What's the Name of That Book??? discussion

I read a book when I was younger and the only part I really remember enough to describe is a scene where the lead woman is captured by an evil king or emperor or something and forced to fight in an arena against this big cat (could be a panther or a tiger I can't remember) but instead of fighting she talks to it and convinces it to join her. They escape and travel together with a man, who's also the love interest I think.
This scene was pretty late in the book, at least after the middle I think. It was at least 10-15 years or so since I read it so a pretty old book.

There is also magic in this book, as most fantasy books have. Can't remember any details though.

Grateful for any help :3

Aurian by Maggie Furey or one of the other books in the series possibly? That definitely happens but it's been 10-15 years since I read that series myself and I'm fuzzy on where it takes place in the story.

Yes, I'm pretty sure that's it. :D Thank you~

You're welcome. Glad I could help. :)

That's been a well searched for book. You are the 4th person to ID it as the one that they wanted Jeelloo. (And that means it has to go on the ol' TBR mountain range.)