Chapter 4: Mournful Howls
The panther watched until the other big cat was out of view, and turned himself towards the throne at the end of the large, regally decorated room and the fallen king near the bottom of the platform.
He ignored both in favor of sitting on the opposite side of the stairs leading up to the throne’s platform. The panther knight took one final ragged breath in, used his thumb-claw to crack apart the wax seal, and unfolded the letter to begin reading what was written inside.
[My dearest Jagón, tonight, I write you two letters to be delivered based upon what the night brings. If this is the one you have received, then please know the greatest joys I’ve ever known in this life were my moments spent with you by my side.
You and our sons gave my life purpose, happiness, and the most unfathomable love I never believed could have existed since the very day each of you became a part of my story, and from the moment I first became a part of yours.
I know your heart may fracture from the news, but I beg of you, don’t let your sorrow alter who you were meant to be. Do not honor me by raising your blade for my sake as our king has for his fallen bride, but by raising our sons into the most amazing, and truest versions of themselves possible.
You were always the knight who came to my rescue, but not all of our battles are meant to be won. Instead, I now ask that you be that knight for our cubs.
Leaving you alone to raise three boys may be the most selfish thing I could ask, and probably one the toughest fights you’ve ever had laid before you if I know our children like I think I do, but they will need you to be there to get through both this loss, and this life.
Please, shower them with more kindness, more patience, and more love and respect than you ever knew that you had to give. Grow with them. Play with them. Teach them. Learn with them.
Love them scores more than you even loved me. This is the last I ask of you, my tall, dark, heroic knight. Forever grateful for being a Chapter in your story, With more love than you will ever know.