“Werekin are spread throughout the southeastern area of the Mainland, their nomadic culture guiding them through the deserts and the steppes present in the areas. They frequently come in contact with other races for trade and exchange of knowledge.
Dendrin inhabit the lush forests of the south of the continent, their nature binding them to the plants that live inside. They prefer to be left to their own devices, rarely if ever trying to influence other races. However, some Dendrin are known to travel across the Mainland, endlessly searching for something only they know, their motivations unknown to us.”
̶ Geography of the Mainland, Volume One, Royal Cartographer Jonas Maverick, 700 AS
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Breakfast passes slowly in silence, Cerolus feeding Fluffy, while I cannot stop thinking about what happened this morning.
What did that kiss mean to him? Is that how a wife is supposed to behave, or does he hold any genuine feelings for me after all? We have got married, but is he straining himself to behave he is supposed to, or does he actually want me to be happy by his side? Is he actually happy with me being his wife, or does he feel bound by our marriage. We never talked about anything in our lives, we are almost complete strangers, the most I know of him is his name. Will he let me learn about him, will he listen to me should I open myself to him? So many questions, so many emotions, no answers in sight.
Am I simply worrying too much? Am I overcomplicating the issues? Should I just let myself go, be more open, ask more and see what he responds with? Would that help, or would it only worsen the situation?
My thoughts are interrupted by Cerolus talking to me.
“Would you like to continue with the same schedule as yesterday? Remember, magic takes a bit of practice to get going, don’t get dispirited by a single day of no apparent results.”
“I would like that. I guess I’ll see you in the afternoon then.”
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After another grueling studying session with Tiana, my knowledge of their language ‘slowly improving at a steady rate’ as Tiana herself has been telling me, although she might just be trying to console me for my lack of apparent progress in anything I try these days apparently, I find myself surrounded by the red grass of the castle gardens, Fluffy by my side.
I take in the air around me, the sweet scent of the Seraphim allowing me to relax and let go of all my worries for the moment. Maybe this IS the life I’m supposed to have, being taken care of by my strange husband and his servants while almost nothing is really expected from me.
I suddenly notice Cerolus sat down next to me, stretching his legs. It’s always weird to see them; thick thighs followed by a knee which bends the same way Human legs do, but his lower parts of the leg looking almost identical to legs of a horse, with the hoof being slightly larger if I were to guess from my encounters with one. I wonder how it would feel, to have hooves instead of feet. He even has horseshoes fitted!
“Did it hurt, nailing horseshoes on?” I suddenly ask him without even making a second thought about it, as if it were the commonest thing to ask someone.
“Not really, it is slightly uncomfortable to stand in one place for so long while they are hammered in, but the shoe itself doesn’t hurt. I got used to it after a while. I change them every few months or so, they wear down quite quickly. Some Demons with hooves don’t like them, but I’ve found them rather comfortable to have. Besides, they make my entrance that much better, the sound of hoof stomps echoing throughout the room. Makes me feel good inside. You’re welcome to come and watch the next time when they get changed, it’s not exactly the most private of things a person does.” He smiles wholeheartedly, sitting on the grass, Fluffy now going to his side to get pet, Cerolus obliging.
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I missed this, talking to someone about completely harmless subjects, learning about one’s past or their plans for the future; I’ve had so few friends in the Palace these past few years. Can I start considering Cerolus as my friend in the least? Could I consider him something more than that? We are married after all; it would only be natural if we shared a bed together. But would he like it? Can I fulfill his desires? I am so much younger than him, and completely inexperienced, only listening to stories my maids told me and reading some books in our Palace library. Will I like it? Who is more important, me or him? Will he just simply throw me out if I am not enough, trying to find someone else more suitable for him? What would happen to me should he do so?
Cerolus breaks the silence and my line of thought, saving me from the never ending doubts in my mind.
“So, what do you think of the garden? I never actually had one at my old residence in the capital, but I wanted you to have one here.” So, he had this garden built because of me?
“It’s quite enjoyable, if you exclude the Grappler. I don’t know why anyone would want that in their garden.”
“Security? Easy disposal of intruders? Although the dungeons are more useful than the Grappler for that, I guess. They do have flowers though, and they can be pretty, it’s just the wrong time of the year for that.”
“Wait, there’s a dungeon in here?”
“Of course, most of the designs for the castle came from what I’ve been sent in the letters from your Palace. We do have them too, you know. It’s not that uncommon. They’re empty anyway, for now.” He said that last part with a bit too much enthusiasm in his voice, as if expecting them to get filled in the future. I shudder at the thought and try to change the direction the conversation is going.
“So, how did you get that crack on your horn? Your other one seems to be fine.”
“I headbutted a person while I was drunk. A word of advice, don’t headbutt people in armour, whether you have horns or not. I can’t even remember why I did it now; it’s been so long since then. The crack will stay, my horns no longer grow. I consider it sort of a battle scar, to be honest. We Demons are proud of our horns, and cracks are a sign that we lived fulfilling lives. But getting your horn cut-off is great shame as well. But I think that only goes for us men. Women don’t seem to be as HEADSTRONG as we are.” Was that a joke? Should I laugh? I stay silent, unsure of how to respond.
“Huh, tough audience I guess.” He sulks a bit, saddened by my lack of response.
“It was funny.” I concede. He brightens up a bit, the red spot in his eyes becoming slightly larger.
We sit on the red grass, the Sun shining upon us, and I really think that somehow, with some great effort, I might actually be happy here.