Why The Hell is Fate Trying to Kill Me?

Chapter 63 The Lost Wolf

The morning sun struggled to pierce the grey mist as Adel helped me dress. Unlike the "pristine white" of the feast, today I wore a simpler gown of heavy grey wool, trimmed with white fur. It was elegant but practical.

As Adel fastened clasps, I looked at her reflection in the mirror.

"Adel," I asked, breaking the silence. "I realised something. What actually happens in a Royal Hunt?"

Adel paused, a small and amused smile touching her lips. "It is quite simple, my lady. It is a play in three acts."

She moved to adjust my cuffs while her voice took on a lighter and explanatory tone.

"First, the Departure. The Master of the Hunt from the Royal Family will sound the horn. Everyone who participates in the hunt will gather around. As the king is absent, the Crown Prince acts as his representative and will give a speech; sometimes the speech is about glory or ancestors. Usually quite long."

"And then?"

"Then, the Hunt begins. The men and Lady Eliana, obviously, will ride into the forest to chase the game. The goal is the White Stag, as the rumours are spreading across the kingdom, it appears in this area. However, boars and regular deer are also acceptable prizes."

"What do we do while they are gone? Do we just... stand there?"

"Heavens no, my lady," Adel laughed softly. "That is the Second Act: The Sanctuary. The ladies retire to the viewing pavilion. There will be tea, warm wine, and some entertainment like music. While the men hunt beasts in the forest, the ladies hunt for secrecy, political influence, and social status. Somehow, it is arguably more dangerous than the forest."

"And the Third Act?"

"The Return," Adel said, finishing the final clasp. "The hunters return in three days. The prizes are presented, the winner is crowned, and a feast is held to celebrate the catch."

"So," I said. "I just have to survive a long speech, drink tea with Duchesses or other nobles, and applaud when a deer is brought in?"

"Essentially, my lady," Adel said, stepping back. "It sounds relaxing, does it not?"

"Relaxing, huh?" I whispered, but I smiled. "Sure, it's relaxing after what we had witnessed and discussed last night."

My mother swept in, dressed in a sharp riding habit of pearl-grey silk.

"You look prepared, Aurelia," she said, her eyes scanning my attire. She reached out as her gloved hand rested briefly on my shoulder. "Practical. Sharp."

She withdrew her hand and turned toward the door.

"Come," she commanded softly. "Your brother is preparing to depart. You should see him off."

..

I walked out to the outside. Immediately, the noise was deafening, horses stamping, metal clashing, men shouting orders and hounds' voices.

I spotted Aurelio near the weapon wagons. He looked so grown up in his white leather armour. Felix was beside him, sharpening a dagger, and Alecia was laughing loudly while swinging her great axe as if it were a toy.

I took a deep breath and walked over to them. "Aurelio," I called out while trying to force warmth into my voice. "The forest is dense today. Keep your eyes sharp."

He didn't turn around.

"I know how to hunt, sister," he said, his voice cold and flat. "I do not need you to tell me about the forest..."

Before the silence could stretch too long, Alecia stepped in. She slapped Aurelio on the back.

"Don't worry!" Alecia laughed. "We'll bring back something bigger, yeah?"