A sigh of solace, of happiness, is exhaled into her mane when Elysteria leans into him. A smile, hidden beneath her locks, tells stories of the joy that she - and now their daughter - bring him. For decades Tiphon had told himself to never attach himself to anyone but he succumbed to that internal need for adoration and companionship. What began as a promise to protect transitioned into something far greater and more intimate. Never did he think he would find himself with a family, and one that he cares so deeply for. His first children were out of lust and instinct, but with age Tiphon has grown more complex and understanding of what it is to truly live.
What it is to love.
He breathes her in slowly as though afraid this moment will pass him by. For a heartbeat, he looks up to see Joscelin in the thicket and an airy laughter tumbles from him and across Elysteria. "She gets it from your side of the family," he bumps her in jest before resting his chin on her back. "She's beautiful," he's referring to their daughter playing in her own world of innocent bliss, "but what will she do as she grows up?" It has almost been haunting him as of late. He wants his children to prosper and enjoy life, but how can he ensure that?
A breath catches in Tiphon's throat as his inches back so that his eyes may search Elysteria's. "Scorch has requested her daughter to be an heir to the Dalean throne, but I won't give her the satisfaction of letting her be a sole ruler." It's obvious in the way he sternly looks at her that he has contemplated this for weeks, maybe months. "Ramiel will be my heir when I step down. So that leaves our sweet Joscelin." He leans forward to touch her, to feel the warmth of her skin against his own. With a predicament such as this he finds himself searching for answers. "Shall Joscelin remain here with a high rank to outnumber the Jungle princess, or do we find a suitor for her in hopes that she will be a future Queen in another kingdom?" For a moments breath Tiphon considers that maybe he's putting in too much thought, but then he shakes his head.
These are his children and their futures.
He wants them to only have the best.
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