An Interesting Dinner Part 3

"Not at all. These things happen. Come sit at my other side." he ushered her after the glass was off her dress. A pair of maids clean the remnants of the mess.

"Thank you." Kyera lowered herself at his other side, resting on the chair. Clovis took his seat again. Turning his eyes back to Viren.

"As you were saying?" Clovis asked while Mordrin and Viren shared a glance. There had been something there… between the pair for a fleeting moment. Both men wondered if they had imagined that spark between prince and princess.

"I was saying that No. That would not be possible without preparation. My people are still angry that your forefathers tried to subjugate and later destroy an entire civilization and for the most part did so. They would find it… odd to let your people into our lands. We have several strong clans of shifters who are protected by citizen's law." Prince Viren pointed out and Clovis sighed.

He had known that bloody war had caused a lot of tension between the kingdoms, but he had no idea it was this bad. The Snow Phoenix was one of the kingdoms that took it hardest and had protested against his father's actions. Ultimately, resulting in the Queen Phoenix's life being taken due to a illness that should have been cured. Yet his grandfather had closed all trade of medical herbs to their kingdom out of spite. In the end, all trade was closed permanently in retaliation. It remained that way today.

"Perhaps a compromise can be reached?" Kyera offered thoughtfully once again. Clovis looked at her. He never dreamed she would be so useful at dinner. They hadn't even reached her part of the conversation yet.

"I would be willing to listen, My Lady." Viren replied turning his eyes to her. He was certain now she broke the cup intentionally. It was meant to startle him enough to soften his hard no.

"What do you suggest?" Prince Clovis added when she looked to him for permission. She gave him another sweet smile that tightened his chest.

"Why not build a trial bazaar? There is small village on the edge of Snow Phoenix land and our own. If we rebuilt it, made it larger and allowed it to cross into both kingdoms, it would be an ideal trade post. Neither kingdom crossed into one another, it's a shared space and there is no unnecessary travel. If snow Phoenix people or our own bear a grudge they can just steer clear of that city. No harm no foul." Kyera pointed out looking at the map pinned to the wall. She traced the edge of the two kingdoms, and found the little Village she was looking for.

Both Princes looked at the map, gauging the pros and cons of such a village. It would be interesting for sure, and a calm way to test reopening the trade routes without much risk. The profits however would be high.

Mordrin smiled at his dear friend wondering where she had come up with this idea. The ladies had been engrossed in a conversation among themselves about baby things. Vella chuckled at her brother's expression while her mother also listened rather pleased.

"This is a pleasing plan, Lady Kyera. How did you think of it?" Vella asked with a curious smile. The tigress was slightly unnerved by the Princess's smile. Anyone could see she was beautiful, but there was a sense of brilliance that Kyera could sense. Though she was purely human, there was a predatory vibe deep in her aura. Quiet and reserved, but bold under the right light.

"I remember reading about a similar situation in some old books that Shadow Shaman Half Eye kept in the study room." Kyera replied smoothly. It was a lie. Not a blunt lie, since she had indeed read about it in a book, but it had been in her own library in the old home. She couldn't admit that though. A little digging or a few questions about where she grew up could unravel everything like a slow pull of a string.