Family Despite Royalty Part 1

The roast rabbit was already expertly mixed with the filling as Kyera sprinkled and dashed seasoning into the large wooden bowl. She tossed and mixed it as the Melania engaged Lalia in a conversation about their home coming.

"I was surprised to see how affectionate you were when we got home." Melania commented winking at Lalia, her voice teasing. Lalia giggled and blushed a bit.

"Yes well once the issue with the Empress was solved our evening got even more affectionate." Lalia hinted with a bashful grin. Kyera chuckled, well aware she was boasting her pride in her husbands love.

"I am happy for you. Its obvious he missed you very much." Melania replied politely. There was a note in her voice that made Kyera raise a brow. Did she not see it?

"It didn't look like we were the only ones whose husbands couldn't keep their hands off them." Kyera commented as she peaked at Raina who was helping her cousins work a meat roasting spit. Once she was sure her father had it under control Kyera came back to their discussion fully.

"Oh? You think so?" Melania asked glancing over at her husband who was laughing at something Bryson had said.

"Honey, he helped you off the carriage and defended you to the Empress. A man doesn't go against his grandmother out of obligation. Offering to take your punishment? Do you think Bastil would have done that for Feya?" Kyera asked raising an eyebrow. Melania looked down, focusing on preparing the leaves as Kyera moved behind her own station. The girls began carefully filling and folding their own little leaf pouches.

"Kyera has a point. He can't take his eyes off you tonight either. Everytime I look over he's looking away because you looked up to look at him." Lalia pointed out with a chuckle. Kyera smiled and giggled as well. Melania blushed and flicked her eyes his direction to find him turning his head… or was it wishful thinking.

"Made you look." Lalia teased and Melania shot her a look, embarrassed that she had been caught peeking.

"We have a relationship built on respect. He's a warrior." Melania whispered and Kyera raised her eyebrows as she rolled another packet and put it over the fire to join the other 20 on the rack.

"Warriors often have both the best blessing and curse in relationships. Iron control, and respect but the counter of assuming and preparing for the worst." Kyera told her as she pulled the finished packets off and layered Lalia and Melania's finished packets.

"Oh? Worst?" Lalia asked honestly curious now. Kyera seemed to have insite that neither palace girl had ever had before.

"Yes, I would wager your father arranged your marriage?" Kyera asked and Melania nodded.

"Yes, we wed right before he went to war." Melania replied and Kyera nodded.

"Oh? I see. So in his mind your a present." Kyera shook her head slowly and Melania frowned. She wasn't a toy to be given away.

"I am not a possession." She replied a bit defensively and Kyera smiled.

"No you aren't, but you also didn't choose that wedding. His duty didn't allow him to disgrace you by refusing your hand. However, his warrior's mind knew you did not love him. He had to have an heir, but his honor refused to take your choice to love away. No matter how he cares for you, he will control it." Kyera tried to explain this but honestly she was struggling. Explaining a warrior's heart to someone who wasn't raised with the same codes.

"But… I do love him." Melania replied softly and felt her heart squeeze. She avoided looking toward him.

"Then try showing him some affection." Kyera replied "Take a chance. Steal a kiss." She suggested, leaning forward so her voice couldn't be overheard. Melania blushed and Kyera smiled as they heard the children laughing. Kyera turned to see Clovis and Damar playing or rather wrestling with the children. The two boys and Raina teaming up on the father's causing the brothers to team up tickling and playing with their kids. Alexi has scooped his daughter up and is tickling her teasingly, but out of reach of the skirmish on the ground.

"Oh goodness what are they doing?" Lalia giggled at the complete disarray of the court yard as well as the nervous servants. This was a site they hadn't seen before.

"It is called playing." Kyera replied and Lalia shot her a glare. "Oh come now girls. Just because your royals doesn't mean you aren't a family and that they aren't fathers."