The Regal Hunting game is an annual event where many, who were mostly prestigious, would come together to test their skills in hunting on a competitive level.
In the game, the winning title Is bestowed on whoever catches the most animals. Each animal has a point on their head ranging from smallest to largest; That is to say the bigger the catch, the more likely you are to win.
Anabel excitedly climbed down the carriage, Katy behind her. When she heard about the Regal competition, she was eager to see what it'd be like.
After all, she had no memory of the competition— probably skipped it because she assumed it was one of the game's many unimportant plots.
Most importantly, Anabel was excited because where's a better place to get killed than in a hunting competition? Filled with wild and dangerous beasts. She was certain to be devoured by one and meet her untimely fate.
Anabel smiled widely upon seeing Kaius. Oh, how she'll miss his cordial smiles. Kaius took Katy's hand and placed a kiss on her knuckles "Princess,"
"Kaius, what a lovely morning," said Katy with a smile.
Kaius acknowledged Anabel's presence by nodding before averting his eyes to Katy. "Indeed, it is lovely. I see you don't want to participate in the hunting this year, too." he noticed she was dressed for tea rather than hunting.
Katy shrugged "Why should I? I believe a princess does not hunt, I'll just leave it to the men and pass my scarf to whoever emerges as a winner"
Mid Katy's words, Anabel couldn't count the number of times she wanted to roll her eyes. She sighed at Kaius's tender gaze. He's definitely going give it his all and emerge the winner, thought Anabel with a helpless sigh.
"If you'll excuse me" Katy popped open her handfan and walked away to find her ladies.
"Well, that's a burst" Kaius raked his hair, "I was looking forward to spending time with her during the hunting season"
Anabel smiled, thinking inwardly; 'This is a good thing, prince Kaius.' Her eyes scanned the area; there were tents set up, and people were mounting horses and preparing their gear.
Anabel frowned "There aren't many females coming to hunt, huh.."
"They prefer tea and gossip" Kaius chuckled dryly.
"Hmm, the princess doesn't need me right now. I think I'd like to hunt, too," said Anabel. This way, she can 'accidentally' get killed by a ferocious tiger or bear.
Kaius looked at her half-amused before saying "Well, at least I won't be hunting alone this year"
He gave Anabel a once-over, smiling "Let's get you changed into something more hunt-like"
Minutes later, Anabel grinned at her reflection. What she wore was nothing like she imagined, but it was comfortable, fitting, and most importantly, fashionable.
'Yay, pants!' She yelled inwardly.
She exited the tent to show Kaius and he was blown away. Her shirt, not fully buttoned up, gave rise to her perfect B-cups, the belt around her hips was held upwards by her round butt, and her legs, he never knew they were that long and appealing.
He gulped, giving her a thumbs up.
They moved to a small shop where weaponry was sold. Kaius leading, they went in. "Any weapon in particular you're good at using?" Kaius asked, his eyes searching around.
Anabel pondered, she had never gone on a hunt before and wasn't sure which weapon would suit her best. She nibbled on her lower lip, indecisively, her eyes scanning each section.
She found herself exploring deeper into the shop.
Suddenly, a soft voice whispered, "Come closer, stranger." Anabel followed the sound, tilting her head in the direction of the gentle voice, her face twisting into a frown.
Her eyes locked onto the curtain made of beads and the voice urges her "That's it, come closer,"
Drawn in by curiosity, Anabel abandoned her search for a weapon, walking slowly into the curtains. As she walked past, she felt an odd energy course through her.
'What is this place?' Anabel asked inwardly, looking around. The place was dimly lit with scented candles. Tomes and ancient artifacts rested on short shelves, giving the room an archaic feel.
Anabel was in awe.
"This is my sanctuary" The woman, seated in front of a green, glowing crystal orb, answered as if she read Anabel's mind.
Anabel's lips parted slightly in shock "You read my mind?" Her brows were raised.
The woman looked up and stared intensively at Anabel. "No, that is what I tell my customers whenever they come in. Sit" the woman ordered gently.
Anabel mouthed an 'oh' before sitting on a wooden stool opposite her. Anabel's eyes scanned the glowing orb. 'she must be some kind of magician' She thought.
Recalling, Anabel asked, "You called me a stranger, why?"
The woman closed her eyes, her hands hovering over the orb "Am I wrong? You don't belong here, you're a stranger in our world, aren't you?"
To Anabel, it made sense. She wasn't from medieval times when kings, dukes, and princesses existed; rather, she was from a time when presidents, social media, and modern technology existed.
Technically, she was a stranger, but that was her past life. Right now, she's only Anabel San and no one else. Her thoughts were— the woman in front of her was no less than a cheap trickster.
Anabel shook her head. "I think you're mistaken," she said in a fixed tone. The woman smiled, "I am a sorceress. I can see colors different people possess." Her gaze scrutinized Anabel "Yours is nothing like I've ever seen"
Anabel's brows slowly furrowed. She inadvertently began to check herself, what was the strange woman saying? "What's my color then?" Anabel asked, her tone laced with skepticism.
The woman hummed softly, her hands hovering around the orb without touching it. "Lavender, with a hint of cyan," the woman suddenly paused, her eyes squinting. "You wish to return, don't you?" She asked
Unknowingly, a soft gasp escaped Anabel's lips. How did the woman know? Anabel's interest piqued, maybe she's not a trickster after all. "Y-yes. Do you know how?" Other than fulfilling her destiny that is.
The woman opened her mouth to speak but Kaius's voice cut her off. "Anabel?" He called out, his eyes darting about for her. Where had she gone off to?
"Leave," the woman said, but Anabel refused "Say what you have to, how can I go back?" Anabel asked in a hurry.
The woman smiled, Anabel's desperation was as clear as day in her eyes. "This subject is not to be rushed. If we must talk again, do it where no one must see. Get a mirror and call my name three times, your reflection, that's what I'll be"
Anabel listened attentively, nodding at each of the woman's sentences. "What will I call you?" She asked
"Matilda," she responded with a smile. "Now run along, you mustn't keep your husband waiting"
Anabel's eyes widened, a flush creeping up her face. "No, no, you're wrong; Kaius isn't my hus…band; he's the prince," Anabel corrected, backing away.
The woman laughed heartily "A prince, keeping the company of a mere woman?" She laughed. Anabel let out a dry chuckle, leaving the bead curtains.
Anabel met up with Kaius where he stood with a crossbow in his hand. He grinned. "This shouldn't be too much for you," he handed it to her.
Anabel took it, studying the crossbow. She had only ever seen a crossbow on TV, never held one. It had bolts instead of arrows. Not just any bolt; they were magical-infused bolts that would cause short-term paralysis to the target.
Good enough for a rookie like herself. Then, Anabel, with her crossbow, and Kaius, with his trusty sword, both set out to join the others before the competition starts.
Anabel was deterred 'This time, I'll make sure I'm killed'