Sapphic Voices Fantasy

Catrin

This Story is rated 'Adults Only' for its sexual content.

The uncommon white panther with her strange blood red marks on her shoulders and tail ran swiftly avoiding claws and teeth from the young group of villagers that pursued her. She was agile and had good stamina and easily out ran the villagers, there attack had been unexpected how ever and they had bruised her beneath her white fur.

Trilium didn’t stop running until she made it to the meadow, her favourite place. No one of the village came out here very often, as the meadow was on the edge of Duskwood, the large forest that held creatures many would rather not encounter. She moved slowly through the soft swaying green grass breathing deep of the clean air before she slumped down onto her side and closing her emerald eyes.

This was a common occurrence for Trilium; she was greatly disliked by the villagers as she was so different. She was the only white Catrin on this continent, all the villagers were dark grey with purple stripes on there legs and faces and then there was the royals, they were black with white stripes over there shoulders and down there tails.

Trilium also had silver rings, bracelets on her forelegs and 3 parts down her tail but there was some kind of red metal forged into the rings that no one could name. Of course the royals also had rings in the same places Trilium did, there rings where gold.

As the only white Catrin Trilium realised from a young age that she had been adopted, or more taken in by a single male. He hadn’t been very kind to her, she was appreciative that he had fed her and given her a home but he treated her as a slave, she had to keep there home clean and get him food when ever he asked.

Trilium had never seen the royals they usually kept to themselves in there palace she had wanted to, wanted to meet the royal family, the king and queen and their daughter. But she had only heard rumours and even those she had to be in ear shot to hear, as no one ever spoke to her directly unless it was to call her names.

Sighing deeply Trilium moved onto her haunches and opening her eyes she roared loudly and moments later she heard an answering screech, she smiled mentally and her eyes soften as affection welled up inside her when she saw the distant figure galloping towards her from the tree line. She moved to her feet and ran towards the creature approaching her.

As she neared it tensed her muscles and leapt at the beast, a hypogryph, half horse half eagle. The majestic proud creature ducked his head last minute and the cat flew over his head and tumbled to the ground behind him he wheeled around agilely and reared up on his hind legs flapping his massive wings and thrashing his bird legs in the air above the cat.

Anyone watching this would have seen it as aggression but Trilium had helped raised this hypogryph from an egg to the handsome creature he was now and she trusted him with her life. She climbed to her feet and she he put his talons back on the ground she moved over to him and rubbed her body along his legs like a common house cat. She purred deep in her head and moved back to the front of the beast and he lowered his head and rubbed his beak gently over her fur.
Tristin, the princess and future ruler of this country was frustrated, she attended court with her lady’s in waiting and she did all the things expected of a princess but she was frustrated beyond measure. She wanted more to life, she wanted to get out of the palace and have fun explore the world she stared at from her bedroom window so often.

Pacing back and forth in her room listening to her lady’s talking quietly among themselves she decided she would sneak out, she turned to the door and looking over her shoulder make sure her lady’s weren’t watching her, she pulled it open and silently moved out into the hall way.

The hall way was empty the royal guards were all in the quadrant in the middle of the palace, they was all being briefed as was custom once a month or so. Lithely Tristin moved down the hall she heard someone coming up the stairs just ahead of her and she froze, thinking quickly she leapt up onto a near by window seal and jumped to the ground below, it was a long drop and it jarred her paws a little but she didn’t thinking about it.

Elated she looked around her before moving swiftly to the rear gate of the palace grounds, it was like a fortress really, a palace surrounded by high stone walls. She got to the gate and slipped past the dozing guard that was still there and rolling her eyes she ran as fast as she could away from the palace, away from the village and towards Duskwood.

She came upon the edge of a meadow and its beauty was astonishing to her, she had not seen natural colours so close, she had been raised in four stone walls and watched like a hawk as she grew, her parents treasured her above all else and she loved that about them but it had its draw backs.

She walked slowly into the meadow looking around her at the greying clouds and the patches of blue sky, she looked at the lushes long grass and the small insects that called it home, she was watching a large white moth when she heard a soft roar somewhere to her left, she looked over to see a strange white cat with silver rings looking at a beast that was running back into the woods.

She watched the beast unsure what it was but smiling mentally at the beauty of it. It ran with its proud head held high and its large wings unfurled. She watched until it had disappeared before she decided to go and talk to the other cat. She moved slowly towards it unsure of the reception she would get, she knew she hadn’t been noticed and she stopped a few feet behind the cat.

“Hello.”


Trilium let out a soft cry and spun to face the source of the voice so quickly she tripped on her paws and fell over onto her back. She scrambled up and hissed hunching low and getting ready to defend herself when she saw that the voice didn’t come from a grey, but a black, a royal. She lifted her head in shock and stared at the female cat in front of her.

“I'm sorry I didn’t mean to startle you.” The royal, Trilium assumed it was the princess, said the words softly.

“Its alright, I just didn’t expect anyone to be out here, least of all a royal.” Trilium said after a few moments when her shock subsided.

“Why wouldn’t anyone be out here, it's such a beautiful place.” The princess said sitting down on her haunches.

“It is I agree. But you know about Duskwood don’t you? Some of the creatures in there can be quite formidable.” Trilium explained lightly also sitting on her haunches.

“I didn’t know that, my parents don’t exactly let me out of the palace.” The princess sighed.

“Oh, well that is unfortunate, you are missing out on so much being stuck in there, and I don’t envy you at all.” Trilium said softly staring at the princess.

“What is your name, you are different from the rest.” Tristin asked tilting her head a little bit.

If it was anyone else Trilium would have been upset by the statement but she couldn’t help but want to answer any question the princess asked her.

“My name’s Trilium, it’s a little odd I know, but I like it and I had to name myself so why not.” Trilium explained honestly.

“I like it; it’s unique, like you so it fits. I’m Tristin.” The princess said kindly.

“I like your name too Princess. You shouldn’t be seen with me though, if anyone came out here and saw you talking to me, I would hate to think what the repercussions would be.” Trilium said glancing around warily.

“Why can’t I talk to you? Why would it be a bad thing if people saw?” Tristin asked curiously.

“Because the villagers don’t like me, that is why I am out here, I was chased by some of the younger members of the village. I feel safer in Duskwood than I do in the village.” Trilium said ruefully.

“Well you said yourself people don’t come out here. I should really get going anyway.” Tristin said glancing at the sun to judge the time roughly.

“Oh, well alright Princess it was nice to speak to you.” Trilium said a little sadly she stood and bowed low, her head almost touching the ground.

“Please don’t bow to me, and can I meet you hear again tomorrow?” Tristin stood and with her paw she touched Trilium on the head so she would look at her.

“If… if you want to that’s ok, but why would you want to?” Trilium asked softly glancing at the princess’ kind eyes.

“Because I like you, and I think you can teach me about the world, you seem so at one with it. That creature you said bye to, what was it?” Tristin asked suddenly remembering the creature.

“That was a hypogryph, half horse half bird, there’s a herd of them in Duskwood, if you want if you come back out here, I can take you too the herd and show them too you.” Trilium said suddenly excited.

