Brew 25

Many years had passed. Blaise and Seraphina had become inseparable—not only in the council chamber but in life.

Blaise slowly rose through the ranks, his knowledge of magical creatures and diplomacy gaining the respect of the council’s elders. Seraphina worked tirelessly with Caelum to pass new legislation protecting the rights of beastmen and other marginalized magical beings.

Evenings often found her in Blaise’s apartment, teaching him magical techniques between quiet dinners. Since their visit to Thistlewick, the foundation of their bond had only deepened.

Their partnership had become the talk of the capital. Blaise became the envy of many men, and Seraphina the most adored woman in the city for her wisdom, beauty, and grace.

That morning, as Seraphina attended a council strategy meeting, Caelum strolled with Blaise into the shopping district.

“You’ve been jumpier than a hare since sunrise,” Caelum teased, nudging Blaise with his elbow. “What’s eating you?”

Blaise flushed, her heart pounding and his hands sweating for what he wanted to discuss with Caelum. “It’s about Seraphina.”

Caelum’s expression darkened instantly. “Oh no—you’re not breaking up, are you?” He panicked. “The two of you are so perfect together. What happened? Why are you doing it? Say it isn’t so?”

“What?!” Blaise panicked, glancing around as passing shoppers turned at the outburst. “No! Quite the opposite.”

He pointed to a jeweller’s window, where elegant rings glittered in the morning sun.

“A ring,” Caelum breathed, grinning wide. He realized what Blaise meant by ‘the opposite now’.

“I love her,” Blaise confessed, the words leaving his mouth for the first time. “I want to marry her. If she will have me of course.”

“Then let’s make this the most beautiful proposal Aethera has ever seen,” Caelum declared. He clapped Blaise on the back so hard he nearly knocked him into the display window.

“Don’t do that,” Blaise exclaimed. “I’m lucky I can afford the ring I want but if you make me break the display, I won’t be able to afford a wedding let alone the ring.”

Caelum gave a heart laugh as the pair walked into the store. “Fear not friend,” he assured. “I wouldn’t do such a thing.”

By dusk, they had chosen the perfect ring. A white diamond shaped like a four-petaled flower, with a faint pink hue that revealed itself in the right light. A reminder of the delicate blossoms that grew in both Thistlewick and Amberwood. A joining of their worlds.

Back at his apartment, Blaise lay on his bed, staring at the ring box. His mind turned over memories of Seraphina—the countless nights of study, the jokes, the victories and defeats they’d shared.

Yet a soft pang still echoed in his heart.
Aria.

He hadn’t seen her since that visit to Thistlewick, but he carried her letter with him always. It had given him closure. She had encouraged him to build a life. And he was. But a part of him would always carry her blessing.

That evening, when Seraphina arrived with a bottle of wine in hand, she paused at the door. Blaise had a strange look about him.

“I thought we could dine out tonight,” he said nervously, taking her hand.

Seraphina quirked a brow but allowed him to lead her into the council’s private courtyard.

The scene stole her breath.

Candles floated gently in the air. Lanterns bobbed among them, shedding soft gold light. At the centre of the garden sat a table laid with crystal glasses and a bottle of Blaise’s own homemade herbal brew.

“Blaise…” Seraphina whispered, tears stinging her eyes. “It’s stunning.”

He pulled out a chair for her and poured the sparkling drink into their flutes. “Made this from the herbs I’ve been growing in the council garden. Hope it’s palatable.”

She took a sip, swilling the liquid in her mouth to be able to get the full flavor. “Delightful. And…” she glanced up at the gently floating candles, “I see someone finally mastered levitation spells.”

“Took me a while.” Blaise grinned, playing with the ring box in his pocket. “Thanks to a brilliant teacher.”

Her heart swelled. Blaise was so sincere, so unlike the other council suitors who cared more for status than love.

Then, as she lowered her glass, she gasped.

Blaise was on one knee, a small box open in his palm.

“Seraphina Alderbranch,” he began, voice trembling but steady. “Since the day I entered that council chamber, you captured my attention. And soon, my heart. You have made me stronger, wiser, and the man I always hoped to become. Will you marry me?”

Seraphina looked between the glimmering ring and Blaise’s earnest eyes.

“Yes!” she cried, leaping forward and tackling him to the ground in an undignified heap. “Yes, a thousand times yes!”

High above, in a hidden window, Caelum grinned approvingly. He never imagined he would have considered a human his best friend let alone help him plan a proposal. “You really are a good man Blaise,” he chuckled to himself

Beyond the garden wall, hidden in the shadows of the forest, a breeze rustled the leaves gently. The fae who watched did not step forward, but smiled softly, her arms folded across her chest.

She had taken another step toward the village that night.