Chapter 16: HUNTING!

In the grand hall of the castle, the atmosphere was tense, the air heavy with anticipation as Prince Cielle awaited the outcome of the discussion between her uncle, the High Fae Lord, and her aunt, the queen.

The queen wanted her to join the hunting party!

Cielle stood near the entrance, her fingers absently tracing the intricate patterns embroidered on the edge of her cloak, her heart pounding with nervous energy.

Her uncle's voice reverberated through the hall, authoritative and commanding, as he argued against Cielle's participation in the upcoming hunting party. His concerns were clear - she was young, inexperienced, and he feared for her safety in the wilds beyond the castle walls.

"It is not appropriate," he insisted, his tone unwavering. "Cielle is young and inexperienced. She should not be exposed to such dangers."

Cielle's aunt, the queen, listened intently, her expression a mixture of consideration and determination. As the voices echoed off the stone walls, she finally spoke, her voice cutting through the tension like a blade.

"She needs to learn it all if she is to take over the kingdom in the future," the queen declared, her words carrying the weight of authority. There was a hint of pride in her eyes as she glanced at her niece, a silent acknowledgment of Cielle's potential and the responsibilities that awaited her.

Cielle felt a surge of conflicting emotions welling up inside her - fear, uncertainty, but also a burning desire to prove herself worthy of her aunt's trust.

Despite her uncle's reservations, she couldn't deny the excitement that stirred within her at the prospect of venturing into the unknown.

With a deep breath, Cielle stepped forward, her gaze meeting her aunt's with a silent pledge of determination. Whatever challenges lay ahead, she was ready to face them, for the sake of her kingdom and her own future as its ruler.

"I would do it," Cielle declared firmly, her voice tinged with determination as she met her uncle's gaze.

"Cielle, no. You don't know about the dangers in the wild! You don't know about the stories these hunters have to tell after each hunting session," her uncle warned, his concern etched on his face.

Cielle felt a flicker of fear dance within her, but she refused to let it destroy her resolve. She knew the risks, but she also recognized the opportunity to prove herself, to prove her courage and capability.

"It's fine," she insisted, her tone unwavering. "I'm not going alone, am I? The hunters will be there to guide me, to protect me if needed."

Her uncle hesitated, his gaze searching hers for any hint of uncertainty. Finding none, he let out a resigned sigh, recognizing the determination in his niece's eyes.

"Very well," he relented, his voice softening slightly. "But promise me, Cielle, that you will heed their advice and stay vigilant."

Cielle nodded, her resolve unshaken. "I promise," she replied, her voice steady with conviction.

With her uncle's reluctant approval, Cielle felt a surge of confidence coursing through her veins. Though the journey ahead would be fraught with challenges, she was ready to face them head-on, guided by her determination and fueled by her desire to prove herself worthy of her future role as queen.

***

The day of the hunt arrived sooner than Princess Cielle had anticipated, and with each passing moment, the reality of the impending adventure weighed heavier on her mind.

As she made her way towards the dungeon where the dragon was currently residing, Cielle couldn't help but feel a twinge of anxiety fluttering in her chest.

Her uncle had insisted that the dragon be in its true form for better strength during their absence, a decision that Cielle had reluctantly accepted despite her reservations.

Upon reaching the dungeon, Cielle was relieved to find that it had been prepared to accommodate the dragon comfortably. The space was clean, with torches casting a warm glow against the stone walls, and a faint scent of herbs lingered in the air, masking the usual dampness of the dungeon. Cielle hoped that the dragon would find comfort in this temporary home during her absence.

Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, Cielle stepped inside the dungeon, her footsteps echoing softly against the stone floor. "Hey," she whispered, her voice barely more than a breath as she approached the massive form of the dragon.

The dragon lifted its head to regard her with eyes that held a hint of amusement, its expression unreadable yet somehow comforting in its familiarity. Cielle felt a small smile tug at the corners of her lips as she met the creature's gaze.

"I'm going hunting," Cielle informed the dragon, her tone firm yet tinged with a hint of uncertainty.

The dragon let out a rumbling growl, its eyes glinting with silent understanding as it listened to her words.

"I won't be here until tomorrow, so switch into your human form by nightfall and return to your room and sleep peacefully," Cielle instructed, her voice soft but commanding. "And most importantly, behave."

The dragon emitted another low growl, though this time there was a playful edge to it, as if it were teasing her with its defiance.

Cielle couldn't help but chuckle at the creature's antics, her laughter echoing softly in the confines of the dungeon. "I won't be here to rescue you if you get into trouble, darling," she warned with a playful smirk.

With a final glance at the dragon, Cielle turned to leave the dungeon, her steps lighter now with the knowledge that her companion would be safe in her absence.

As she made her way back to the surface, Cielle couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation that bubbled within her. The hunt awaited, and with it, the promise of adventure and the chance to prove herself worthy of her aunt's trust and her kingdom's future.