Kieth sits alone by the riverbank, gazing at his own reflection in the water. The face staring back at him is barely recognizable—disheveled hair, dirt-smeared skin, and eyes that seem older, somehow haunted. His once-regal clothes are torn and muddied, no longer a prince's attire but the ragged garb of a wanderer, a man forsaken by the very kingdom he once protected. Every muscle in his body aches, and his stomach grumbles with a hunger that gnaws at his core.
The forest around him feels vast, almost suffocating in its wildness. It's not just the physical environment that feels harsh and unforgiving, but the weight of his thoughts, memories of betrayal that still sting like fresh wounds. He recalls the look on his father's face when he was sentenced to exile, the venomous sneer of Prince Mike, and the bitter laughter of Madison. Why had they all turned against him? He had loved them, protected them, and in return, they had cast him aside like nothing.
He clenches his fists, the anger coursing through him like a slow-burning fire. It's tempting to let that anger consume him, to vow vengeance against those who wronged him. But he knows that before he can even think of revenge, he has to survive. And survival here in the wild is no simple feat.
Kieth rises to his feet, brushing the dirt from his hands. He knows he can't afford to sit idle any longer. The sun is already sinking lower, casting long shadows that stretch across the forest floor. Soon, the creatures of the night will come out, and he has no intention of being caught off guard. He begins to search the area for materials, gathering fallen branches, dried leaves, and whatever else he can find. His fingers are raw from snapping branches, and every movement sends a fresh wave of pain through his body. But he pushes on, determined to make himself a shelter before nightfall.
He wedges two large branches between a pair of sturdy trees, creating a basic frame for his lean-to. Then he covers it with layers of leaves, pressing them down to form a makeshift roof. It's far from perfect, but it'll offer some protection from the elements.
Next, he digs a series of small pits around the shelter, using a jagged stone to sharpen sticks and drive them into the ground. He covers each pit with leaves and brush, creating hidden traps. If any creature tries to sneak up on him in the night, they'll find themselves impaled before they reach him.
As he works, his mind continues to race. He can't stop thinking about Prince Mike and Madison, about their betrayal. He wonders if they're celebrating even now, toasting their success in the grand halls of the castle. He imagines them laughing, completely indifferent to his fate. It fills him with a sense of isolation so profound it's almost unbearable. But he forces himself to focus, to keep his hands moving, to finish what he's started.
Finally, as the last light of day fades, Kieth sits by his campfire, watching the flames dance. He managed to gather enough kindling to start a small fire, its warmth seeping into his chilled bones. He feeds it with twigs and branches, listening to the crackle of the wood as it burns.
The forest around him is alive with sound. Crickets chirp, owls hoot, and somewhere in the distance, a wolf howls. The darkness presses in on him, making him feel small and vulnerable. But the fire offers a small comfort, a reminder that he's still alive, still fighting. He wraps his cloak tightly around himself, staring into the flames as memories of his past wash over him.
He thinks of his father, of the countless times he stood by his side in the throne room, watching as he ruled the kingdom with an iron hand. He had always looked up to him, admired his strength and his wisdom. But now, that same father had turned his back on him, casting him out like a common criminal. *Why?* The question echoes in his mind, unanswered, taunting him.
He also thinks of Madison, of the warmth in her eyes, the softness of her touch. He had loved her, trusted her. She had been his everything. And yet, she had betrayed him, aligning herself with Prince Mike, of all people. The pain of that betrayal is still fresh, an open wound that refuses to heal. He clenches his fists, feeling the anger rise within him once more. But this time, he lets it simmer, channeling it into a fierce determination. He will survive. He will find a way back. And when he does, they will all pay for what they've done.
Kieth wakes with a start, his stomach aching with hunger. The sun is just beginning to rise, casting a pale light over the forest. He sits up, rubbing his eyes, and looks around. His traps are empty, and his body feels weak from lack of food. He realizes with a sinking feeling that he hasn't eaten in days, too consumed by his grief and anger to even think about sustenance.
He retrieves a makeshift spear from one of the branches, deciding to try his luck at the river. The morning air is cool and crisp as he crouches by the water's edge, spear in hand, his eyes scanning the water for movement. His stomach growls, a painful reminder of his need for food.
After several tense minutes, he spots a flash of silver scales darting beneath the surface. He holds his breath, waiting for the perfect moment, then strikes. The spear pierces the water, but the fish slips away, leaving only a ripple in its wake.
He lets out a frustrated sigh, his hands trembling with hunger and exhaustion. He tries again, forcing himself to stay calm, to focus. This time, his spear connects, and he pulls a small fish from the water, his face breaking into a relieved smile. It's not much, but it's enough to keep him going.
As he roasts the fish over his campfire, Kieth's thoughts return to the castle and the events that led him here. He wonders how much time has passed since his exile, how the kingdom has reacted to his sudden disappearance. Do they even care that he's gone? Or have they already moved on, content to let him fade into obscurity?
He knows he has little chance of surviving if he stays in the forest indefinitely. He needs a plan, a way to gather strength and resources. He considers the possibility of heading to one of the nearby villages, though he knows it would be risky. If anyone recognizes him, they might turn him in, or worse.
As he finishes his meal, he begins to map out his next steps in his mind. He needs to find a way to defend himself, to gather supplies, and to stay one step ahead of any assassins that may come after him. He knows that his brother and Madison will not be satisfied until he's dead, and he has no intention of making it easy for them.
Kieth spends the rest of the day exploring the forest, searching for anything he can use to improve his chances of survival. He finds a few more sharp stones, which he uses to fashion makeshift weapons. He also collects berries and roots, careful to avoid anything that looks suspicious or unfamiliar.
As the sun begins to set once more, he returns to his shelter, his arms laden with supplies. He reinforces his lean-to, adding extra layers of branches and leaves, and sets a few more traps around the perimeter. He knows that he can't let his guard down, not even for a moment. The forest is filled with dangers, both seen and unseen, and he has no intention of becoming a victim. Kieth sees his reinforced shelter and said "this looks good enough but if theres a strong monster that is lurking nearby I might possibly explore more on the forest and will settle at the safest area"
As night falls, he sits by his campfire once more, his mind filled with thoughts of revenge. He may be alone, but he is not powerless. He will find a way to survive, to outsmart his enemies, and to reclaim what is rightfully his. And when he does, they will all learn the true meaning of regret.