“That would be amazing! But for now I have to go, come back tomorrow and wait for me?” Tristin asked hopefully.

“Of course Princess. Bye.” Trilium said in farewell.

“Bye Trilium.” Tristin turned and ran from the meadow leaving Trilium to watch after her.

Slowly, when Tristin was out of sight, Trilium started for the village, it was beginning to get dark so she thought it would be safer to get back to her home, she lived alone for the last 4 months as the male that raised her had died of old age. In one respect this pleased her, she could do as she liked in her own time, but it also worried her as she knew the only thing keeping the villagers from being really nasty was the man she lived with.

Eventually she made it back to her house it was small, there was one bedroom and a lounge room, most of the people didn’t eat like humans, they ate like the cats they were. There were some cats designated to farm animals for the express purpose of being paid to hunt the animals, cows and pigs, sheep, ducks and other fowls. Trilium had never had the luxury of going to one of the farms and hunting in a controlled space, she wasn’t accepted by the villagers and thusly had learned like a wild cat to hunt deer and other animals in the wilds.

She moved to the small cot buy the fireplace and began to groom her fur, she was meticulous about it, and cleaning every spot she could reach before curling up her nose tucked into her tail near the metal band there. She didn’t sleep strait away she was still in shock about the day’s events and so she thought about what had happened, she thought about the princess.


Meanwhile back at the palace was Tristin was still getting a stern scolding from her parents, she was in there private living area watching her mother pace back and forth in front of her with an angry scowl on her usually soft black face.

“You worried your father and I to death. Where were you, where did you go?” Queen Lily asked furiously.

“Calm down momma. I just went exploring, I was fine. I was with someone so I had protection if I needed it.” Tristin tried to explain to make her parents not be so angry.

“Who was you with, was it a male? You know you’re required to marry Alexander in two weeks right?” Lily asked her voice going from irate to excited.

It was Tristin’s turn to scowl now; she was against the royal tradition of arranged marriages. Her father’s brother had a son two years before she was born and so now she was required to marry her cousin. She had never liked him, as children he was mean to her and when he hit sexual maturity he was a pig with her and he hadn’t improved much over the years.

“No it was a female. And I don’t see why I have to marry him, please papa don’t make me!” Tristin turned begging eyes on her father.

“It must be done Tristin, all I can tell you is to have flings now and be discreet about it. Who was the female you were with?” Theodore, the king said bluntly.

Tristin was appalled as was her mother by Theodore’s statement. They stared at him for a moment before Tristin shook her head.

“I will not breed with him! He will not dominate me!” Tristin said angrily a silent snarl on her mouth.

Theodore roared loudly and moved forward swiftly getting in his daughters face, she cowered back a little and but stared at him squarely, knowing better than to back down completely.

“You will do as is required of the future queen.” He snarled in her face.

Lily, knowing just how explosive confrontations between father and daughter could be stepped between them shouldering Theodore away from the princess.

“What if I don’t want to be queen dad, it’s no fun.” Tristin said quietly watching your father who was now the one doing the pacing.

“It’s who you are. You will marry Alexander and you will bare him an heir.” Theodore said his voice final.

With a soft snarl Tristin stood and pulled the door open before stalking back her room, she dismissed her lady’s and leapt onto her bed where she curled up and groomed her tail as she thought about Trilium. Mentally she smiled at the female’s reaction when she startled her. She was still elated from the day out of the palace ground and finding her first real friend. At least she hoped Trilium would consider her a friend.

Slowly her mind turned from her day and Trilium to thoughts of her parents and Alexander. Her cousin was arriving in a few days and the preparations for the royal wedding would be starting. She didn’t want to marry Alexander, she didn’t want to marry any male, she had never been attracted to males and they never stirred her arousal. She had never thought about males or breeding or sex of any form, she just wasn’t interested.

Tristin drifted off to sleep eventually and dreamed at first se dreamt of her dreaded wedding and Alexander and the thought of having to breed with him and then slowly the scenes of weddings and being mated dissolved and she was dreaming of the meadow and playing with moths before she was wrestling playfully with Trilium in the long grass.


Trilium rose early it was still dark outside but she felt safer in the dark so slowly she left her home and made her way out of the village, she got out without confrontation and headed to the meadow. She planned to go hunting for breakfast along the tree line of Duskwood before going in to find Gintar’s herd.

Mentally she smiled as she thought about the Hypogryph; she had known him since he was an egg. She had watched him grow and with the help from a phoenix who had watched over her as she grew she had watched him grow into a proud strong stallion and gather himself a herd, they had remained friends over the years.

She moved swiftly to the meadow and the moment she got there she smelled the scent of deer, she rose up on her back legs and spotted a herd of does. She moved towards them slowly stealthily, using the grass to her advantage and when she was close enough she leapt into motion chasing down one of the smaller does and making the kill easily.

Trilium was pulling at the skin on the dead does flanks when she heard a small sound behind her, she flicked her ears back listening and when she heard it again this time closer she turned slowly to see Tristin making her way across the meadow to her. She sat on her haunches watching the princess approach.

“I didn’t expect you out here so early Princess.” Trilium said quietly when the princess was within hearing distance.

“It’s easier to sneak out when everyone else is still sleeping; I was going to wait here for you. Can you teach me to do that?” Tristin asked gesturing the dead doe.

“You don’t know how to hunt?” Trilium was curious.

“I’m a pretty pathetic cat.” The princess said quietly.

“No, you’re just sheltered. I can teach you if you want to learn but you have to be patient. Hunting in the wild is a lot harder then hunting on a farm.” Trilium explained softly watching the Princess intently.

“Oh I would love to learn! I feel so… domesticated, I want to feel like a real predator.” The princess’ eyes lit up excitedly.

“Yeah, I understand that. Have you eaten today; this is too much for me.” Trilium asked gesturing the doe.

“No, do you mind?” The Princess asked, her stomach rumbled as if on queue.

Trilium chuckled and stepped aside letting the princess at the carcass, she watched at Tristin moved to the spot she had been gnawing at and started to tear at the meat, she moved around the princess and began pulling fur and skin from the rump of the creature.

They ate in silence until they was both full and then they lazed in the long grass soaking in the early morning sun, they laid there in companionable silence. Trilium had her eyes closed enjoyed the sun and listening to Tristin bounding around doing something. She was about to open her eyes to see what the princess was doing when she felt the female landing on her stomach.

“Sorry wasn’t paying attention. But I caught it.” Tristin said laying across her friend her paws held firmly on the ground.

“Caught what?” Trilium asked looking at the princess.

Tristin looked at her paws and then opened them and a white moth fluttered up into the air and the two cats watched it fly away. Tristin turned excited almost childlike eyes on her companion though there was no smile on her muzzle Trilium could see it in her eyes.

“My Princess, it seems you have found your inner kitten.” Trilium said amusement in her voice.

“I have, and I plan to hold onto it with a tenacious grip.” The princess said sitting up paws on either side of Trilium.

“As you should.” Trilium said quietly almost sadly.

“Why do you sound so sad Trilium?” Tristin asked tilting her head slightly.

