"Let me take the tea to the Empress Dowager, then we will see what we can do for Mally . " Akira replied placing the clay pot on a tray . The younger tigress looked at her a bit wary of her intentions .

"I told you, I have responsibilities… I can't do what you asked . " Kyera reminded her, unwilling to hope she had changed her mind . Akira raised an eyebrow and settled one hand on her sheet clad hip .

Advertis.e.m.e.nt"So what is your plan?" Akira asked turning to pick up the tea tray . She walked toward the door, motioning Kyera to follow . Uncertainty, her daughter followed, her steps careful .

"I will take her back to the base and try to heal her medicinally . " Kyera replied, honestly unsure that would work at this point . Akira poured a cup of tea on the tray she held . Once the cup was full of the warm honey golden liquid, . she pa.s.sed it to her daughter .

"drink it . " Akira urged and Kyera weighed her options . In the end she tossed back the tea . Her instincts and senses told her it wasn't poisoned and they hadn't failed her yet . The warm earthy tones, tingling of mint and cool soothing rose tones hid the medicinal herbal note beneath .

"Thank you . " Kyera spoke as the shadows seemed to surge through her . She felt as though her spirit was refreshed . Every inch of her hummed with power again . This was more than just a recovery, it was pure magic filtering into her system transforming into the keys to the barrier . She looked at Akira who chuckled at her wide eyed expression .

"Go on . The effects only last a few hours after which I suggest you pa.s.s out somewhere safe . Your body will take the sleep you need, regardless of whether or not you have time for it . " Akira advised, for a moment she sounded like the stern mother Kyera remembered . Where had this woman gone? Why had this mother left her children? Perhaps one day Kyera would ask .

"Thanks . " Kyera smiled softly before turning to head for the base, leaving Akira to enter the building behind her where the Empress Dowager awaited . She never noticed the knight approaching her mother's side .

"Queen Akira, was that Princess Kyera?" he asked running a hand through his deep crimson hair . His eyes followed the girl out of site . Concern in his eyes, but a sense of curiosity and intrigue on his face .

"Yes, it was . Oh and why didn't you tell me about my sons?" Akira asked turning to face the knight . He looked confused as he placed his help on his side, draping a arm off of it .

"So it's true . " he looked away for a moment sadly before coming back to her eyes . "It happened after I left . I only heard rumors and didn't want to break your heart over something that was just hear say . " he replied, shaking his head softly . "I have been looking into it but it seems the clan has kept it quiet . "

Akira nodded looking out into the forest after her daughter . That sounded like the clan . Keeping the blood hidden by the trees . Probably to protect Kyera from being asked about that night, whatever had happened . "It is true . Kyera told me herself, and she hates me for it . "

"She will come around . It was not your fault . Let's go see the Dowager Empress . " he purred turning Akira back toward the door . she nodded and walked inside to serve the Empress Dowager .