The Princess Makes the Dress

Raina stood up and smoothed her frilly little dress and walked over to her parents. She hugged Clovis first, greeting her father before turning to hug Kyera. Kyera smiled and hugged her back before taking her hand. She guided the little hand over the little girl's head and used it to spin her gently, the dress twirling around her form. It was lovely, but much more delicate and pretty than any of the overly controlled dresses she wore before. She looked like a child.

"Do you like it?" The little Princess asked a little nervously, she shot a look at Mordakai and Kyera instantly knew what was going on. This dress had Mordakai's influence all over it. Kyera smiles brightly.

"A good princess is confident in anything from the dirtiest rag to the most elegant gown. Do you know why?" Kyera asked her with a smile. The rest of the table was paying attention, and trying to work out what she was going to say.

"Because clothes don't matter?" Raina asked with a smile, but there was a hint of sadness there. It was clear she really liked the dress. Kyera chuckled with a patient smile. The child had much to learn about the armor they called clothing.

"No, because, Raina Love, a true Princess will shine no matter what dirt you try to sully her with. Likewise, put a Princess in a beautiful but lifeless dress and it suddenly becomes a work of art." Kyera replied with a smile, and Raina's eyes lit up as she kissed Kyera on the cheek. Then the child took her seat. "What I'm saying is, no matter what others may think, your clothing is a amor for your spirit, and it is your spirit that makes its beautiful. So, if you like it, then walk proud."

Clovis chuckled softly, and took Kyera's hand under the table, passing her a glance. He was proud of the woman he had married. She had given the greatest gift of all to their family, long before she became pregnant. She had. Breathed life into a smothered family, and that was enough to make their lives worth while.

The meal was served. It was quite a spread of bread, cheese, soup, roasted vegetables, and meat pies of all types. It was rather easy for everyone to reach something that caught their fancy. Clovis occasionally slipped something new on Kyera's plate, making sure it didn't empty. He wanted to make sure the baby and mother were well fed. She cast him a pleading glance, she was obviously full.

Once she successfully stopped the onslaught of food she took a deep breath. "I have some news I need to share. Since everyone is here." Kyera started with this, just to get the table's attention. Clovis froze, 'Wait we are doing this now?' He wondered quietly, but didn't try to stop her. It was her choice after all.

"You have the floor, Princess Kyera." Mordakai offered with a bright smile. Kyera bowed her head toward him before gathering her thoughts.

"Thank you, Emperor Mordakai." Kyera smiled and moved her gaze over everyone at the table. Her eyes lingered on Raina who looked at her curiously. She reached out and tapped Raina's nose gently. The little girl couldn't help but chuckle and tap Kyera's forehead in response. The moment was heartwarming and steadying for Kyera.

"I went to my people today for some basic care of the tribe things and, we got to talking. During this discussion we came to a realization that I think it is best comes to light as soon as possible but, I must ask it stay in this room." Kyera added glancing around at the maids, who seemed to understand instantly. They topped off the glasses and left the room. Mordrin sat a little straighter in their chairs, Kyera was never one to send the help away needlessly.

"Alright, it seems we are secure." Mordrin offered and Kyera nodded.

"Clovis, Raina, and I are expecting a fourth member to our little family. It would seem I am pregnant." Kyera replied looking at the child beside her with a bit of a concerned sideways glance.