“That’s a big question Princess; let me think about an answer while we go find that herd of hypogryphs.” Trilium said she rolled to her stomach and got to her feet, the princess’ paws on her back.

“You avoid talking about anything that means your different don’t you. Why?” Tristin rested her chin on Trilium’s back.

“Because, in my experience being different isn’t a good thing, I'm the only white Catrin on this continent.” Trilium said quietly.

“You’re wrong, it isn’t a bad thing, it’s an amazing thing, I am glad you’re different. You’re the only friend I have that doesn’t bow and curtsy every time you lay eyes on me.” Tristin said honestly.

“You’re the only friend I have at all Princess.” Trilium’s eyes warmed.

“Hopefully I can be a good one for you.” Tristin said kindly.

“You’ll do just fine. Come on lets go I want to show you the herd.” Trilium said eagerly, she started towards the woods.

“So this place is dangerous?” Tristin asked curiously as she strode easily along side Trilium.

“Yes. You can change your mind Princess but know that I will watch out for you in here.” Trilium said honestly though she didn’t slow.

“Thank you.” Was all Tristin said and the two friends strode boldly into the woods.

Trilium let out a soft roar and heard the answering screech and together with Tristin she followed the sound until they found the herd, there were 8 mares and the stallion Gintar and he trotted eagerly over to the two cats when he saw them. She rubbed his beak on Trilium’s fur before looking at Tristin.

Gintar’s posture became aggressive and he unfurled his wings and hissed at the black cat. Instantly without really thinking about it Trilium stepped protectively in front of Tristin and snarled at the Hypogryph. Gintar instantly became calm he watched Trilium with his big brown eyes before looking at the frightened black cat, he stepped forward and slowly rubbed his beak on the black fur before turning and going back to his mares.

“What just happened?” Tristin asked her eyes still portraying fear though her posture was calm.

“He knows of the others that attack me and he assumed you were one of them but he accepts you now.” Trilium said the smile was in her eyes.

“The others were they ever really mean like beat you up?” Tristin asked forgetting the herd.

“You’re very straight to the point aren’t you? No, but I think if they got the chance they would kill me. It worries me honestly.” Trilium sat on her haunches and looked at the herd.

“Come and stay with me at the palace.” Tristin offered kindly.

“I’m sorry, I can’t. It’s not that I don’t want to, but Princess people don’t like me. I don’t want to live with so many that don’t like me that look at me with suspicious eyes and think about how different I am. No I think I will stay where I am Princess, but thank you.” Trilium was a little surprised by the offer but she was mostly saddened that she didn’t feel safe with her own kind.

“I’m sorry to hear that Trilium. I should probably get back to the palace, but will you meet me again tomorrow? Teach me to hunt?” Tristin asked a little sadly and began to walk out of the woods.

“Of course, same time?” Trilium asked following the princess.

“Yes, that would be best.” Tristin answered and pounced on a bug.

Trilium chuckled softly watching the playful antics of the princess as they moved out of the woods and back into the meadow. Tristin continued her playing across the meadow and on the far side she pounced on Trilium and they both went down giggling and Tristin pinned her new found friend.

“Pinned you.” She said smugly looking down at Trilium.

“You caught me off guard, don’t get to smug Princess I will be watching for you now.” Trilium said in a mock conspirator’s tone.

“Yeah, Yeah. I will see you in the morning, oh mighty huntress.” Tristin said getting off her friend she trotted slowly away.

“See you Princess.” Trilium called and she turned and went the other way.


“Tristin! Where have you been?!” Lily asked the moment Tristin walked into the Throne room.

“Out, I went into Duskwood.” Tristin said with a sigh as she strutted up to sit on the arm of her father’s chair.

“What possessed you to do that?” Theodore asked rubbing his face on his daughter’s cheek in greeting.

“My friend was showing me a herd of hypogryphs.” Tristin said purring softly.

“Hypogryph’s are dangerous.” Theodore said gently.

“Yes, but not the one’s we saw. My friend raised it from an egg.” Tristin explained watching her frowning mother.

“Why don’t you invite your friend to come and visit with us?” Lily asked curiously.

“I can ask, but I don’t think she will want to.” Tristin answered honestly.

“Why wouldn’t she?” Theodore sounded genuinely curious.

“She doesn’t like that kind of attention is all.” Tristin said slowly.

“Well ask her anyways.” Theodore frowned a little.

“You’re actually going to let me go out and see her again?” Tristin asked a little disbelievingly.

“Yes, I don’t think we can really stop you if you really wanted to go out.” Lily said with a resigned sigh.

“No you couldn’t. In that case, I’m going to visit with her again tomorrow morning before dawn.” Tristin said moving over to her mother’s seat and rubbing her muzzle on the Queen’s face.

“Have you eaten today?” Lily asked after returning the feline greeting.

“Yes, my friend caught a doe and shared it with me.” Tristin said looking at her lady’s that had just entered the room.

“She hunts wild animals?” Theodore asked, admiration was on his voice.

“Yes, she is quite efficient. She is going to teach me to hunt.” Tristin said excitedly.

“Well that will be fun for you, but don’t get discouraged, it takes patience.” Theodore said, the smile was in his eyes.

“Yes, that’s what my friend said. It will be fun, but I best go I have court.” Tristin sighed and slowly walked over to her lady’s.

“Do you think it’s wise to let her continue to see this friend of hers?” Lily asked when the princess had left the room.

“I don’t see what it can hurt to let her have some time with someone different before the wedding.” Theodore answered slowly.


Trilium arrived at the meadow the next morning and started teaching Tristin how to hunt. The princess failed to catch anything the first few tries so Trilium decided to work on the royals sneak technique. After careful instruction and a few attempts at sneaking up on Trilium, the white cat decided she would let the princess try to catch something tomorrow. Tristin left a few hours later and Trilium went off to hunt so she didn’t starve, she caught a small pheasant and ate that before going to spend some time with Gintar.

The next morning Trilium was lying flat in the meadow watching the herd of deer when suddenly out of no where she was pounced on by the princess, initially startled Trilium soon wrestled the princess earnestly but to no avail as she was pinned by the slightly larger cat.

“Pinned you again, my lady.” Tristin said playfully.

“Good job, now if you can catch one of those I will give you the praise you really want.” Trilium said shoving the princess off her and gesturing the deer.

“Ok, wait here.” Tristin said and with out further word she stalked off silently towards the herd of deer.

Trilium sat and watched the princess intently, she was proud of the way she moved so silently and smoothly through the grass and she was impressed that she instinctively stayed down wind of the does. Agilely the black and white panther launched herself into motion taking chase of one of the smaller does and moments later she had made her first kill.

“Well done Princess.” Trilium said trotting over to Tristin.

“Thank you for being such a good teacher!” Tristin bounded over to Trilium and wrapped her front legs around her neck in an awkward kind of hug.

Chuckling Trilium returned the hug, both cats raised up on there hind legs there front paws locked around each other.

“Trilium I have to tell you something, but I don’t know how you will feel about it.” Tristin said a little hesitantly.

“What is it Princess?” Trilium asked, her ears flicked back a little as she heard a distant sound.

“I think… what in the world…” The princess trailed off and looked over Trilium’s shoulder.

