𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐄

06

The royal court was filled with people as the King sat on his throne with his three precious sons in front of him.

"Father," Chris began.

"I'll go for a visit of the northern area today just to ensure," he informed.

"Acceptable, Crown Prince," The king smiled slightly at his son.

Suddenly, the tranquility of the court was broken as a man burst through the doors, shouting, "Your Majesty!"

The king's attention immediately focused on the man, as did the princes and the other royal members.

The man tried his best to speak through ragged breaths, "The Dark Wolves...my wife and 6-year-old daughter went to the river. My daughter was playing with a ball, which rolled into the deep forest. She went inside but didn't come back."

At this, a murmur went through the court, everyone exchanging uneasy looks.

King Zoryan looked shocked at the news, his face hardening. "What?!"

"I searched the ... the area...but I couldn't find her anywhere, Your Majesty."

The King took a moment to think about the solution when he murmured, "Someone must go to the southern woods."

Vincent looked around and found his younger brother whispering to his elder brother as he scoffed.

"Um," Asael began raising his hand up catching the attention of the other people including the King present in the court.

"Father, if I have your permission, may I go for a visit to the forests?" He said.

The King looked at his youngest son, a bit of surprise on his face, but he nodded after a moment's consideration. "You wish to be the one, Prince Asael?"

Asael gave a small nod, "Yes, Father. I'd like to be the one to go."

"Very well," the King agreed, the other royals looking at Asael. Vincent watched his brother, inwardly rolling his eyes at his audacity.

The King then spoke to the court, his voice firm, "Prince Asael will be the one to go to the southern forest."

✮ ✮ ✮

Edith entered the grand kitchen, a big smile on her face. Bridget trailed after her, looking around quietly.

The kitchen was a huge space, with cooks and servants, all preparing for the evening meal.

As few of the staff gave Edith a warm greeting, but they all glanced curiously at Bridget. Bridget, feeling the attention, subconsciously moved closer to Edith.

"Don't worry," Edith said, noticing Bridget's unease. "Everyone here is nice. They won't harm you."

Edith led her to a corner of the kitchen, where a group of kitchen maids were working.

She turned to Bridget and smiled, "You wait here, okay? I need to go see something. I'll be back soon."

"Yes! She's the one whom the grand prince bought!" Bridget heard one of the maids whisper.

"I heard he bought her for a thousand gold coins!" another maid chimed in.

"That's what I heard!" a third one joined in. "I wonder what the prince even wants with a little thing like her."

Bridget's face heated up as she listened to the maids talk about her as if she was a commodity to be bought and sold. She didn't know what to think or what to feel.

Just as she was about to turn away, she heard them speak again.

"Do you think the prince will give her tasks at the palace?" one maid wondered aloud.