The Hero's Forsaken Princess

The Day of the Royal Hunt...

The members of the Valemont royal family along with the royal guards arrived at Riverdale forest early this morning. This would be the hunting ground for the Royal Hunt.

Several high-ranking officials and the other generals had been in the forest for the past two days, preparing the venue. With the help of the Averion knights, they built temporary lodges, royal tents, and a stage for activity.

They also set a grand feast before the start of the royal hunt. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

Several nobles from Averion and Eldara were invited to be spectators of the royal hunt. The main participants were the members of the Valemont royal family, Crown Prince Cassian, and Princess Thalia.

Crown Prince Cassian and Princess Thalia also arrived at the hunting ground. They were escorted by Eldara royal knights, headed by Avan. Sylvana, the Seer, also joined them to watch the royal hunt.

A few minutes later, Alaric and Princess Eve joined the royal family. They were escorted by knights from the 5th Battalion headed by Sera. Caleb and Randolf’s Team hadn’t returned yet as they were assigned to capture the bandits who attacked Eve.

King Solomon gathered all the participants in the royal tent for the morning feast. Everyone was wearing hunting garb except for the King and Queen.

The high-ranking officials of the royal court were also invited to join the morning feast.

As usual, Princess Eve caught everyone’s attention as they entered the royal tent. Several officials watched her in awe and admiration. Her beauty really stood out among the princesses.

"Is that really Princess Evelina? The rumor was true. She has been hiding her real face."

"I am wondering why she looks different from Princess Aliyah and Princess Alessandra. She didn’t even resemble any traits of Queen Amara."

"Do you think she is an adopted princess? She didn’t inherit either King Solomon or Queen Amara’s physical appearance."

"Hey, Don’t say that. King Solomon and Queen Amara might hear us."

"You might have your tongue cut off."

The nobles of Averion started to speculate about Eve’s origin. They started to notice the unique facial features of Eve, setting her apart from the members of the royal family.

Crown Prince Cassian’s gaze was also fixed on Eve. He smiled as soon as he met her eyes. Eve politely greeted him by bowing her head. The crown prince of Eldara appeared to be friendly toward Eve while he was cold and indifferent toward others.

Queen Amara and Princess Alessandra had seen the interaction between Eve and Prince Cassian.

"Mother, I really hate this. Eve is catching everyone’s attention," Alessandra lamented to her mother.

Queen Amara furrowed her eyebrows in annoyance. She had the same feelings but she had to endure seeing Eve’s face today.

"Don’t mind her. Just focus on the royal hunt. Show them your skills, Alessandra. You can impress Crown Prince Cassian and the other nobles if you win this royal hunt. Eve is here to humiliate herself. I bet she won’t be able to hunt a single prey," Queen Amara replied, boosting Alessandra’s confidence.

"That’s true, Mother. I guess she will be relying on her husband," Alessandra snorted.

After a while, Princess Aliyah joined them.

"Sis, where is your husband? Is Gavin still sick?" Alessandra asked her sister, Aliyah who came alone.

Queen Amara also gave Aliyah a questioning gaze. She heard that Gavin had been neglecting his duty for the past few weeks.

Princess Aliyah smiled awkwardly. "His health has improved. But I didn’t allow him to join the Royal Hunt. He is still recuperating."

"Your father will summon all the military officers after the Royal Hunt. Make sure that Gavin can attend the strategic planning later," Queen Amara reminded Aliyah.

"I shall see to it, Mother," Aliyah simply replied.

"Come. Let’s settle down and wait for your father’s instruction." Queen Amara gestured for her daughters to sit down.

Meanwhile, Crown Prince Stefan and his wife approached Alaric and Princess Eve.

"Greetings to you, Your Highness," Alaric said, bowing his head.

Crown Prince Stefan nodded, acknowledging Alaric. Then he shifted his gaze to Eve.

"Brother," Eve softly called out, staring at him.

With an indescribable expression on his face, Crown Prince Stefan said, "Eve, this is your first time participating in the Royal Hunt. You should be careful."

Eve was taken aback for a moment.

’Is my brother worried about my safety?’ She eyed him with confusion.

After giving Eve a warning, Crown Prince Stefan escorted his wife to their respective chairs.

Eve just watched his back. She didn’t know if her brother was sincere. She couldn’t read his expression.

Eve was still lost in her thoughts when Alaric wrapped his arms around her waist and whispered, "Don’t worry. I’ll stick by your side. I’ll protect you."

Eve gazed at Alaric, smiling broadly. "Actually, I’m excited to roam around the forest. Riverdale Forest is a protected forest of the royal family. This is my first time setting foot in this royal forest. I wonder what kind of animals I’ll be seeing later."

Alaric let out a soft chuckle. "I wonder if you are here to hunt or to just stroll around the forest. I heard you learned archery just to prepare for this Royal Hunt."

Eve bit her lower lip. "I don’t want to hunt. I pity those animals. I can’t hurt them."

"Alright, Princess. I will tour you around the forests. Let’s enjoy the scenery and forget about hunting." Alaric supported her.

Eve bobbed her head, her emerald eyes sparkling in excitement.

Meanwhile, Princess Thalia’s expression darkened as he watched the interaction between Eve and Alaric. The two looked like a loving couple.

’Can I just aim my arrow at her head? With just one shot, I can eliminate her. I don’t think she can dodge my arrow.’ Princess Thalia thought, eyeing Eve sharply.

Thalia jolted when someone held her shoulder from behind.

"Don’t do reckless things," Crown Prince Cassian warned his sister. Don’t ever think of pointing your arrow at Princess Evelina," he whispered in a stern, cold voice, his grip tightening on her shoulder.

Thalia was rendered speechless. It seemed that her brother had read her mind.

"I know. I should also say this to you, my brother. Don’t lay a hand on Alaric!" Thalia spat back at him.

Crown Prince Cassian smirked devilishly and replied, "It depends on my mood."

Thalia narrowed her eyes on her brother. She knew his capability. Prince Cassian was a sharpshooter. If Alaric wouldn’t be careful around him, he could get injured severely.

"Don’t hurt Alaric, or else, I’m going to get my revenge, targeting Eve!" Thalia threatened her brother.

"Don’t challenge me, Thalia. I won’t spare you even if you are my sister. No one touches my woman. Eve is mine. And she will become my Queen," Prince Cassian declared, his words sending chills down Thalia’s spine. Her brother was serious!

’Damn it! Even my brother is bewitched by that whore! He threatened me because of her! I won’t forget this humiliation. What does he think of me? Making Eve the Queen of Eldara?! No way! If he continues this, then I have no choice but to team up with Chancellor Igrin to dethrone him.’ Thalia thought to herself, clenching her fists.