I didn’t know how to feel about the sheath, the exact size of the knife Allseceen gave me, sitting on the table in my bedroom. I hadn’t slept well after what happened the day before, but I didn’t recall hearing anyone enter my room. The fae was unsettling, and I was beginning to understand why my mother disliked him. 

I touched the knife handle that had been moved to the table. They were both just sitting here in such a deliberate way. It almost felt like Allseceen was mocking me. He wanted me to know he had been here. Maybe he was right; I was too skittish. Either way, the sight had put me on edge.

Picking up the knife, I slid it into the leather sheath. What was I going to do with it? Who would choose a knife over a sword? I didn’t even know how to use it. The door banged against the wall, startling me. I nearly dropped the knife but was able to hide it behind my back. 

“Father,” I breathed.

He looked me over. “Why aren’t you dressed?”

“I was in the process—”

“Meet me in the stables.” He left as quickly as he came.

Swallowing hard, I dropped the knife on the table. What did he want from me? I could ride a horse but wasn’t an expert at it. I didn’t want to go on a ride with my father and his new friends. After closing the door, I grabbed the bundle of clothes my mother had left me and examined the embroidered design. I had a feeling they’d be ruined if I wore them. Placing them to the side, I gathered some of my regular clothes and got dressed. I quickly tied my hair back before putting on my boots. The knife caught my eyes as I headed to the door. I walked past it but stopped.

Mortals walked around with swords. Why the hell would I need a knife, though? The palace had plenty of fully armed guards. With a sigh, I grabbed it and tucked it into the waistband of my pants before putting my shirt over it. If anything, I could use it to keep the mortals from getting too close.

I hurried from my room and went downstairs. People were already gathering in the garden for the final events of the Annual Banquet. I was thanking the gods that tomorrow, they’d all be gone. I walked to the stables and began searching for my father. Servants were already preparing carriages and horses for the journey home.

I saw my father standing on the far end with Prince Lenis and his father and cousin. Letting out a sigh, I felt defeated. I needed to get ready to go to Lumeria. I was still worried that my uncle might leave me behind.

“Alric.” My father waved for me.

I moved closer, and he met me halfway.

He grabbed my shoulder and turned me away from the mortals. “You will escort Prince Lenis and his cousin to the hunting grounds behind the palace.”

I sighed. “Why me? I’m not even a good hunter.”

“You are watching,” he stated. “They are hunting.”

“Then why do I need to go?”

“Lenis is the crown prince of Gildron. Is it too beneath you to be the prince's escort?” He eyed me. “Whatever Maniis said to you, forget it. Whatever ideas he’s put in your head to make you think you can disobey me will not be tolerated. The Lumerians hide away in the forest so thick, I doubt any of them have seen the sun in years. They understand nothing about the other realms.”

I nodded. “I apologize, I’ll go.” 

“Your horse has already been saddled.” He patted my back. “About last night.”

I shrugged. “At least I know how you feel. I prefer knowing. It removes the uncertainty for both of us.” 

“I hold nothing against you.” He met my gaze. “Some people cannot bear the weight that comes with a crown.”

I stared at the ground and let out a deep breath.

“If they kill something, let the stable workers know. They can gut it. We don’t need the prince elbow-deep in a carcass.”

“Yes, your grace.”

“Very good.” He nodded. “Jaquon, Alric is here to take them.”

I moved closer, with the mortal king staring at me. 

“Are you sure, Arkin?” asked Jaquon. “Lenis and Lexen can be difficult to keep up with. I wouldn’t want anything happening to Alric.”

Sucking in my lips, I looked away. That was a nice way of saying he thought I was incapable of handling his son and nephew. What were they going to do—run off into the woods and make me chase them down?

“Alric knows the forest. He can show them the best hunting grounds. Alric isn’t going to hunt, anyways.”

I forced a smile. “I prefer to watch.”

Lexen scoffed.

Jaquon grabbed his son and pulled him aside. “You make sure the prince makes it back.”

“Father,” breathed Lenis. “This is Alric’s home. The only danger is Lexen. He’s a lousy shot, but I’ll keep an eye on him.”

