𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓻𝓭 𝓢𝓸𝓷

Chapter 43 Meeting Aegon

The hidden grove near the edge of House Elaryn's lands had become a special place for Seraphina and Aric over the past year. They had met here countless times, away from prying eyes and the expectations of their families. The grove was a tranquil spot, with a small, clear stream running through it and surrounded by lush greenery that seemed almost magical.

Seraphina and Aric sat together on a soft blanket spread beneath a large oak tree, their hands entwined. The year they had spent together had deepened their bond, and their love had grown stronger. They had shared dreams of a future together, free from the constraints of their noble houses.

Tonight, the grove was illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns they had brought along, casting a warm light over the scene. Seraphina looked up at Aric with a mixture of affection and concern.

"I wish we didn't have to hide like this," she said softly. "Every moment we spend together feels like it could be our last."

Aric sighed and squeezed her hand. "I know, Seraphina. But until we can find a way to be together openly, this is the only way. We must be careful."

As they continued to talk, the sound of twigs snapping in the distance caught their attention. Seraphina and Aric exchanged worried glances. They had been cautious, but it seemed their secret was about to be discovered.

From the shadows of the trees, figures began to emerge. Seraphina's mother, Lady Elaryn, and Aric's father, Lord Blackwood, stepped into the grove, their faces stern and filled with anger.

"Seraphina!" Lady Elaryn's voice was sharp. "What is the meaning of this?"

Aric stood up quickly, his heart racing. "Father, my lady, I can explain."

Lord Blackwood's expression was a mixture of rage and disappointment. "Explain? You have been sneaking around, flaunting your relationship in secret, and you expect us to simply accept it?"

Seraphina stood up as well, her face pale. "Mother, please. We love each other. We didn't mean to cause any harm."

Lady Elaryn's eyes were cold. "This relationship is forbidden. Our families have been at odds for generations. You have brought shame upon our house."

Lord Blackwood shook his head. "I trusted you, Aric. I thought better of you. And now you've gone and sullied the name of House Blackwood with this scandal."

Aric's voice was firm despite the fear in his heart. "We didn't want to defy our families. We simply wanted to be together."

Lady Elaryn's gaze turned to Seraphina, her eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and resolve. "You must end this affair immediately. You are to return to your duties and stay away from Aric."

Aric's father stepped forward, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You will be betrothed to another. It is the only way to repair the damage you have caused."

Seraphina felt her heart shatter at her mother's words. "No, please. We can find a way to make this work."

Lady Elaryn's tone was final. "There is no other way. You have to understand the gravity of this situation."

As the reality of the situation sank in, Seraphina and Aric shared one last, pained look. Their dreams of a future together seemed to slip away as their families' demands became clear. Aric took Seraphina's hand one final time, holding it tightly.

"We will find a way," he said, his voice filled with determination. "No matter what."

Lady Elaryn and Lord Blackwood turned to leave, their figures retreating into the night. Seraphina and Aric were left alone in the grove, their hearts heavy with the weight of their families' anger and the uncertainty of their future.