In the Forest
The forest was alive with sound—birds chirping in the canopy, leaves rustling under hoofbeats, and the distant hum of wind threading through the trees. Prince Eric rode ahead, his posture rigid, his eyes scanning the terrain. Behind him, his younger brother Edward struggled to keep pace.
"Keep up," Eric called, glancing over his shoulder.
Edward urged his horse forward, breathless. "I'm trying. These woods are massive."
Eric slowed slightly, allowing Edward to catch up. "This derby isn't just about hunting," he said. "It's about legacy. About proving you're worthy of the blood in your veins."
Edward frowned. "You mean the Devonte blood?"
Eric's jaw tightened. "Yes. The Devonte blood. Our family built this kingdom. But lately, all anyone talks about is him."
Edward hesitated. "You mean big brother… Daniel?"
Eric hissed. "Don't call him that. He's not worthy to be called our brother. He's a ghost. He shows up when he pleases, disappears when it suits him. And yet, everyone bows. Everyone fears him. Even Father."
Edward looked down at his reins. "Do you hate him?"
Eric didn't answer right away. His voice came low, conflicted. "I don't hate him. I just… don't understand why he's allowed to hover above us like some untouchable phantom. Today, I'll show them what a real heir looks like."
Edward's voice was quiet. "I don't hate him either. He's just… strange. He doesn't talk much. But he's never hurt me. I don't know why Mother wants us to hate him. He's never done anything to us."
Eric froze for a moment, his brother's words cutting deeper than expected. He'd wondered the same thing once—why the hatred had been planted so early, so thoroughly. But every time he tried to ask, Esmerelda would intervene, flooding his thoughts with venom and ambition.
He opened his mouth to respond—
A low growl echoed through the trees.
Eric halted. "Did you hear that?"
Edward's eyes widened. "It came from the left."
Before they could react, a massive mountain tiger burst from the underbrush—its eyes wild, its claws slicing through the air like blades.
Edward screamed as the beast tackled him off his horse, the impact sending leaves and dirt flying.
"Edward!" Eric shouted, leaping from his saddle and drawing his rifle.
The tiger snarled, pinning Edward to the ground, its jaws inches from his throat.
Eric aimed, heart pounding, hands trembling.
"Hold still!"
He fired.
The bullet struck the tiger's shoulder. It roared in fury, turning toward Eric with bloodied teeth.
Eric fired again—this time hitting its chest.
The beast collapsed, twitching once before going still.
Edward lay frozen beneath it, eyes wide with shock, his breath shallow.
Eric rushed to his side, pulling him free from beneath the heavy corpse.
"You're alright," he said, voice trembling. "You're alright."
Edward nodded slowly, tears streaking his cheeks. "You saved me."
Eric looked down at the lifeless tiger, its massive body sprawled across the forest floor. "Yeah." He scanned the trees, alert for movement. "Come on. Let's get out of here."
He helped Edward back onto his horse, then turned to the tiger. It was enormous—far too heavy to carry alone.
As if summoned by the gunfire, a group of royal guards emerged from the trees, weapons drawn, eyes scanning the scene.
"Your Highnesses! Are you alright?" one guard called out.
Eric nodded. "We're fine. The tiger's dead. Help me carry it back to the villa."
"Yes, Your Highness."
The guards quickly fashioned a makeshift carrier, hoisting the tiger onto their shoulders. With Eric and Edward leading the way, they began the slow march out of the forest.
.....
At the Royal Villa
Sunlight streamed through the tall windows of the parlor, casting golden patterns across the polished floors. Queen Esmerelda and Lady Susan sat with embroidery hoops in hand, their fingers moving with practiced grace—though their minds were far from the needlework. A few feet away, Princess Elizabeth and her cousins Bethany and Brittany giggled as they painted delicate porcelain teacups, their laughter a soft counterpoint to the murmurs of adult conversation.
"Ugh! I can't believe they still make us do this," Lady Susan groaned, pricking her finger. "I'd rather be watching 'Love Island' than stabbing my beautiful fingers with a needle. Oww!"