Across the meadow there was a small unit of the royal guard quickly approaching the pair, Trilium turned and looked at them watching intently. Outwardly she was calm, but she was suddenly very nervous on the inside. She shifted a little moving to stand protectively between the guard and the princess.

“I don’t know what they are doing here, I’m sorry they followed me to your place, my lady.” Tristin said quietly almost sadly.

“It’s ok Princess.” Trilium said reassuringly.

The royal guards reached the two cat’s and after staring nastily at Trilium for a few moments they turned there attention to the princess, they all bowed before one of the cats stepped forward looking around Trilium as if she wasn’t there.

“You’re Highness; we have been instructed to bring you and… this female, back to the palace immediately.” The guard said throwing a disgusted look at the Trilium.

“Why does Trilium have to come?” Tristin asked, her voice held a certain authority.

“The king and queen requested it.” The guard answered simply.

“She doesn’t want to, you cannot make her.” Tristin said sternly.

“We can make her, and will if we have too.” The guard said his voice slightly threatening as he turned his gaze again to Trilium.

“Princess, don’t argue for my sake, let’s just go.” Trilium said quietly seeing the princess was about to speak again.

“Do not address the Princess in such a manner!” One of the guards snarled and stepping forward he swiped at Trilium, she dodged the blow barely.

“Do not treat her so!” Tristin snarled getting in the guards face her eyes seemed aflame with anger.

“Princess, please.” Trilium pleaded quietly.

“Let’s go then.” Tristin said still snarling, she walked alongside Trilium staying close to the smaller white cat.

It wasn’t long and they was back on the palace grounds, Trilium looked around in wonder, she had never been this close to the palace and she was amazed by the architectural beauty of the centuries old building. She looked up at it in wonder as she approached the entrance to the large building.

The main entrance opened up strait into the throne room and Trilium was amazed by the raised ceiling and the artful tapestries covering the walls. She noticed a few cats in there unnatural cleaning the floors and walking in and out of the doors at the back of the room.

Cat’s very rarely used there unnatural form, that of a human, unless they was married. It was considered the greatest shame to be paraded naked in the human form. The human form was only used in private, in homes to clean or in bedrooms for the point of sex for pleasure as Catrin couldn’t conceive if they was in there human form when they mated. Only those that were old, or in some way broken as a cat used there human form in public, they were the farmers and smithies, tanners and tailors.

“Father, what is the meaning of having me followed?” Tristin asked brining Trilium's attention to the large male, the king, in his throne.

“Tristin do not address your father in such a hostile tone.” Lily said, with a nod of her head she made the guard stand down.

“I wanted to meet your friend, I had no idea she was the outsider.” Theodore said staring disapprovingly at Trilium.

Trilium couldn’t meet the mighty king’s stare she stood with her head down beside Tristin and stared at the ground, she could feel the kings penetrating stare moving over her white and red fur. She shuddered inwardly.

“Don’t call her that. Why do you look so angry?” Tristin asked her father, her tone was only slightly softer.

“She is a royal hated buy our family.” Theodore said bluntly, the statement made Trilium snap her head up and stare at the king disbelievingly.

“What? How do you know?” Tristin sounded as stunned at Trilium felt.

“Because, in my father’s time there was a war between continents between our clan and the Sanguine Clan. Your ‘friend’ is a princess of that clan.” Theodore explained still staring at Trilium.

“Excuse me, your highness, but I’m not a princess of anything… I don’t even know what clan you are talking about.” Trilium said hesitantly.

“You are a Princess. And because of this I have no choice but to sentence you to death, there is too much rivalry still and I don’t want a war because it some how got back to your clan that we have there long lost princess.” The king said sternly.

Without a word Trilium hung her head and sighed deeply, she had never fit in with the Twilight Clan and they all hated her. She stood there as a deafening silence hung through out the throne room and waited to be demanded shift and be escorted naked to the gallows.

A low snarling beside her made Trilium lift her head, she looked at the princess and saw that she was ready to fight. The thought made her happy even in such a desperate time, that the princess would fight for her.

“Father! You can’t do this!!” Tristin yelled.

“He can Tristin, he is the king he can do anything.” A new voice said everyone looked to the front of the room to see a young male walking towards them; he was black indicating he was royal or closely related.

“Alexander, we were not expecting you until this afternoon.” Lily said momentarily forgetting her daughter and Trilium.

Trilium turned back to the front of the room and glanced at the king, he was still staring at her piercingly. Lowering her gaze Trilium sighed again, the moment had arrive and she was mostly surprised that this was how it came about, surprised she had lived almost 2 decades.

“Shift, you will be paraded and then taken to the dungeon; tomorrow at dawn you will be hung.” Theodore said finally, he continued to watch Trilium.

Trilium silently obeyed the order accepting what was to happen to her. Her feline body began to contort and shift the white hair receded and pink skin became prominent her muscles rolled on her bones as they grew and stretched and Trilium became human, her deep emerald eyes standing out and her white hair with the blood red stripe in the side framed her face hanging to her shoulders. The bracelets smaller now around her wrists, and the ring that had been on her tail had shifted also; it was now a silver chain hanging around her waist with a curious ruby on the end of it.

Trilium’s figure was expressly feminine she had a full bust and nicely rounded buttocks her hips and shoulders were rather narrow and she had a slim waist and flat stomach. Her face was soft, gentle for someone treated so harshly through life.

“Please father… Don’t do this…” Tristin pleaded as she stared at Trilium’s body.

“It must be done Tristin. Forget about it, go and spend some time with your betrothed.” Theodore said kindly to his daughter.

“I won’t let you do this.” Tristin said in a low deadly voice.

“Princess, it’s ok. I have accepted this, I'm surprised I lived as long as I have; I have always been ready to die. Forget about me, marry and have children, be happy.” Trilium said gently down at the princess.

“Trilium… no…” There was such pain Tristin’s voice Trilium had to stifle a sob.

“Please, don’t make this harder than it has to be Princess.” Trilium knelt down and when Tristin moved onto her hind legs and wrapped her paws around Trilium’s neck, she hugged the cat tightly.

“Move.” One of the guards ordered after a moment longer.

Trilium let the cat go and stood; she turned and began walking out of the palace. She heard the crier running out of the palace grounds and down into the village shouting about her coming. A single tear trickled down her face when she thought of the princess and she wished she had had enough gall to tell her how she felt.

She squared her shoulders at the palace gate and strode proudly through the village, she barely flinched when some of the cats would hiss at her, and the occasional one was so bold as to run up and swipe at her, cutting her legs. Silently she cursed her heritage. She was escorted through the village and back to the palace and down into the dungeon where she was locked in securely.

Trilium spent the night in the cold damp dungeon there was no guards as the dungeons had been specially constructed so no cat or human could escape from them. She shifted back to her natural form when the guard left her and she curled up in the driest corner she could find. She didn’t sleep, she laid there the entire night thinking about her life, the only good thing in it was Tristin and she was glad she would die and not have to remember her, She was sad for the Princess though.

