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, “I will take my leave!”

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

“Good riddance.” I walk 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 frown at him, “what did I do wrong? I came to chat with my soon-to-be husband only to find that he's a chick like everyone else.”

Father huffed in anger before he stormed 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.

“Gods.”

I sigh.

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 frown 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 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

distances 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 narrow my eyes at him.

I took a ready stance.

Should in case he repeats 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 slap 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 walk 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 will 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.

“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 her spine. She can feel the blood as it cursed 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 smile 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 with him was more than I would 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 pats 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 smile at him before I lightly kick 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 towards the villages of the kingdom.

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.