Queen Esmerelda smirked. "Well, since it's tradition, I suppose we must endure it."
She threaded her needle with elegant precision, then added with a sigh, "Still… it's such a shame. That the Crown Prince couldn't be bothered to attend the most important event of the season. One would think he'd care about the Royal Bride Selection, considering it's his future at stake."
Lady Susan chuckled. "Perhaps he's too busy brooding in the shadows. He's always been… peculiar."
Esmerelda's smile sharpened. "At least I have one son who understands duty. Eric is everything a royal heir should be—present, prepared, and proud."
A voice interrupted them.
"Filial piety is not measured by appearances alone, Esmerelda."
Both women turned to see the Queen Dowager approaching, her green hunting dress flowing behind her like a banner of quiet authority. They immediately set down their embroidery and bowed.
The Queen Dowager nodded. "The Crown Prince may walk a different path, but he has never failed the kingdom when it truly mattered."
She settled into a chair with regal poise. "Of course, that's all you think about," she added, her tone laced with subtle reproach.
Esmerelda's smile faltered, though she said nothing. Inside, she was seething. If she weren't my mother-in-law, I'd give her a reply she'd never forget.
"I think it's time for a little break," Esmerelda said coolly, then turned to a nearby servant. "Please bring us some tea."
The servant bowed and left to fulfill the request.
Minutes later, the table was set and steaming cups of tea were served.
Esmerelda took a sip, then spoke with deliberate sweetness. "I do hope Eric returns with a prize. He's worked so hard. Unlike some people."
Lady Susan chuckled. "You mean the Crown Prince?"
Esmerelda smirked. "He's always absent. Always lurking."
She turned her gaze to the Queen Dowager. "To be honest, Eric is the one acting like a true heir to the throne. He's present. He's loyal. And he doesn't have any crude rumors swirling around him. But of course, only a few people seem to acknowledge that."
The Queen Dowager raised a brow. "Loyalty is not measured by attendance, Esmerelda. Valor and strength sustain a kingdom. And so far… I see no proof that a mama's boy is capable of such responsibility."
"You—" Esmerelda nearly lashed out, but caught herself just in time.
'Don't worry, old hag. The day will come when you'll eat those words. I swear it.'
The Queen Dowager saw the reproach in her eyes and smiled faintly.
'Don't worry, you cunning fox. I've already got you where I want you. Sooner or later, you'll reap what you've sown—and it will be a hundredfold in tears and pain. Just you wait.'
She was about to speak when—
"Oh my gosh!" Lady Susan exclaimed, breaking the tension.
"What?" Esmerelda and the Queen Dowager asked in unison.
Lady Susan held up a tablet, her eyes wide. "Have you seen this?"
Esmerelda leaned forward. "What is it?"
Susan handed her the tablet.
Esmerelda gasped. "Oh my…"
The Queen Dowager narrowed her eyes. "What is it?"
Esmerelda turned the screen toward her.
There, in full color, was a photo of Miranda—the Duchess Dowager of Florence—naked on a bed, a man kneeling with his head between her legs.
Beneath it, the headline blazed:
"The Scandalous Life of the Duchess Dowager of Florence Exposed.
Was She Truly a Widow before she married into the Duchy Or an Adulteress?"
Gasps rippled through the room.
Esmerelda's eyes widened, then narrowed into a smirk. "I suppose people show their true colors when cornered by stress. Unbelievable."
The Queen Dowager closed her eyes. "It's disgraceful."
Susan laughed bitterly. "Well, I guess Florence isn't the only thing she's been ruling."
She quickly covered her mouth, realizing the weight of her words. The Queen Dowager shot her a stern look.
"What will the King say?" Susan asked, voice hushed.
Esmerelda's lips curled. "He'll say nothing. He's too busy pretending the Crown Prince isn't a threat. But this… this is beyond scandal. She'd better have an explanation. Otherwise…"
The room fell into stunned silence.
Until—
"Mother! Mother, come quick!"
Edward burst into the room, breathless and wide-eyed.
"What is it, Edward, darling?" Esmerelda asked.
