Chapter 2

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

“Pardon me, my king,” he looked as ashen as a ghost. “I will take my leave!”

Before I could say a word, he had already reached the doors of the throne room.

“Good riddance.” I walked to my chair which was 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 stormed toward 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.

“Gods,” I sighed.

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.

***

“My princess!” My maid ran after me.

“What’s it?” I narrow my eyes at her. “What do you want?”

“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 frowned at her.

“But…”

“I’m not in the mood to exchange words with you.” I slung the small hunting bag I always took with me and headed straight to the exit of the palace.

The few guards I met on the way didn’t try to stop me. Instead, they made certain they were standing a few steps away from me to avoid getting the brunt of my wrath.

“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.

“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 favorite Starlight to me.

He’s the most beautiful horse in the stable with his unusually blue color.

“You are a darling.” I touched 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 touched Starlight’s back.

“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 could feel the blood as it coursed 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 at him to reassure the poor boy.

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

Smiling to him was more than I would have done to others. Patting him on the hair would 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 smiled 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 to.

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 toward the village.

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

There were 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.