Chapter 36: The hunting expedition
940 Words
The morning sun spills golden light over the castle courtyard as preparations for the hunting trip unfold. Horses are saddled, arrows are sharpened, and supplies are carefully packed into leather satchels. The air hums with the excitement of adventure, and at the heart of it all stands Prince Phillip, adjusting the gloves on his hands as he watches Jasmine approach.
Draped in a riding cloak over a deep green gown, Jasmine’s raven-black wavy hair dances in the morning breeze. She approaches him with careful steps, her gaze curious but hesitant.
Phillip smiles, his eyes warming. “I see you’ve accepted my invitation.”
“I figured an adventure wouldn’t be so bad,” she replies, lifting her chin.
A smirk tugs at his lips. “Good. I promise you’ll enjoy it.”
As Jasmine glances around, she notices the company that will be joining them. Lord Alonso and his wife, Genevieve, stand beside their horses, speaking in hushed tones. Alonso, Phillip’s closest friend and a trusted duke, is a tall man with sharp blue eyes and a confident stance. Genevieve, ever poised, adjusts the sleeves of her riding gown, her auburn hair braided elegantly.
Nearby, Lord Luke, Phillip’s favorite cousin, and his wife, Eunice, share a laugh. Jasmine has met them only briefly, but their energy is infectious. Eunice, a dark-haired beauty, flashes her a welcoming smile.
Then, there are Gina and Ginny, Jasmine’s favorite handmaidens. The twin sisters, whom Jasmine had rescued from a slave market days ago, stand close together, their identical auburn curls tied in neat buns. They had been mere girls when Jasmine freed them, but now they serve her with unwavering devotion.
When Gina catches Jasmine’s eye, she winks playfully. “I hope you don’t expect us to go chasing after wild beasts, my lady.”
Ginny chuckles. “We’re here for the adventure, not the danger.”
Jasmine laughs, feeling a sense of ease. She isn’t sure what this trip will bring, but surrounded by familiar faces, she feels more at home than she has in days.
—
The hunting party departs, heavily guarded by the queen’s men. Their horses move at a steady pace through the thick woodland surrounding Mercia’s borders, the leaves whispering in the gentle wind. Jasmine, though an experienced rider, remains close to Phillip.
“You ride well,” he comments.
“I was taught by the best,” she replies.
“Then I’ll have to challenge you to a race someday,” he muses.
She smirks. “I’d win.”
He chuckles, his eyes gleaming. “We shall see.”
The journey is long but pleasant. The group chats, shares stories, and even sings at times. When they finally reach the hunting grounds, they set up camp, and a fire is lit in the clearing.
—
The Hunt Begins.
The men take their bows and venture into the woods, with Jasmine and Genevieve following at a safe distance. Phillip walks behind Jasmine, his bow slung over his shoulder.
“Have you ever hunted before?” he asks.
She shakes her head. “No, but I’ve watched.”
He smirks. “Then stay close. I wouldn’t want you getting lost.”
Their conversation is cut short by a sudden rustling in the trees. Before anyone can react, a wild boar bursts through the undergrowth, charging straight toward Jasmine.
Her breath catches in her throat. Her feet refuse to move.
“Jasmine!” Phillip’s voice is sharp, urgent.
In the blink of an eye, he raises his bow and lets an arrow fly. It strikes the beast in its side, sending it crashing into the dirt just a few feet from Jasmine’s trembling form.
The world is silent for a moment. Then, a rush of relief washes over her.
Phillip is already at her side, gripping her shoulders. “Are you hurt?”
She shakes her head, her heart pounding. “I—I’m fine.”
His eyes darken with worry. “You froze.”
“I know,” she murmurs, ashamed.
He cups her cheek, his touch warm. “You don’t have to be afraid. I’ll always protect you.”
She looks up at him, her pulse quickening. His words feel like a promise.
Back at camp, the air is filled with laughter and the scent of roasted meat. Dancers twirl around the fire, musicians play their lively tunes, and the party revels in the excitement of the hunt.
Jasmine sits beside Phillip, sipping her wine as she listens to Lord Luke recount an exaggerated tale of how he wrestled a stag with his bare hands.
“You did no such thing,” Eunice scoffs, swatting his arm playfully.
“I did,” Luke insists. “Ask Phillip. He saw it.”
Phillip smirks. “I saw Luke trip over a tree root and fall into a bush.”
Laughter erupts around the fire. Even Jasmine can’t help but giggle.
As the night deepens, the merriment continues. But Phillip, feeling the exhaustion of the day, excuses himself and retires to his tent.
When Phillip steps into his tent, he pauses.
Jasmine is there.
Draped in a silk nightgown, her raven-black waves fall loosely over her shoulders. The candlelight casts a glow on her smooth skin, and the scent of roses and lavender lingers in the air.
Phillip’s breath catches. “Bianca…”
She steps closer, her hands nervously clutching the fabric of her gown. “I—”
He swallows, his heart hammering.
She lifts her gaze to his, her eyes filled with something he hasn’t seen before—determination.
And just like that, the night takes a new turn.
- Writer
