"Aside from that, I have something to tell you," Lilith said her finger brushing Atheline’s jaw almost absentmindedly.

Atheline met her gaze, his brow raised in question.

"What is it?"

"Have you already studied the layout of the forest?" She asked.

Atheline nodded.

"I asked Zelpher for an overview and Simion was kind enough to give me his personal layout from his exploration," he explained.

She was quiet for a moment then shook her head.

"Well, that’s just surface level from hunters. I want you to be careful," she said, worry sipping into her tone," The northern part has an SS class Griffin as its lord. The southern is home to all wolf species. I want you to be careful when you go to those parts but those are just the easiest places to hunt, that’s why I told you. As for all the other parts, if you can, do not visit those parts of the forest."

"I’ll try but you know I can’t guarantee. "

"Avoid the forest centre, that’s where the Forest lord is. It won’t attack you as long as you don’t disturb it."

Atheline nodded. He wasn’t planning on poking the hornet nest when quantity mattered more than quality in the competition. As long as your sum of hunted beasts could equate that of someone who hunted a high-level beast then you’re tied.

This rule was established to give low rankers a chance and to prevent reckless hunting.

She wrapped her hands around his neck, placing her forehead on his.

"Even in the forest, I will keep you safe."

Lilith said, breaking the silence. Atheline pulled her closer than was physically allowed. He really just wanted to merge them.

"Thank you, Lily."

"Thats not a problem at all, my love. It’s my duty."

That made Atheline smile brightly at Lilith. He knew he wasn’t weak but also not strong, there was no need for him to be standoffish when she always meant well.

The chain around him felt hot and heavy but also comforting at the moment. Lilith was the only person that he looked forward to seeing every day. She really made him happy, happier than he wanted to admit.

The silence was broken when the second round of trumpets rang out. Light had fully embraced the sky and the rising sun cast orange glows on the horizon.

Atheline lifted Lilith from his lap, sitting her on the chair. He rose and walked to the window, gazing down at the already filling streets.

Some of the people were already sitting, on little chairs gazing up.

"This feels so foreign," he said, turning back to her.

"The crowd, yes?"

Atheline nodded. He was about to respond when a knock came.

"Sit," he said to Lilith.

He walked to the door and pulled it open. A servant stood at the other side, head lowered. He was pushing a trolley filled with breakfast.

His hands tightened around the handle as he spoke.

"I apologise for the disturbance, your highness. Breakfast is ready."

Atheline smiled and shook his head.

"No, come in."

He stepped to the side allowing the servant entry. He gingerly pushed the cart inside, occasionally glancing at Atheline.

Atheline took a seat beside Lilith and watched as the servant organised the table. The servant bowed to them and hurriedly walked out the moment he was done.

"This looks appetising, " he said, picking his favorite dessert," Did you specifically ask for everything that I liked?"

"Yes," she calmly admitted.

Atheline smiled. He poured tea for both of them and turned to face her.

"Will you be staying at the palace this time, just like the horse race?" He asked.

She nodded, almost immediately. She stood up abruptly right after, startling Atheline.

"Wait, I have something for you. I’ll be back real quick."

She was gone before he could say anything and true to her words she was back five seconds later with a small blue jewellery box.

Atheline studied it for a moment. He was curious what she had bought him and the anticipation was killing him.

"Open it."

And he did.

Slowly Atheline opened the small box and his eyes widened in surprise.

"Wow..." he mumbled as he brought the items out of the box.

Inside was a small purple stud earring, that shone against the light. Lilith took the small jewellery from his hand.

"Just pierce the top of my ear," Atheline said, turning his head giving her access to his left ear.

She did just that. The pain was almost negligible and it healed immediately.

"It’s enchanted," she quietly said, " it should be able to provide another set of protection for you. I used a small piece of the sovereign core, it should be enough to ward off most of the stronger beasts but also act as defence."

He nodded, touching his ear. It felt foreign with the added weight.

"Perfect," he spoke as it was indeed perfect. He took her hands into his," Will this affect the Sovereign core?"

She shrugged.

"I don’t know, but what I know is that it is of help to you. You don’t have to worry the energy inside hasn’t been reduced at all."

A small breath left him. He brought both her hands to each of his cheeks and leaned into her warmth.

"Thats good."

"I was planning to give it to you during your coronation but ..." she left it unsaid.

She had clearly forgotten about the competition until it was brought up. Atheline touched his ear, his lips curving.

"I love it."

"I thought so."

As if it wasn’t perfect enough, a knock came at that moment. Atheline groaned.

"Your highness, your escort to the starting point of the hunting competition has arrived," Zelpher’s voice came through the door.

A heavy sigh left him. He squeezed Lilith’s hand and let go. Atheline glanced at his half-eaten breakfast and picked another dessert.

"I haven’t finished my breakfast yet," he mummbled to himself and stood.

He stopped by the door, his hand on the handle.

"Any last words before I go?"

"Crush everyone my love."