Mally was still in human form, was.h.i.+ng some of the n.o.bel consort's clothing in the river . It was a mindless task but one she didn't mind . She hummed as she worked, only a few pieces left to do .

"You know, I could have helped . " Kyera said with a sigh, lying nearby on the gra.s.s . Her snow white coat soaking in the sunlight . Her body slowly rejuvenating from another evening of healing and talking .

"Yes but, with our new found friend's healing taking so much out of you, you needed rest . He's reopened that wound twice now trying to protect the princess without being seen . So inconsiderate . " Mally huffed thinking of the black furred wolf who was once again laying down after 3 days of following the Princess .

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"Hey now, I asked it of him . That being said, any word on The Empress?" Kyera asked sitting up and crossing her paws into a more stable position . Mally shook her head, concern in her eyes .

"I spoke to Addie today . Her condition hasn't changed and the physicians are lost . It looks like it might be the end of her reign . " Mally replied, the sad note in her voice was soft but clear . Kyera went to speak but fell silent as a guard and little girl came into view .

Raina's face looked determined as she walked toward Mally . She didn't even seem to notice the tiger nearby, though her guard did . His hand settled comfortably on the hilt of his sword . Kyera found it amusing how he thought he would have a chance to draw it if she wanted him dead . Oh well .

"Beauty Mally, have you heard from Lady Kyera?" Raina asked, skipping any pleasantries they might have otherwise exchanged . Kyera sat up hearing her name mentioned . The movement caught Raina's eyes and they lit up . She ran past Mally and toward Kyera .

Instinct tried to kick in, but Kyera restrained it and allowed the child to hug her furry neck . If it gave her some peace of mind right now, it was worth it .

"Moon, I need Kyera . My grandmother is ill… please help me find her . I promise there will be good food and pets in it for you . " Raina said trying to bribe the tiger best she could . Kyera couldn't help but chuckle and b.u.mp her head to Raina's .

She rose to her feet and stretched . Looking to the forest . "You will! Thank you . " she hugged her again and Kyera waited for the warm moment to end . She gently used a paw to push Raina into a sitting position, as if telling her to stay here . Raina nodded .

Mally smiled and walked over . "We will wait for Kyera at the main garden . Go on Moon . " Mally a.s.sured her, offering the princess a hand to get up . The Princess took it and the guard escorted them back to the gardens .

Kyera slipped through the woods and into garden of the Winter Rains Palace . She changed clothes with the a.s.sistance of the shadows . It only took her a few moments to look like a well to do medicine woman .

The dress she wore was much more like something she would wear in the forest . The skirt was tight at the hips but flared out at mid thigh to allow for fast movement . The thin material could be bunched up and tied above the knee and not be thick enough of a bundle to trip her . The deep green color and cream detailing looked nice with the rich brown corseting and matching emerald sleeves . Her hair fell free down her back for only a moment before Keric spun through her hair winding it into a perfect bun, secured with a hair pin .

Without another glance, Kyera hurried along to the main hall that lead to the gardens . When she arrived Mally and Raina were indeed waiting . The little girl bounced up and walked over curtsying before grabbing her hand . She was too rushed for formality at the moment .

"My Grandma is sick . I need you to look . Please?" Raina asked tugging Kyera toward the Main Palace . There was a sense of desperation that made Kyera frown . Missreading this, Raina's eyes watered . "I believe in you . "