . The 5 brothers would fight Clovis entering the race again . He was the rightful heir according to status, and he would have the backing of the Elders . "Beauty Mally currently has a visitor . Her sister I believe . " The Emperor added, remembering he was to meet the pair shortly . Now it was Clovis' turn to be surprised . That gave the Emperor a small surge of satisfaction .

"I see . I will bother her later then . For now I must tend to Raina . I have taken to checking on her every few hours now if she's left with the Queens . " he replied standing to bow . The Emperor sighed and nodded slowly . He took a small jade pendant from beside his seat .

It was a small lion cub carved from jade and tied to a elaborately woven children's belt . A few beads hung from the straps . "Take this cord . It is to give her access to the Cold Palace . The guards will not stop her from taking the main path . I do not want her lost again . " The Emperor admitted as his son took the soft brown cord from him . The purple beads made it clear this was made for Raina . It wasn't something he had laying around .

Clovis stared at it a moment, a torrent of conflicting emotions running through him . 'Perhaps the Emperor feels remorse?' he wondered quietly before nodding . After one last bow he left the Emperor to finish his tea .