Blades Entwined

Chapter 4 - Seraphina

Together, we stepped out into the garden, bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun. The fragrance of blooming flowers filled the air, mingling with the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze. It was a moment of tranquility amidst the chaos of our world, and I found myself grateful for the chance to escape, if only for a little while.

As we strolled through the lush gardens of the castle, the gentle breeze carrying the scent of blooming flowers, I found myself surprisingly at ease in Thorian's company. His presence, once a source of apprehension, now felt strangely comforting, like the warmth of the sun.

"So, Seraphina, tell me, what are your passions? What brings you joy?" Thorian's voice was soft and inviting, his eyes curious as he turned to me.

I couldn't help but smile at his genuine interest. "Well, I've always had a fondness for the arts," I replied, my gaze drifting to the vibrant tapestries adorning the castle walls. "Painting, poetry, reading, music—they've always been a source of solace for me."

Thorian nodded thoughtfully, his expression contemplative. "Ah, the arts. They have a way of lifting the soul, don't they? I've always admired those who possess such creative talents."

"What about you? You can't tell me you spend all your time in the castle hiding away learning all about war?"

he chuckled softly before responding, "No, I suppose I don't spend all my time hiding away in the castle. Although I have been involved in matters of war, there's much more to my life than that." He paused for a moment, as if considering his next words. "I enjoy spending time in nature, exploring the forests and mountains of Caelum. There's a certain sense of peace and freedom that I find among the trees and wildlife." Thorian's eyes sparkled with a hint of excitement as he spoke, his passion for the outdoors evident in his voice.

Thorian responds and I couldn't help but feel a flicker of curiosity stirring within me. His words painted a picture of a life beyond the confines of the castle walls, one filled with adventure and a deep connection to nature. As he spoke of his love for the outdoors, I found myself drawn to his passion, intrigued by the idea of exploring the forests and mountains of Caelum alongside him.

"It must be quite different from life within the walls of the castle," I remarked, unable to hide the hint of longing in my voice. Despite the privileges of my position, there were moments when I yearned for the simplicity and freedom that Thorian described.

Thorian's nod of agreement only deepened my intrigue, and I couldn't help but wonder what other secrets lay hidden beneath his calm exterior. His thoughtful words resonated with me, stirring a sense of longing for the kind of peace and tranquility that seemed to elude me within the confines of the royal court.

But amidst the warmth of our exchange, a question lingered in the back of my mind, one that I couldn't shake no matter how hard I tried to ignore it. I had to know more about Thorian, about the man who would soon become my husband. And so, with a sense of trepidation mingled with determination, I took a deep breath and asked the question that had been burning within me since our first meeting.

"Thorian, may I ask... what shifter are you?"

Thorian's gaze met mine, his expression unreadable for a moment before a soft smile graced his lips. "I am of the panther lineage," he replied, his voice carrying a hint of pride. "Our ancestors were revered for their strength and agility, traits that have been passed down through the generations. All of my family are different forms of the panther genetics. My father King Alaric is a lion, my mother Queen Isabelle is a black panther. My eldest brother Gareth, took my mothers side of a black panther just bigger in size; he likes to brag about it to everyone he knows." He chuckles to himself, but loud enough I could here it. "My youngest brother Elis took a different form of panther in general of a tiger. We think one of our ancestors was a tiger shifter and that's where he got it from. Even though his tiger is smaller than our forms still just as equally powerful."