Morning came and the guard arrived when it was still dark, she was ordered out of the cell and escorted out into the courtyard where the gallows had always been. Without a word she moved up onto the wooden platform and sat, she stared out at the growing crowd at all hate filled faces and she stared at them all evenly unperturbed.

“Shift and stand on that board.” The executioner said, he was in human form with brown leathers covering his body and head.

Complying Trilium shifted to her unnatural form and stood still on the board indicated, she closed her eyes and she felt the noose dropped over her head and tightened about her neck, slowly she opened her eyes when she no longer felt the executioner’s hands at the rope and looked out at the crowd once more.

“Do you have any last words?” The executioner asked.

Trilium looked up at the sky and thought for a moment and then a slow smile crept onto her face broadening into a grin as she watched the fast approaching blur in the sky grow larger.

“Gintar.” She said quietly.

“What did you say?” The executioner asked curiously.

“I said, Gintar.” Trilium explained and a loud screech emanated from the beast.

The hypogryph swooped low over the crowd sending cats scattering, he came to rest on the platform and the executioner stumbled back with fear and fell off the platform. Gintar screeched again before snapping his beak over the rope cutting it cleanly. Trilium moved them she vaulted onto the beasts back and with a gentle word the creature took to the air carrying Trilium away from the palace and village, away from death.

“Thanks boy, we are even now.” Trilium said softly to the beast.

Gintar carried Trilium into Duskwood, he touched down on the ground in a clearing amongst his herd and Trilium slid from his back and looked around her. She was at a loss now for what to do for somewhere to live when Gintar gently nibbled her arm and trotted to the edge of the clearing where a largely round tree stood. She followed him and when she got there she watched as he scratched at the bark a little bit.

A huge piece of bark fell from the tree revealing a large hole and the hollow interior of the tree. Amazed Trilium shifted and jumped inside the tree, she looked around and saw a hole above her also, she leapt up and climbed into the hole to see yet another room like area inside the tree. She found another hole in the top of that area and again jumped up to investigate; the third room was smaller and had a hole in the side of it that opened up unto a tree branch.

“Perfect for sunning.” She said to herself quietly.

Trilium moved around in the tree and decided it would be perfect place for her to live. She spent the rest of the day making the trees interior as homey as possible with her limited resources and that night she fell asleep in the middle room of the tree exhausted.

She slept deeply that night and the next day after hunting a small pig like creature for her food she set about fixing up proper bedding for the tree house and then with the rope she was to be hung with she fixed the bark panels over the holes to the tree’s interior so she could be completely closed in if it got to cold.

After yet another long day of fixing up her new home she fell into a deep dreamless sleep. She slept through till dawn and when she woke she felt overwhelming sadness as she thought of the Princess. She missed the royal deeply and wished she could spend more time with her, she regrets not telling the princess of her true feelings.

She slowly made her way out of the tree into the pre-dawn light and after making sure there was little evidence of her being there she moved towards the meadow to hunt. She was just picking her way along the tree line when she heard a familiar roar. At first she just thought she was hearing things, and then she heard it again. She lifted her head, her ears forward listening and when she heard it the third time she took off running towards the sound excitement filling her.

She slowed when she got closer to the familiar roar and she snuck forward, she came to a small bush and peered over it and almost called out when she saw the Princess, she decided against it and instead moved forward slowly until she was within pouncing range. She leapt on the cat and they tumbled together the princess instinctively knowing who it was.

Trilium ended up on her back looking up into the soft face of the Princess, the smile was in her eyes and it was reflected back in Tristin’s eyes.

“Pinned you again, my lady.” Tristin said gently.

“Yeah, I missed you.” Trilium said quietly.

“I love you.” Tristin stated bluntly yet her voice dripped honesty and truth.

“I love you too.” Trilium responded quietly and rubbed her muzzle affectionately on the Princess’.

“I’m so sorry Trilium, for everything.” Tristin said laying down half on top of the white cat.

“It wasn’t you fault Princess, it was bound to happen sooner of later, besides I got away so it’s ok.” Trilium said soothingly.

“I lead them too you, if I had just stayed away you would still have a home at least.” Tristin said sadly.

“I have a home, come see it; it will surprise you I think.” Trilium said looking up into the cats face.

“Alright then, I'm intrigued.” Tristin said moving off the smaller cat.

Trilium lead the Princess through the woods to the clearing and then over to the tree, she explained as she went that Gintar had bought her here. They moved over to the tree and Trilium sat down at the base of the tree and watched the princess as she inspected the tree.

“I don’t get it, you live under a tree?” Tristin asked finally.

“Not under, in.” Trilium giggled and she moved the piece of bark from over the hole.

“Wow.” Tristin said her voice amazed.

“Yeah, it was a pretty good find on Gintar’s part.” Trilium said and she jumped into the tree.

Tristin followed her and Trilium closed the bark behind her, she showed her through the tree before going back to the middle section and sitting down on her bedding. She stared at the Princess for a few moments.

“There’s a bounty or your head my lady.” Tristin said slowly.

“Well I guess I'm lucky those superstitious fools don’t come in here.” Trilium said brushing it off.

“This is all my fault, I should have stayed in the palace and been happy with things the way they were.” Tristin said sadly.

“I’m glad you didn’t. I would never have met you and would still have no friends. Sometimes Tristin, it’s better to have something and lose it then never have it at all. I haven’t lost you so I'm fairing pretty well.” Trilium said lightly.

“Shift.” Tristin said as she change from cat to human, her gold band from her tail now also a chain but without a jewel.

Tristin’s human form was similar to Trilium’s in that she had a full bust and nicely rounded behind; her facial features were sharper yet soft by all means. The blue eyes stood out clearly on feminine face that was framed by chin length black hair, the long bangs at the front where white.

Trilium did as she was asked and shifted also, both women sat naked in front of each other looking at one another’s bodies for a few moments before Tristin moved closer.

“I think I’m going to kiss you.” The princess said moving close and framing Trilium’s face with her hands.

“I think it would be wrong to say no to a princess.” Trilium said leaning forward a little and touching her lips to Tristin’s.

The two women kissed, gently at first before it got more heated and Tristin deepened it, pushing her tongue past Trilium’s lips. Rubbing her tongue gently against the other as they poured unspoken emotion into the passionate kiss.

“I think that is the first time you have used my name.” Tristin said breathily as she broke the kiss, she dropped her hands from Trilium face trailing them down the woman’s neck over her chest to gently cup her full breasts.

“I like calling you Princess.” Trilium responded quietly, leaning forward to kiss Tristin’s jaw.

“I like the way you say my name. You say it like it’s a talisman.” Tristin gently kneaded Trilium’s breasts as she spoke softly.

“It is a talisman to me; you mean the world to me.” Trilium said honestly.

“I feel so awful, like I have wronged you somehow, my lady.” Tristin’s whisper was soft yet it sounded pained.

Trilium put her hands on the Princess’ shoulders and pushed her backwards, twisting a little so the Princess came down on the soft bedding. She moved so she was laying half over Tristin and gently kissed along the strong jaw to the Princess’ soft lips.

Slowly Trilium moved the tip of her tongue over the soft lips until the princess opened her mouth slightly and Trilium pushed her tongue deep into the welcoming heat of the princess mouth. She kissed her princess deeply and without reservation as she moved her knee placing it between Tristin’s so her thigh was lightly touching the heat at the junction of Tristin’s legs.

