The forest had fallen silent in the wake of the hunt, the echoes of triumph lingering in the crisp afternoon air. Alex's team had emerged victorious, their movements precise, coordinated, and almost effortless. Kale grinned, brushing a leaf from his sleeve, while Riven clapped Alex's shoulder, his smirk one of satisfaction and amusement.
"We make a great team, Cupcake," Riven said, eyes gleaming with that mischievous glint Alex had come to recognize.
Alex allowed himself a faint smile, the corner of his lips twitching with restrained pride. "Indeed. Swift, precise... and impossible to stop."
As they began to leave the clearing, the ripple of polite applause and subtle murmurs heralded the approach of someone important. The Crown Prince stepped forward, resplendent in royal attire, bowing with studied grace.
"Congratulations, young lady," he said, his voice polite yet tinged with surprise, "on your remarkable performance."
Alex's brow quirked, his composed demeanor faltering only slightly. His dark tunic, embroidered with silver filigree, had clearly misled the Crown Prince, making him appear more delicate than he truly was.
Riven, ever quick to intercede, stepped forward smoothly. "Your Highness, this is Young Lord Alex of the Dukedom of Rosetta," he corrected, his tone calm but unmistakably authoritative. His purple obsidian nails glinted briefly in the sunlight as he motioned toward Alex.
Kale, unwavering in loyalty, added firmly, "Indeed, Your Highness. Alex is a young lord of his Dukedom, and a formidable one at that."
The Crown Prince's expression flickered between embarrassment and polite composure. "Ah... my apologies, Young Lord Alex. It was... an oversight."
Alex inclined his head, lips curving into a faint, enigmatic smile. "No offense taken, Your Highness. I trust the hunt was... illuminating for all involved?"
The Crown Prince nodded, though his eyes lingered on Alex with a subtle curiosity, his polite mask betraying an interest he did not yet understand.
Alex's gaze swept the gathering of nobles, noting their hushed whispers, sideways glances, and evident admiration. Then, with a smooth, deliberate movement, he turned sharply, cloak billowing like a shadow in motion, and strode away with a confidence that left onlookers rooted to the spot. The afternoon sun caught the silver embroidery of his tunic, casting a shimmer that made him appear almost otherworldly.
Riven fell in step beside him, chuckling softly. "Looks like you've got an admirer, Cupcake."
Alex arched a brow, expression composed yet teasing. "Admiration changes nothing, Ry. You'll have to do better than that to impress me."
Kale followed, grinning, the ease of camaraderie settling around the three of them like a familiar warmth. As they disappeared into the forest, the whispers of nobles-and one curious Crown Prince-hung in the air, trailing the shadow of a young lord who had just left them all dazzled.