We all ran outside. There inside the dark forest, flickers of lights could be seen moving. The men and women who went to hunt have returned. Everyone was excited to see those who have returned, whether they caught something or not, as long as they were alive.
We waited together with the others who have chosen to stay and protect the camp, trying to get a glimpse of our men among the returners.
The king and crown prince emerged from the forest, leading their knights without any signs of problems. They did not bring anything besides themselves neither did they looked like they went to hunt anything. It was like they just went to a walk in the park. The other groups emerged behind them, looking like they went in a vacation instead of a hunt. They were all laughing and chatting among themselves.
Something's not right.
"Do you see them?" Athy asked Loki who was carrying her.
"Not yet, my lady." The butler replied.
I narrowed my eyes at the smug smile of the king.
"Sis, inform all our knights to get ready for a rescue mission." I whispered to Uriel who nodded with her fist clenched.
Athy turned to me but did not say anything.
When the lords and knights reached where we are, they hugged their respective families. Some were informed of what happened and how their families have fled the camps during the attack. The king was also informed that the queen and the second prince were brought back to safety. They looked unshaken and accepted the information without any problems.
Fishy.
The king stood in front of everyone, looked around before he cleared his throat. He looked at us directly and with a dramatic solemn voice he announced what I have already expected.
"Everyone, I have heard what happened today. We also had a similar experience up in the mountain. Hundred of demon beasts suddenly appeared and attacked us while we were hunting. Fortunately, we happened to meet up with the other noblemen and were lucky enough to succeed in killing off the attacking demon beasts." He looked at where we stood, the glee in his eyes unconcealed. "But in the process, Archduke Castellan and the other nobles who are not here with us have sacrificed their lives to protect us, just like their oaths."
There were gasps of shock and horror before crying and sniffling filled the air.
"We will end this years winter hunt today and return to the capital to prepare for the memorials of the brave men and women who sacrificed to protect me, their king, against the demon beasts." The king ended his speech.
"Athy, try and check if father and the others are still alive, if you can pinpoint their location, much better. Loki, invite the houses whose representatives did not return to meet us in our tent, and do it discreetly. Uriel, distract that disgusting thing and don't let him approach mother." I instructed them and turned on my heels.
"What will you do?" Athy asked as she noticed me walking a different way instead of to our tent.
"I need to check on something." I said before leaving her.
I walked towards a tent with filled with sorrowful mourning inside. The guards outside saw me approaching and called to stop me.
"The duchess does not want to see guests today, please turn back." The guard stopped me.
I walked towards where the light could reach me.
"Tell the duchess that the eldest daughter of House Castellan wishes to talk with her." I told them.
The guards glanced at each other before one of them went inside to inform the duchess. A few moments and the guard came out again with a maid who bowed to me.
"Lady Castellan, her grace invites you in." The maid politely said.
I walked inside and saw three women with almost the same age as my own mother, huddled together. Their face were tear stained and there was a heavy pressure in the atmosphere. There was also a girl, who was my age, holding unto one of the women's shoulders and two familiar looking boys sitting on the side.
"You graces." I greeted politely, but did not bow or even nodded at them.
The women looked at me and they all stood to curtsy but I stopped them.
"There is no need for such formalities, this is an emergency." I said forwardly. "I am here to ask if you are willing to help to send rescuers up the mountain."
Shock was registered in their faces.
"Lady Castellan, are you saying that our husbands and son are still alive?" A beautiful caramel woman with long locks of hair stood up.
"Does your grace honestly believe that your husbands and son are dead?" I asked her in return.
"That.." She stopped herself from talking.
"I don't." A rebellious voice spoke up on the side. "It's impossible for father to die easily against demon beasts."
Felix Salvatore stood up and walked towards me.
"I refuse to believe what that good-for-nothing lard-ass king says." He said with contempt. "Father and the knights would not be killed that easily."
Duchess Salvatore's face went pale, her eyes darting from her son to me and back.
"Felix!" She exclaimed. "Do not speak of such words, you could be accused of treason!"
I turned to look the the young Salvatore.
"Unless they were sacrificed, tricked and trapped." I said flatly making all of them stare at me in horror.