His cousin flipped the prince off.

Lenis grinned.

“I mean it. The boy is of Lumeria blood. The gods could blame you, which could affect our bloodline and alter your future.”

“Father,” Lenis stated. “Nothing is going to happen, I promise. We’re going hunting. Hunting in an elven kingdom. If anything did happen, Lexen and I can handle ourselves.”

“That’s not the problem,” stated the king. “I’m not worried about you—”

He grabbed his father’s arm. “I give you my word, I will make sure Alric returns to the palace unharmed. I’ll make sure Lexen keeps his bow pointed in the right direction.”

Lexen cursed under his breath, shaking his head.

King Jaquon nodded. “I’ll leave it to you then.”

I bowed slightly as the mortal king passed to join my father. This trip was already starting on a sour note. Closing my eyes, I filled my lungs with air. One hunting trip, and then I was done.

Turning, I faced the pair. “So, I guess I will be your guide today.”

Lexen scoffed. “What a shitshow. It’s bad enough they’re sending us with them.” He nodded at a group of elven guards. “Who are they going to protect us from?”

Lenis eyed his cousin. “Not every thought that runs through your head needs to be said.”

Lexen grinned. “Maybe in my next life. As my mother says, I’m too set in my ways to learn anything new. She’s constantly wishing my next mother luck in raising me. ”

“Anyone who has to raise you is fucked.” The prince shook his head. “Alric, lead the way.”

I nodded and walked past them to my horse. I climbed onto its back, and the guards handed me the reins. The mortals did the same.

“You aren’t as pretty today,” taunted Lexen with a chuckle. “Your mother clearly didn’t dress you.”

I glared at him. “For a son of a lord, you’re incredibly rude.” 

I nudged the horse forward and could hear Lenis laughing. The group fell in line behind me as we exited the palace ground and headed for the woods behind the wall.

“Do you hunt, your highness?” said Lexen in a mocking tone.

“On occasion,” I replied.

“How big of a buck have you killed?”

“Don’t recall,” I said sharply. “I don’t hunt for sport. As I said, I plan to watch.”

Lexen groaned. “Sounds like the fucking fae. They preach about the same old shit.”

Lenis didn’t reply and continued to scan the trees. The rest of the journey was quiet. We wove down the trail that went deep into the forest. I stopped in the usual spot near a water source and dismounted. 

“Where from here?” asked Lexen. 

I waved my hand at the woods. “They’re not fences. The rest is up to you.”

The mortal rolled his eyes and retrieved his bow. “I’m ready to leave this hellhole. I’ve had enough of elves voicing their opinions when they should remain silent.”

Lenis handed the reins to a guard. “You need to learn when to keep quiet yourself.” He glanced at his cousin. “

Lexen didn’t appear impressed. “Wait until our next lives. I might be the one with the fancy title, and you can be the son of a lord. If the gods will it, maybe you can have your turn at being a second son.”

The prince shrugged. “I’m not the firstborn. I rarely am born the first son, yet I am still chosen to rule.”

I glanced between the pair. “You’re talking about reincarnation?”

Lenis nodded as his cousin scowled at me.

“Eternal aren’t reincarnated,” I replied. “At least, if we are, we don’t retain memories of past lives. My mother explained that mortals….” I cleared my throat when I noticed their disinterested expressions. “That way is usually the best.” I pointed over my shoulder. 

“Thanks,” said Lexen, marching off. 

The prince followed with a couple of the guards.

“Why did we have to bring him?” said Lexen. “Your father clearly doesn’t want him here. We can’t afford him getting hurt and the gods punishing us for it.”

“Enough. I am handling it,” said Lenis.

“Swear it before the gods that you’ll take the blame if anything happens.”

Lenis shook his head. “Enough with the complaining. You're giving me a headache.”

The two muttered back and forth while I went to sit on a fallen log. The remaining guards gathered by the horses and started talking. Maybe I should have gone with them, but I had a feeling that would only put Lexen in a worse mood. My only hope was that they found something to shoot as quickly as possible. They could return to Gildorn, and I’d be off to Lumeria.