Princess Sara lived in a grand castle with her parents, the king and queen. She was the happiest person in the kingdom, as she had everything she could ever want. Her cheerful nature and warm smile made her beloved by all.
One morning, she went to visit her parents in their chamber. As she approached, she overheard a conversation that stopped her in her tracks.
"My king, we must tell her the truth. If she finds out on her own, it could be far worse," the queen said in a worried tone.
"I don't think it's a good idea," the king replied hesitantly.
"She has to know. If someone else tells her that we are not her real parents, she might misunderstand us. And what if she discovers that we…"
"What?" Sara interrupted, stepping closer.
The queen turned to her, startled. "Oh, honey, you're here."
Sara frowned. "Mom, what are you talking about? Are you saying you're not my parents?"
The queen reached for her hand. "You will always be our daughter, no matter what."
Sara smiled faintly. "I know. You've raised me, and you'll always be my parents in my heart. Don't worry, I'll never misunderstand you. You've loved and cared for me, even knowing the truth."
The king cleared his throat, relieved. "What is it you wanted to tell us, dear?"
"It's nothing, really. I just came to say good morning. I'll take my leave now," Sara said, turning to go.
"Wait," the queen said. "Tomorrow is the annual hunting day. Get ready to join us!"
Sara brightened. "Really? I'd love to come. I'll go prepare now!"
As Sara left, the queen's smile faded. "It's a good thing we didn't say anything else. What if she knew that the war we started caused her parents' deaths? I can't bear the thought of her hating us."
"She won't," the king assured her. "She's our daughter, and she always will be."
The Hunting Trip
The next day, the royal family and their entourage set out for the hunting grounds. Servants set up camps near the forest, while the king and his men ventured deep into the woods. Sara and the queen stayed back at the camp, chatting by the fire.
"Mom, can I ask you something?" Sara began hesitantly.
"Of course, dear," the queen replied.
"I was wondering... who were my real parents?"
The queen's expression softened. "Do you truly want to know?"
Sara quickly shook her head. "Never mind. I shouldn't have asked."
"No, you have every right to know," the queen said gently. "The truth is, after the last war, your father found you in the midst of the battlefield. There were... so many who had perished. We never learned who your parents were. I'm sorry, my dear."
Sara nodded quietly. "Thank you for telling me. Let's not talk about this anymore."
The queen smiled. "Of course. Go get some fresh air if you'd like."
Stepping outside, Sara found her maid, Hanna, waiting.
"How long have you been standing here?" Sara asked.
"Since you went inside, my lady," Hanna replied.
"You should've waited in the shade! The sun is too harsh," Sara scolded lightly.
"I'm sorry, my lady."
Sara smiled mischievously. "I want to go hunting. Will you come with me?"
Hanna's eyes widened. "Hunting? But it's dangerous, and you've never used a bow and arrow before."
"Then I'll learn today. Come on, help me."
"But your mother will—"
"She won't find out. We'll be back before anyone notices!" Sara said, grinning.
Reluctantly, Hanna agreed. They changed into men's clothes and sneaked into the forest.
After some time, they spotted a bunny.
"Look, my lady! A bunny!" Hanna whispered excitedly.
Sara beamed. "Our lucky day!"
She raised her bow and arrow, aiming at the bunny. When she released the arrow, it flew only a few feet before falling to the ground.
Hanna stifled a laugh. "Let me go pick it up for you."
But as Hanna approached, the bunny darted away.
"Oh no! You scared it!" Sara exclaimed.
"I think we should head back now, my lady."
"No way! I'm not giving up. I'll catch it myself!" Sara insisted, running after the bunny.
"My lady, wait!" Hanna called after her.
"Just stay here!" Sara commanded. "I'll be back soon."
Hanna reluctantly stayed behind as Sara disappeared into the woods.
Sara chased the bunny deeper into the forest, but soon she lost sight of it. Turning around, she realized she didn't know which way led back to the camp. Panic set in as she wandered aimlessly, trying to find her way.
Meanwhile, the king and his men had finished their hunt. As they returned to camp with a large tiger in tow, the queen greeted them.
"My king, where is Sara?" she asked.
"She's probably in her camp," the king replied.
But when the queen's maid went to fetch Sara, she returned with a worried expression.
"My queen, the princess is missing! I can't find her anywhere!"
"What?" the queen gasped, her face pale with fear.
The king immediately ordered his troops to search the forest. Hanna, who was still waiting for Sara, was found by the king's men and joined the search party, tears streaming down her face as she blamed herself for Sara's disappearance.
In the depths of the forest, Sara continued searching for a way out. Suddenly, she heard a rustling behind her. Turning, she froze. A massive tiger stood just a few feet away, its golden eyes locked on her.
Trembling, Sara fumbled for her bow and arrow. She nocked an arrow and aimed at the beast, but her hands were shaking so much that the arrow barely flew a few feet before falling to the ground.
"Oh no," Sara whispered, her heart racing.
The tiger let out a low growl, and Sara screamed, running as fast as she could. "Help me!" she cried, her voice echoing through the forest.