"Oh? I see . What do you need to see me in secret about, My Lady?" He asked sitting down, and pouring two gla.s.ses of tea at the table . The liquid still steaming against the cold air . He blew gently on the surface before handing her the gla.s.s . Kyera took it and sipped it gratefully letting the liquid to warm her body from the inside out . SHe lowered to her knees beside the table . It was nice to relax for a moment after running in the snow and the ice .

Advertis.e.m.e.nt"Clovis, earlier you asked me to marry you . I told you there were some things I had to look into before I could give you an answer?" Kyera reminded him gently . She figured there was no use in dragging this out . He nodded .

"Yes I remember that conversation . " He agreed figuring there was much more to it . Clovis put effort into not getting his hopes up too far .

"I need you to swear no matter what I say or show you, you will only blame me . No one else will come to harm because of this . I am asking for your word . " Kyera replied seriously . He raised an eyebrow stareing at her for a long moment . What could she be so afraid of? It was clear on her face she was unsure and worried for how he would respond . What on earth could make him harm her?

"I give you my word as your Prince and as a man . I will do my best to take it in stride . " Clovis replied calmly, falling back on his regal demeanor . He trusted her, perhaps more than he should, but nonetheless he did . If it was a mistake, it wasn't one he regretted .

"Alright… Well… here it goes then . " Kyera set the tea cup down on the table and stepped back so she was about 8 feet away and between him and the balcony . If things went badly, she would need an escape route . She watched him closely, her heart thumping in her chest . The power of the shadows swirled inside her, aware of what she was doing . It was as though her father knew, and was supporting her choice . Perhaps it was just wishful thinking . It went against everything she had ever taught, everything she had dedicated herself to . She had to, there was no way around it but it was stressful . His understanding and kindness was still in his eyes, soothing her heart just a bit . In the back of her mind she prayed she would never see hatred and anger in those warm blue pools .

Clovis watched curiously, but stayed where he was . She was already nervous there was no need to make her even more so . Moments later he watched as her body blurred like softened clay . A blur of white and silver, her shape changed and her body arched and contorted . The shadows swirling around her just enough to hide her body from view as she finished her transformation .

Within several short moments, A white tigress with silver stripes stood where Kyera had been only moments before . She sat down so to look less intimidating as her soft warm fur fought off the cold that had been encasing her human skin . She couldn't enjoy it though she was focused on him, his expression of shock .  The golden eyes he knew so well staring back at him . "Please don't scream . " She whispered softly, and not for the first time she hoped he would listen .