Going hunting

“Yeah, I wasn't born this way. I was trained this way,” I took a step towards him, but he took a step back.

“Pardon me, my king,” he looked as ashen as a ghost as his eyes darted to the door and back at the king. “I will take my leave!”

Before I can say a word, he has already reached the doors of the throne room.

“Good riddance,” I strode to my chair which is next to my father's throne and popped down on it.

“Star!” Father was mad.

He looked like he was only ready to combust at any moment.

“What's it, father?” I frowned at him, “what did I do wrong? I only came to chat with my soon-to-be husband, not knowing he's just a chicken, like the others.”

Father huffed in anger before he walked towards the door.

“Dearest father, where are you going to?” I called out to him, but he didn't answer me. He stormed out of the throne room and banged the door behind him.

I sighed, relaxing on my chair. 

Fathers can be so demanding.

I don't understand why he wants to get me married off as soon as he can. It's not as if I'm doing anything wrong by living here.

Well, I will continue chasing the suitors away. 

***********

Getting dressed to leave didn't take me more than an hour. 

“My princess!” My maid ran after me.

“What's it?” I narrowed my eyes at her,

“what do you want?”

I snapped, not ready to converse with her. 

“The prince of the South is in the throne room. Your father's requested not to—”

“And who said I'm going to the throne room?” I scowled at her.

“But—”

“I'm not in the mood to exchange words with you,” I sling the small hunting bag I always take with me and head straight to the exit of the palace.

She didn't attempt to chase me when she noticed that I wasn't going to the throne room, which is for the best. I'm just not in the mood to waste any time on her. 

The few guards I met on the way, didn't try to stop me. Instead, they made certain they were standing a few

distances from, me to avoid getting the brunt of my wrath. They seem to have heard of what I did to those guards the day before. 

“Baby sister."

My eldest brother and his entourage of guards stepped in, the moment I tried to leave.

“What do you want?” I narrowed my eyes at him.

I took a ready stance.

Should in case he repeat his actions of days ago, I will be ready to take him head-on.

“You don't have to act so hostile. We are siblings, after all," he said with a smile that made me itch to punch him in his face.

“If you don't have anything productive to say, you better get out of my way,” I tried to walk past him, but he stopped me, with a hand on my right hand.

“What do you want?” I slapped his hand off my arm, glaring darkly af him. 

“Don't you think you need to start acting like a princess? You are getting married to the prince of the South, and you are—”

“You can get married to him since you are softer than I am,” I pushed him to the side, and walked out of the palace, with my brother calling after me.

None of the guards patrolling the ground, tried to stop me as they knew how it would end up.

With them on the ground, of course.

*****

“Your horse is ready," The stable boy brought my favourite starlight to me.

He's the most beautiful horse in the stable, with his unusually blue colour.

“You are a darling," I touch Starlight (I named him after me).

He neighed at my touch as he nuzzled on my hand.

“Do you miss me that much?” I brought out the apple I reserved for him and gave it to him.

The happy crunching sound he made as he ate the apple, caused me to smile.

“My princess, are you going hunting, tonight?” The stable boy asked as he brushed the other horses.

“Yes," I touch Starlight's back, feeling the warmth from it. 

“The wise one predicted a dark storm,” the stable boy said, with his face masked in a frown.

“The wise one?” I scoffed at him, “there is nothing like a storm. Besides, today is the best night for a hunt.”

Just the mere thoughts of the hunt sent a thrill down my spine. I can feel the blood as it courses through my body in expectancy.

“You need to be careful, my princess. The predictions of the wise one always come to pass.”

“Don't worry, I won't be there for long," I smiled to reassure him. 

“Okay," he slowly nodded. 

The smile on his face, made me want to pet him on the hair, but I restricted him from doing so.

Smiling with him was more than I have done with others. Patting him on the hair will be like a slap to my sharp personality.

“I will see you when I return.” With one swift, practiced motion, I climbed the horse and got comfortable.

Starlight neighed.

“Safe journey, my princess. I will be patiently waiting for your return.”

“Don't worry, I will get something for you, like Always.”

“I will be patiently waiting." He gently patted Starlight on the butt, “be a good boy, and bring our Princess safe.”

“Don't worry, he has always been a good boy. He will keep me safe," I winked at him before I lightly kicked Starlight on the side, “let's go, boy. It's time for us to make a show in the forest.” I guided him out of the stables and headed out of the place.

The guards opened the gates without further Ado. None of them tried to stop me, and neither did any ask where I was heading.

They dutifully made way for me to exit.

“Have a nice night. Don't forget to send my regards to my father, should he ask of me," I blew kisses at them before I raced out of the gates, and headed towards the forest.

The great forest lies at the end of the village, and it's my favourite spot, although only a few people are brave enough to venture into the forest.

There are numerous tales about the forest, but none of them was enough to stop me from venturing there.

Not only will the guards not attempt to look for me there, but there are plenty of animals there, unlike the other forests.