"Big brother Eric has caught a massive mountain tiger! He's won!"
"What!" Esmerelda exclaimed, leaping to her feet and rushing toward the courtyard.
.....
The sound of horns echoed through the valley.
Prince Eric rode into the courtyard, his horse galloping with pride. Behind him, royal guards marched in formation, bearing the mountain tiger's massive corpse on a makeshift saddle. The beast's striped fur glistened in the sunlight, its lifeless eyes frozen in a final snarl.
The guards lowered the saddle to the ground and carefully unfastened it, revealing the full weight of Eric's victory.
Cheers erupted.
Eric dismounted, his boots hitting the stone with purpose. He strode toward the tiger, his chest rising and falling with adrenaline.
Queen Esmerelda rushed forward, her dress billowing behind her. "My son! You've done it!" She embraced him tightly, then turned to gaze at the slain beast.
Eric's face flushed with pride. "The tiger nearly took Edward. But I stopped it."
Gasps rippled through the crowd. All eyes turned to Edward.
The young prince stepped forward, his voice trembling. "It's true. The tiger almost tore me apart. But big brother saved me. I wouldn't be alive if it weren't for him."
Esmerelda's eyes shimmered with emotion. She cupped Eric's face. "Oh, my son. You truly are a champion. You saved your brother's life and made me prouder than I've ever been."
King Reginald stepped forward, clapping Eric's shoulder with firm approval. "Indeed. You've made us proud. You are the true champion of the hunting derby. I am happy."
"Thank you, Father," Eric replied, bowing his head.
The Queen Dowager approached, her expression unreadable. "Well done, Eric. You've surpassed my expectations. I hope you continue to live up to the standard you've set today—and uphold the virtues of the Royal family."
Eric bowed again. "Thank you, Grandmother. I promise to honor your expectations and continue to make you proud."
The Queen Dowager nodded, her gaze lingering on him for a moment longer than necessary.
Esmerelda stood beside them, her smile curling into a smirk. 'See? I told you he would do it. How do you like me now, old hag? That throne will be his—whether you like it or not.'
King Reginald turned to the servants. "Well, what are you waiting for? Bring the Royal Hunting Derby trophy and present it to my son. Let us celebrate his victory!"
The servants hurried forward, carrying the gleaming trophy on a velvet cushion.
It was magnificent—crafted from obsidian and gold, with the emblem of Flambodia engraved atop: a tiger clutching a flaming torch, a dragon coiled above it, breathing fire onto the torch, the flames encircling the tiger in the shape of a shield.
Eric's eyes glinted with triumph.' Finally', he thought. 'Something I've won that Daniel never dared to attempt to try. That throne will be mine. One day soon.'
He stepped forward, his hand reaching for the trophy, the adrenaline of victory surging through his veins—
However…
"All hail the Crown Prince! Hail! Hail! Hail the Crown Prince! Hail! Hail!"
The chant rang through the courtyard like thunder.
Heads turned toward the commotion.
There, gilded atop a massive black stallion whose coat shimmered like obsidian in the sun, rode the Crown Prince. Behind him, royal guards and a crowd of commoners followed, their voices rising in reverence. He wore the Royal Hunting Derby outfit, identical to his brothers and father—but on his face, a mask concealed all but his honey-dew eyes, which glinted like twin flames. His black wavy hair cascaded down his face and nape, tousled by the wind.
The Queen Dowager's lips curled into a proud smile as he approached. The rest of the family stood dumbstruck, frozen by his sudden appearance.
Daniel rode forward until he reached the spot where Eric stood beside his slain mountain tiger. He glanced down at the beast, then looked up at his brother.
"Impressive, young brother," he said smoothly.
His voice was velvet—but to Eric, it felt like a blade pressed against his pride.
Daniel dismounted with quiet grace and walked toward his father. He bowed respectfully, though King Reginald recoiled slightly, his expression sour. Daniel turned and bowed to his uncles, then to the Queen Dowager, who responded with a warm nod. When he reached Queen Esmerelda, he paused—offering only a glance before turning away.