Tristin moved then, rolling over taking Trilium with her so she was lying on top of the green eyed beauty. Trilium had bent her leg her foot flat on the bedding so her thigh never lost contact with the wet heat. Tristin pushed back a little increasing the pressure as she kissed Trilium deeply. One hand supporting her weight and the other trailing over Trilium’s flat stomach and down to the soft tight V of curls.

Tristin’s fingers lightly traced the tight bud before delving her fingers deep into Trilium’s hot wet core eliciting a gasp and soft moan. Removing her fingers Tristin moved again this time leaning back and looking down at her lover for a moment before gently spreading Trilium’s legs with her hands.

She moved so she had a leg at Trilium’s hip and one just behind Trilium’s other leg and slowly she moved her hips forward until her heat came in contact with Trilium’s. With a finger Tristin found her lovers tight bud and guided her own to it until they were pressed together. With unhurried movements Tristin began to move her hips causing the tight bundles of nerve endings to rub together making both women moan softly.

Trilium, making soft keening noises, propped herself up on her elbows and gently caught one of Tristin’s now hard nipples in her teeth, she bit down gently before swirling her tongue around the firm peak and then sucking on it gently. Raising her hips she met Tristin’s hastening movements and soon both women were on the edge of ecstasy and then tumbling over it simultaneously.

Spent Tristin slumped into Trilium and rolled to the side a little, her body still pressed against Trilium’s and there legs tangled. She wound her arms around the slightly smaller woman and dropped a tender kiss on her shoulders before looking at her with Smokey eyes.

“You mean so much to me Trilium. It hurt when you said I should marry and have kids and be happy. Like you expect that I could be happy without you.” Tristin spoke softly when she had caught her breath.

“I didn’t know then that this is how you felt about me.” Trilium responded turning her head to look at the Princess.

“That’s true. I can’t believe-“ Tristin stopped speaking and both women sat up as the sound of a loud roar penetrated the tree.

“Father had me followed again. Trilium will they find us here, can I stay with you? Can we run away?” Tristin spoke hurriedly, panic evident in her eyes.

“I don’t think we could run, and I don’t want that for you. Go back, sneak out when you can and come and see me.” Trilium was calm, she had confidence that she could stay hidden enough not to be found.

“But if I go back I will have to marry… and breed.” Tristin visibly shuddered at the though and again a loud roar sounded.

“I don’t want you to have to marry, but I think it would be a better life for you than running. And kids aren’t so bad, I have always wanted kids.” Trilium was watching Tristin carefully.

“Then we will adopt.” Tristin responded instantly.

Another roar sounded this one a little closer and both women noticed it to be the kings, they looked at one another and raised there eye brows in astonishment. They sat quietly for a moment and Trilium was about to speak when they heard the hoarse scream of a cat in pain. They shifted simultaneously as more pained sounds reached there ears.

Trilium pushed aside the bark with her nose and leapt out of the tree closely followed by the princess, they took off running fast towards the sounds slowly slightly as they got closer. Trilium heard the loud screech of a creature she had been chased by once before and she suddenly became nervous. She stopped and turned to Tristin when they were on the other side of the bush to the ensuing battle.

“Princess this is a chimera, you need to get to your father and as many guards as are still alive and leave with them ok?” Trilium said sternly.

“What about you my lady?” Tristin asked gently after nodding.

Trilium moved forward and peeked through the bushes, she was about to respond when she saw the chimera bearing down on the king. She swore harshly and leapt forward, a shocked Tristin right behind her. Tristin broke off and ran to her father’s side as Trilium put her body between the beasts and the kings, she snarled loudly and swiped at the serpent head that struck at her.

“Take the king and go Princess, please.” Trilium said glancing behind her at her lover and the king.

“Trilium.” It was a soft plea from the princess.

The chimera lunged for her then the large lions teeth sinking into the soft flesh of Trilium’s hind leg as she wasn’t fast enough to get away from it. She swung her body into the large cat that had hold of her narrowly missing a snake bite; she sunk her sharp teeth into the lion’s neck effectively piercing the artery. She was dropped as blood gushed out and the creature reared back on its hind legs. As it came down it swiped at Trilium, its final attack catching the cats flank and tearing it deeply.

With a scream of pain so severe it made her dizzy Trilium pulled her body away from the creature as it grew weaker and stumbled to the ground wreathing as its lifeblood drained into the grassy soil. Trilium watched until the beast stopped moving and then slowly her world faded to black, the last thing she saw was the king’s large face in front of her.


“It’s been a week almost surely she should be awake by now.” Tristin said irately as she paced back and forth in front of the bed.

“Tristin sit down will you, you’ve been pacing for a week it’s a wonder there aren’t any holes in the throw rug.” Theodore said sternly.

“She will wake up when her body decides its ok.” Lily said calmly looking at her daughter.

“This is entirely my fault, if I hadn’t left the palace that first day none of this would have happened.” Tristin said, she was standing on her hind legs with her front paws on the bed, her head hung.

“It’s not your fault Princess.” Came a soft hoarse voice from the bed.

“Trilium! You’re awake!!” Tristin jumped up onto the bed and looked down at her lover.

“I am, don’t rock the bed so much it hurts.” Trilium said gently, her smile was in her eyes.

“I’m so sorry that happened to you.” Tristin said quietly as she gently rubbed her muzzle on Trilium’s.

“It’s ok, is your father ok?” Trilium asked glancing over at the king who was watching her with his penetrating gaze.

“I am fine. Thank you Trilium I owe you my life, I have never encountered such a beast.” Theodore said formally.

“Your welcome.” Trilium responded rolling onto her back beneath the cover that was over her, Tristin had laid down beside her resting her head on the cover over Trilium’s heart.

“Why would you do that though? Save my life when I condemned you to death?” Theodore asked, his eyes reflecting curiosity.

“Two reasons, one is that for as long as I have known, you are my king. Two; I love your daughter, and she loves you.” Trilium answered simply and honestly.

“It was not right of me to send you to the gallows without you having done something to deserve it. I hope in time you can forgive me.” Theodore said and to Trilium’s surprise he bowed to her.

“Your Majesty, You are already forgiven. I understand that you are a king, and like you said, there is no love lost between the Twilight and Sanguine clan, you did what you had to do.” Trilium’s voice was low reflecting her tiredness.

“You would be a far greater ruler then I will ever be.” Theodore said rather cryptically and then looked at his mate; they both rose and went to the door.

“We will let you rest Trilium and have someone bring you some food.” Lily said kindly before she and Theodore excused themselves.

Trilium looked down at her lover and the smile was in her eyes, tender and soft. She moved her paw so it gently touched the side of the princess’ face.

“Do not look so sad my princess.” Trilium said softly.

“Do not do that again, not for me, my father or anyone. You scared me to death Trilium.” Tristin said sternly.

“I promise. Can I get some more rest? Will you say with me?” Trilium asked gently leaning forward slightly and licking Tristin’s face.

“I will be here when you wake up little one.” Tristin’s voice was tender.

