Raina stayed quiet for a long period after . Her little mind struggled to understand . Kyera's words had been more than she expected . There was another layer to her t.i.tle that she never understood . The pain in her mother's eyes were a testament to the words she had spoken .

"Do you know the weight of the crown?" Raina asked and Kyera smiled ruefully .

"Raina, do you know what someone is labeled if they even attempt to harm a royal child?" Kyera asked gently, looking away .

"A traitor… because it's a act of treason . " Raina replied, knowing this one . She was proud of herself for half a second .

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"Do you remember the day of the wedding, the tiger that chased you into the woods?" Kyera asked, continuing to lead the child down a rabbit whole .

"Yes, he's a traitor . " Raina agreed realizing where she was going with this . At least, she thought she did .

"Long before I met you, or your father he was my best friend, my confidant and…" she took a deep breath to steady herself "He was to be my husband . " Kyera replied looking into Raina's surprised little eyes . "If I ever meet him again, there will be no loving reunion . There will be no chance for us to be friends again . He attacked you, Princess . He became a traitor and I… it is my duty to end his life should I see him again . So I ask you, Princess Raina, do I know the weight of the crown?"

Raina's eyes misted over as she realized why there was so much pain in her mother's golden eyes, molten with emotion . She broke the s.p.a.ce barrier between them, and hugged her mom .

"I am sorry . " Raina whispered . "I will never take the crown lightly again . " Kyera hugged her taking in the child's crystal clear scent and the feel of her hair in her hands .

"I never thought you would, love . The thing is, I need you to understand, Raina that your uncle has gone to some extremes for this crown . Trying to subdue your father and his other compet.i.tion . Do your best not to become a p.a.w.n in his game . You are smart, and beautiful and they have no idea what skills you possess or hide . Remember who you are, and stand tall . You can outwit them if you try, and if wit wont work well there's always Talis and a sword by your side . " Kyera reminded her gently . Raina nodded, there was a solemn understanding in those pure blue eyes .

"I will, Mommy . We should rest now . " Raina suggested and Kyera sighed tearfully . This had been a exhausting conversation as well . No sooner than her head hit the pillow, sleep claimed her for it's own . Raina wasn't far behind, curling up beside her mother and falling asleep .

***************

In Alexi's Garden

"Are you sure this is what you want, Brother?" Alexi asked raising a eyebrow in disbelief . Clovis nodded resolutely .

"Yes . I have had more than enough time to consider it . This is what I want . " Clovis a.s.sured him . Alexi sat down next to him a bit dumbfounded . This was the last thing he had expected .

"Does Kyera know?" He asked, grasping at straws .

"No, my wife has her own troubles to be worried about . I am simply asking your help . She will support me whatever I do . " Clovis replied and Alexi nodded .

"Then I will do my best to fulfill your wish, My Brother . " Alexi replied sighing deeply . This was going to be a long, hard road .

"Thank you . I really had nowhere else to turn . " Clovis replied rather relieved as he sipped his drink .

"Well, I'm glad you turned to me . Should we go check on the ladies?" Alexi asked standing and Clovis followed suit .