Serpent & Dove
“Serpent & Dove” by Shelby Mahurin is a YA fantasy novel set in a French-inspired world where witches are hunted by the Church. The story follows Louise “Lou” le Blanc, a witch who has renounced magic and hides in the city of Cesarine, and Reid Diggory, a devout witch hunter. After a chance encounter forces them into an arranged marriage, their opposing loyalties and beliefs create tension. As Lou’s secrets threaten to unravel, the pair must navigate betrayal, forbidden romance, and a brewing war between witches and the Church. The novel explores themes of identity, prejudice, and the clash between duty and desire, blending fantasy, romance, and adventure.
Consummation: Lou
byMahurin, Shelby
Lou arrives at Cathédral Saint-Cécile d’Cesarine with her new husband, Captain Diggory, a Chasseur whose tense demeanor reveals his discomfort with their marriage. The cathedral’s imposing architecture and the Chasseurs’ shocked reactions to Lou’s presence set the stage for the chapter’s tension. When questioned about her identity, Diggory reluctantly introduces her as his wife, his clenched teeth hinting at his inner conflict. Lou, ever mischievous, winks at a Chasseur, provoking her husband’s irritation and underscoring their strained dynamic.
As they enter the cathedral, a group of Chasseurs arrives carrying a mysterious body covered in vines and bark, sparking Lou’s curiosity. She attempts to investigate, but Diggory dismisses her questions, further emphasizing the secrecy and hostility of the Chasseurs’ world. The Archbishop greets them with disdain, criticizing Lou’s disheveled appearance and arranging for their marriage certificate. Lou’s sarcastic remarks about her newfound “God-fearing” status provoke Diggory to drag her away, highlighting their combative relationship.
Diggory leads Lou through the cathedral’s restricted areas, including a spiral staircase that piques her interest. He warns her against exploring forbidden zones, but Lou’s internal monologue suggests she plans to defy him. They arrive at the Chasseur Tower, marked by the ominous inscription, “Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live,” which sends a chill down Lou’s spine. Despite her dread, she steps inside, fully aware of the danger she’s entering.
The chapter concludes with Lou’s dismay at Diggory’s barren, impersonal living quarters, which reflect his rigid and austere lifestyle. The sparse room, devoid of warmth or personal touches, symbolizes the stark contrast between their worlds. Lou’s internal resolve to resist her circumstances—particularly the impending consummation of their marriage—hints at the ongoing struggle between her rebellious spirit and the oppressive forces surrounding her.
FAQs
1. How does Lou’s behavior contrast with the expectations of her new environment at the Chasseur Tower?
Answer:
Lou deliberately behaves in a provocative, irreverent manner that clashes starkly with the austere, rigid atmosphere of the Chasseur Tower. She winks at Chasseurs, references stripping and vulgar songs, and mocks the Archbishop’s authority by sarcastically declaring herself a “God-fearing Christian woman.” This contrasts with her husband’s tense, restrained demeanor and the Tower’s cold, institutional vibe, emphasized by the ominous inscription “THOU SHALT NOT SUFFER A WITCH TO LIVE.” Lou’s defiance highlights her outsider status and foreshadows potential conflicts in this oppressive setting.2. What significance does the discovery of the body with vine-covered hands hold in this chapter?
Answer:
The body with vine-covered hands and bark-like skin suggests a supernatural or magical origin, possibly linked to witchcraft—a central theme in the story. Lou’s recognition of the “familiar sweetness” emanating from the corpse implies she has knowledge of such phenomena, contrasting with the Chasseurs’ secretive handling of the situation. This discovery creates intrigue about the Tower’s hidden activities and hints at a broader conflict between magical beings and the Chasseurs, while also establishing Lou’s unique perspective as someone attuned to these mysteries.3. Analyze how the chapter uses physical spaces to reflect power dynamics and character relationships.
Answer:
The cathedral and Chasseur Tower are portrayed as imposing, institutional spaces that symbolize authority and control. The “sinister specter” of the cathedral’s architecture and the Tower’s bleak corridors reflect the oppressive power of the religious order. Lou’s husband tries to physically steer her through these spaces, mirroring his attempt to control her behavior. In contrast, Lou’s fascination with the restricted staircase and her disdain for her husband’s barren room (“a miserably drab little matchbox”) underscore her rebellious nature and the incompatibility of their forced marriage.4. How does the author use humor and tension to develop Lou’s character and her relationship with her husband?
Answer:
Lou’s sarcastic quips (e.g., joking about singing “Big Titty Liddy”) and exaggerated mock-offense create comedic relief, showcasing her wit and refusal to conform. This humor contrasts with her husband’s palpable tension—his clenched teeth, “impatient noises,” and physical attempts to silence her. Their dynamic is fraught with unspoken conflict; while Lou provokes deliberately, her husband’s restraint (“barely perceptible nod”) suggests suppressed anger. The recurring motif of his “cracking teeth” humorously underscores their dysfunctional relationship while hinting at deeper emotional stakes.5. What does Lou’s reaction to the Chasseur Tower’s inscription reveal about her internal conflict?
Answer:
Lou’s shiver at the inscription “THOU SHALT NOT SUFFER A WITCH TO LIVE” reveals her underlying fear despite her bravado. While she enters the Tower with defiance (“Like hell”), the cold dread she feels crossing the threshold suggests awareness of real danger. This moment foreshadows her precarious position as someone who may have witch-like qualities (given her recognition of the magical corpse) in a place dedicated to eradicating witches. The contrast between her external boldness and internal vulnerability adds depth to her character and raises stakes for her survival.
Quotes
1. “Cathédral Saint-Cécile d’Cesarine rose up before me, a sinister specter of spires and towers and flying buttresses. Jewel-toned windows leered in the sunlight.”
This opening description sets the ominous tone for Lou’s arrival at the cathedral, using vivid gothic imagery to foreshadow the tension between her irreverent nature and the rigid religious institution she’s being forced to join.
2. “I winked back at him. My husband made an impatient noise and seized my arm, steering me forcefully toward the door. […] ‘I told you to behave.’ ‘Oh, please. I winked. It’s not like I stripped and sang ‘Big Titty Liddy’—’”
This exchange perfectly encapsulates the central dynamic between Lou and her new husband—her rebellious humor clashing with his rigid propriety. The contrast highlights both the forced nature of their marriage and Lou’s refusal to conform.
3. “THOU SHALT NOT SUFFER A WITCH TO LIVE.”
The chilling inscription above the Chasseur Tower doorway serves as both a literal warning and symbolic representation of the institutional threat Lou now faces. Its placement marks a pivotal transition into hostile territory for the protagonist.
4. “There was no going back now. I was in the belly of the beast. Soon to be in the bed of the beast. Like hell.”
Lou’s internal monologue at this crucial moment reveals both her awareness of the danger she’s in and her defiant determination to resist. The juxtaposition of biblical imagery (“belly of the beast”) with her crude humor maintains her distinctive voice while underscoring the high stakes.