Trilium drifted off to sleep again and Tristin laid there her head resting over the white cat’s heart listening to the strong steady rhythm. She was continuously amazed by her father. Initially when she saw the king standing over Trilium’s unconscious body she thought her father would take the chance to kill her. She hadn’t expected him to do what he had done.

The proud king shifted into his human form, and gently picked up the cat cradling her against his chest. He issued a command to his injured guard and he left his daughter in tow. Theodore had carried Trilium through the village, naked yet uncaring, the gesture a silent declaration to all that Trilium was no longer a bounty, no longer under the death sentence. No longer an outsider.

Now Tristin was proud of her father, though still mad that he had issued the order to kill Trilium in the first place. She raised her head as the door opened and one of the maids brought in a large slab of fresh meat. The maid looked from the princess to the sleeping white cat under the blanket. The dislike was evident on her face and Tristin snarled softly in her throat.

Startled the maid put the meat on the bedside table and left, Tristin continued to snarl softly staring at the door until she heard a soft chuckle. Turning she saw Trilium chuckling at her.

“Don’t be so harsh. People aren’t going to forget there hate for me over night.” Trilium said quietly.

“It’s been a week.” Tristin responded glancing at the door.

Trilium chuckled again and moved rolling to her feet and climbing slowly onto the top of the blankets. She looked at the meet and her mouth watered.

“Let me get that for you.” Tristin said and shifted, she grabbed the platter of meat and sat it on the bed in front of the cat.

“Thank you Princess.” Trilium said before she began eating the meat.

“You’re welcome, my lady.” Tristin sat down on the bed in her human form and gently ran her fingers over the soft white fur.

Trilium purred softly as she ate, the meat filling the gap caused from a weeks worth of fasting. She ate ravenously finishing the meat the quickly before licking her paws and cleaning her face. When her fur was clean she shifted, the change causing her slight pain.

“Trilium, you shouldn’t have done that you could have reopened the wounds.” Tristin said harshly looking at the lacerations on the woman’s body.

“So, they would close again. I want to be close to you.” Trilium answered softly, lying back on the bed.

“Oh really now…” Tristin said a slow smile coming to her face and she moved over to press herself against Trilium’s uninjured side.

“Yes, I think I’m healed enough.” Trilium said as she laid her hand on Tristin’s stomach.

“I don’t think you will be doing much anyway, my lady.” Tristin said and placed her hand over the tight curls between Trilium’s legs.

It was almost an hour later when both women lay tangled in each others arms and legs breathing heavily. Tristin gently kissed Trilium’s throat as she brushed her fingertips lovingly over the skin.

“I’ve got to admit, I never thought I would enjoy the taste of a woman so much.” Tristin whispered as she gently nibbled Trilium’s earlobe.

“You taste really great yourself.” Trilium responded giggling a little.

Both women, sated, fell asleep in each other’s arms sleeping deeply until morning. They both rose after making love again and they went down to the courtyard. Many of the guard and maids glared at Trilium as she limped along the corridors down to the courtyard. Stable hands glanced unsure at the white cat sitting so close to the princess.

Tristin sighed deeply and irately as she watched her people glaring at her lover. She glanced over her shoulder often, paranoid that someone would cross a line.

“Don’t look so forlorn. After 20 years of this kind of thing… well you learn to ignore it.” Trilium gently laid her paw over Tristin’s.

“Yes, you might be used to it Trilium. But I am not and I don’t like it. Plus, you’re a princess as well; they should treat you with more respect.” Tristin’s voice was hard and grumpy.

“You know I'm a princess, your parents know, and I know that. But your people don’t. Besides here I'm not even a legitimate princess.” Trilium said softly, the gentle smile in her eyes as she looked at Tristin.

Tristin looked tenderly at her lover before looking around at everyone else again she watched as a young male, one of the royal pages run past her up into the palace.

“You’re legit. You’re my princess.” Tristin said finally.

“As you are mine.” Trilium responded shifting slightly closer to Tristin.

“I wish I knew why everyone was buzzing around, busy little bees they all are but I don’t know… oh crap…” Tristin hung her head with a deep sigh.

“Wedding plans?” Trilium said chuckling softly.

“How did you know? Why didn’t you say something? This is outrageous that they still think I will marry him.” Tristin’s voice was hard again.

“It wasn’t hard to figure out, and I didn’t realise you wasn’t that cluey.” Trilium said looking around at everyone.

“Why are you so ok with this?” Tristin asked almost angrily.

“Because, as of a week ago I feel like things have a way of working themselves out.” Trilium responded casually.

“That is infuriating; I'm going to talk to my parents.” Tristin said haughtily as she got to her feet.

“Don’t be too upset with them.” Trilium said to Tristin’s retreating tail.

With a sigh Trilium laid her head on her paws and soaked in the sun, she was content where she was but she wished to go and visit with Gintar the moment she was healed properly. Watching everyone moving around busily Trilium soon drifted off to sleep there in the sun.


“Please tell me why the wedding plans are still going ahead. I mean seriously after everything you still don’t realise I love Trilium?” Tristin asked as she strode into the throne room and over to her parents.

“We realise it. The people are expecting a wedding, and its tradition, you have to marry.” Theodore said honestly.

“I will not.” Tristin said bluntly.

“You will, and I don’t want to hear another word about it. As future queen it is required of you.” Theodore answered sternly.

“But, Dad…” Tristin’s voice was pleading.

“But nothing, now be off with you. The wedding is at the end of the week.” Theodore informed.

“But that’s only 4 days.” Tristin was annoyed that he was brushing her off.

“Run along Tristin.” Lily said sternly.

With a resigned sigh Tristin turned and left she walked slowly along the corridors back towards the courtyard where she would find Trilium. She had a multitude of things running through her mind. She didn’t want to marry, not Alexander. She didn’t want to mate with him either, the thought repulsed her.

She stepped out into the suns light and walked slowly towards the small white bundle of fur she could see a short distance away. A slow smile lit her eyes as she reached the Sanguine Clan’s Princess and she saw a small grey bundle curled against her stomach. Trilium was curled around a small cub.

“Tril. Wake up.” Tristin spoke quietly as she nudged her lover.

Trilium woke up and blinked in the sunlight she lifted her head and looked down at the tiny cub sleeping against her side.

“Where did she come from?” Trilium asked quietly so not to disturb the cub.

“Your guess is as good as mine. She was there when I got here.” Tristin said sitting beside her lover.

Just then one of the villagers that had been helping with the preparations for the wedding ran up to the two, she looked at the Princess and bowed low.

“Your highness, I'm sorry but my cub…” The female said glancing at Trilium.

“She is ok; she just seems to have found a good spot to sleep curled up against my lady.” Tristin said her voice a little hard.

“I see. I’m sorry if she bothered you… my lady.” The villager hesitated, unsure what to call Trilium.

“That’s fine. Honestly I was asleep and didn’t notice until Tristin woke me just now.” Trilium responded kindly.

“I hate to move her; I have so much to do…” The villager said slowly watching her cub tenderly.

“Well, I didn’t intend to move until the sun is gone. So Tristin and I could watch her if you want.” Trilium offered.