'You brat!' Esmerelda fumed silently. 'How dare you not greet me! Oh, I ought to—'
"What's with the commotion, dear nephew?" Lord Alberto asked, folding his arms. "Did you win a war or something? I'm sorry to disappoint you, but this is a hunting derby—not a battlefield. Your brother Eric has already claimed victory. Something you didn't even bother to partake in."
Daniel's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Who said that I did not partake in the hunt Uncle. After all, this is an important event for me since it marks the beginning of the Royal Bride selection season. The time where I will get to choose my bride. What will the kingdom think of me if I don't partake in something so important like this."
He raised his hand.
Royal guards stepped forward, carrying saddles.
"A token of my commitment, Grandmother," he said, bowing to the Queen Dowager. Who responded with a nod and a small smile.
Thud.
Thud.
Thud.
Thud.
Thud.
Five massive mountain tigers dropped to the ground.
Gasps rippled through the courtyard.
Eric's eyes widened in horror and disbelief.
'How did he…?' he thought, his confidence wavering.
Esmerelda nearly choked, but quickly regained her composure. No way in hell is she going to let that beast, claim the trophy her son won. With steely resolve, she stepped forward.
"Ha! I'm truly impressed. Well done, Daniel. But five tigers cannot compare to a human life. Your brother Eric here, didn't simply hunt for glory—he saved Edward's life. That's far more honorable than just killing beasts."
"That's right," Lord Alberto added. "Saving a life deserves more respect than any hunt."
Eric felt his pride begin to swell again. Yes. I saved Edward. That tiger was just a bonus. A mere hunt cannot compare to saving a life. Checkmate brother, despite your efforts it seems like I still won this round.
However—
"Your Majesties, my Lords… if I may be so bold to say that I beg to differ," came a voice from the crowd.
An elderly man stepped forward, dressed in humble farmer's clothes. He bowed low to the earth.
"Our Crown Prince is the true victor of this derby. You see, we live in a village just a couple of distance down the mountains. For years we have been having problems with these tigers, coming down the mountain to attack us, killing our livestock and also our children. For years we appealed to the council to help us get rid of the tigers but they would not lift a finger, saying that we had to pay them first in order for them to act. But we are nothing but poor folk and farmers and the tigers devoured almost all our livestock that we could have used to sell to pay the council so they would help us. We were almost left with nothing."
He paused, voice trembling.
"But...today, the tigers attacked again. And like a majestic phantom from the heavens, the Crown Prince emerged from the forest. He shot down every one of them. He even saved my granddaughter—dragged into the forest by a tiger. I saw him fight it with his bare hands, then kill it with a dagger. He saved her. He saved us all."
Tears welled in the man's eyes.
"The heavens have blessed us with a valiant warrior—brave, strong, and mighty. May the heavens continue to bless us with his rule. All hail the Crown Prince! Hail! Hail!"
The chant rose again, louder than before.
The man's words deflated both Esmerelda and Eric like balloons. Esmerelda felt weak and had to lean on Eric for support.
Eric stood frozen, his triumph hollowed out.
The Queen Dowager laughed heartily. "Now that's my grandson! A true Devonte indeed! This is a reason to celebrate! Ha! Ha! Ha!"
The servants stepped forward and handed the trophy to Daniel.
He examined it for a moment, then walked toward Esmerelda and Eric.
"Good game, dear brother," he said softly. "We should get together and compete some time. This time side by side. Congratulations on your victory as well. You deserve it."
He placed a hand on Eric's shoulder, then turned to Edward.
"I'm glad you're okay, kid. Here—keep this as a memento."
He handed the trophy to Edward.
"Next time, it'll be truly yours." He ruffled Edward's hair and walked away, leading his horse toward the stables.
Lightning flashed overhead.
Thunder rumbled.
Dark clouds rolled in, swallowing the sun.
Servants began ushering the royal family back toward the villa as the storm broke.
And with every rumble, the fury inside Esmerelda and Eric echoed louder.
One thing was certain—
This storm wasn't clearing anytime soon.