“Oh, I couldn’t ask you and her highness to do that.” The female said slowly.

“You’re not asking, we are offering. It will be our pleasure.” Tristin said kindly.

“Well… If you are sure, your highnesses.” The villager said slowly.

“Of course, and please, don’t call me ‘your highness’ Trilium is fine.” Trilium said chuckling softly.

“Sorry… my lady.” The villager said awkwardly.

“Don’t give the woman a hard time Tril; she is only saying it out of respect.” Tristin said gently.

“Of course, well you little one is safe with us.” Trilium said the smile in her eyes.

“Thank you. I will be back in no time.” The villager said and she turned and left.

“You may have to get used to that.” Tristin said lying down beside Trilium.

“Yes, I may.” Trilium said looking from Tristin to the sleeping cub.

The couple laid there in the sun for the rest of the day, they played with the cub when she woke and said there farewells when her mother came and got her. They retired to there room where they slept. The next 4 days went a lot quicker then Tristin had wanted and she got increasingly upset with everything. The morning arrived and Trilium woke Tristin and they made love before facing the day.

“Don’t be too upset. I’m not going anywhere what ever the turn out.” Trilium said slowly as the two cats walked out of the room.

The wedding wasn’t until that afternoon and the throne room had been temporarily renovated to accommodate the event.

“Yeah, we will see.” Tristin said sullenly.

They walked down the corridor and into the court yard; Tristin was walking slightly behind Trilium and was watching the ground. Trilium stopped and Tristin walked into her.

“Tril, what’s up?” Tristin asked looking at the awed look on her lover’s face.

“Look Tristin.” Trilium said quietly.

Tristin followed the white cats gaze and looked out into the courtyard; there was a small concession of cats, white with the same red marks as Trilium walking slowly towards them. The white cats were surrounded by a royal guard, all were a brownish orange with bright yellow stripes over there rumps.

The two smallest white cats saw Trilium and without a word they ran towards her, Trilium panicked a little and pressed back into Tristin as the cats approached her.

“Sister!” The two small white females cried as they reached Trilium and rubbed there faces on hers.

“Sister?” Trilium asked shock evident on her voice.

“Yes Trilium. These are your younger twin sister’s. And these are you parents, the king and queen of the Sanguine Clan.” Theodore said stepping up behind Tristin and Trilium.

“It is a pleasure to see you again my daughter.” The white male, obviously the king, said gently to Trilium.

The female, the queen, moved forward and tenderly rubbed her face against Trilium’s.

“We’re so sorry for the life you have had until now. You was stolen from me at the end of the war 20 year’s ago. I looked, I did…” The queen was sad there were tears in her eyes.

“Please. If that wasn’t the life I had had, well I wouldn’t have met Tristin. Don’t be sad, everything turned out. But what are you doing here?” Trilium asked curiously recovering a little from the shock.

“I invited them for the wedding.” Theodore said from behind Trilium.

“Well that’s a kick in the tail, your going to make them watch me marry some male?” Tristin asked outraged.

“You are still under the assumption that you have to marry Alexander, Tristin.” Lily said gently.

“No, that isn’t the case. This is the beginning of a unity of the Sanguine and Twilight Clans.” The white king said a soft smile in his eyes.

“I don’t understand that completely. But I don’t care right now, my parents and family are here, and I don’t even know your names.” Trilium said bluntly.

The entirety of cats all laughed loudly at the statement.

“I am your father, Stefan and this is your mother Gwen, your brother Chris and your younger sister’s Melissa and Rachel.” The white king informed.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. This is, well I assume you know the king and queen, but this is Tristin.” Trilium said moving so her body was touching Tristin’s.

“It’s strange two females can be so in love.” Chris said watching his sister and Tristin.

“What do you mean it is strange?” Tristin said a little defensively.

“It is strange, you can’t deny it. But I never said it wasn’t a beautiful thing your highness.” Chris said calmly, his voice warm.

“My brothers a poet Princess; don’t you think he will be chased all over by the females for that?” Trilium asked the smile in her eyes.

“I bet he will be.” Tristin said chuckling at the slightly startled look on Chris’s face.

“Well lucky for me I have an older sister and her princess to look out for me… right?” Chris feigned fear causing the 4 princess’ to giggle.

“Enough of this, we have time to get to know each other later. Its time for the wedding.” Lily said the smile in her eyes.

“Wait, if I'm not marrying Alexander, who am I marrying?” Tristin asked as they all started down the corridor to the throne room.

“Trilium.” Stefan said bluntly.

Tristin and Trilium continued walking, not understanding what that meant, they both thought about it as they walked and then suddenly stopped dead in there tracks and looked at each other for a long moment.

Theodore rolled his eyes at Stefan over there daughter’s heads and the 4 parents chuckled softly. They watched the princess’ as they slowly began to realise what was happening and then suddenly both females shrieked with joy and jumped on there respective parents.

“Alright, Alright. We have to be off we are keeping everyone waiting.” Gwen said chuckling.

With that, the families started off again to the throne room; on enter a deep hush swept over the gathered crowd. There was hundreds of Catrin there to witness the wedding of a life time. Two females that signified the unity of two long feuding clans.

Stefan and Theodore escorted the two lovers’ up to the front of the throne room and the formality began. Speeches were made by the Catrin’s version of a priest and then buy the two fathers. After the declaration of peace and unity between the two clans was out of the way. The wedding began and as vows were made jewel crafters bought up two thick chained gold necklaces.

The first was a gold chain and in the middle was a large sapphire the colour of Tristin’s deep blue eyes surrounded by a dozen white diamonds. The second was the same design as the first, only it was a silver chain, the gem at the centre was an emerald, the colour of Trilium’s eyes surrounded by a dozen blood red rubies.

“These chains as most of you all know are of royal Tradition. Each married royal pair has chains. The centre gem always the colour of its wearer’s eyes and the surrounding gems the colour of our marks. These chains are for Tristin or the Twilight Clan, and her Queen Trilium of the Sanguine Clan.” The priest declared to all present. “They will be presented from father to daughter and the binding of these two souls will be complete.”

Stefan and Theodore stepped forward, taking the chains gently in there teeth and holding them up as queue for there daughter’s to step forward. As they did so they lowered there heads and the two kings gently placed the chains over the princess’ heads sliding them into place around there necks.

“All hail your future Queens.” Theodore and Stefan said together once the chains where in place.

A loud cheer went over the crowd and Trilium felt strange. She rarely cried but now she couldn’t stop the swell of tears from over flowing down into her soft fur. Never in her wildest dreams did Trilium expect this. Not marrying a Princess, or being one herself but mostly she never expected to be accepted. Yet all these Catrin were cheering for her and her princess and there nothing but acceptance in there eyes.

“Why are you crying my lady, this is a happy thing.” Tristin said nuzzling Trilium.

“They are happy tears my princess.” Trilium said gently the smile in her eyes.

If you have enjoyed Jess Adams' "Catrin", then please be certain to  Contact The Writer  and thank her for posting this Story.

Click here for a list of all of Jess Adams' Stories and Poetry at  Sapphic Voices Authoresses.