---
The weight of Alistair's words lingered in my mind as I left his presence. I was no longer merely a puppet in the hands of fate; I had a bloodline, a power, and a destiny that no one had ever told me about. The divine beasts were not just mythical creatures; they were linked to my very existence. But how could I control something so immense? And how could I even begin to take down the Empress when I still didn't understand the full scope of the situation?
As the day passed, my thoughts remained fragmented. Every part of the kingdom seemed to be laced with deceit, from the court's most trusted advisors to the servants who cleaned the royal chambers. There was no one left to trust, except Lucien—and even then, I wasn't sure how much he knew.
The clock tower struck noon, signaling that it was time for the royal hunt. It had been scheduled for weeks, a display of power and wealth, but today, it would be more than just a tradition. Today, it would be the first move in my plan.
---
The royal hunting grounds were vast, an endless stretch of emerald woods where beasts roamed freely and the nobles came to prove their worth. This hunt was not only a public display; it was also a political event, one where favors could be exchanged, and alliances forged or broken.
I stood at the edge of the grounds, observing the guests arriving, each more arrogant than the last. The Empress's loyal subjects, the ones who sang her praises and kissed her boots, would be here today. I could already feel their eyes on me, wondering what the new Empress would do, what choices I would make.
"Your Majesty," Lucien said, appearing beside me. His voice was quiet, but there was an edge to it. "Are you sure about this? The hunt could reveal more than you intend."
I turned to him, meeting his gaze. "I'm not just here to hunt, Lucien. I'm here to send a message."
Before he could reply, a familiar voice interrupted. "Ah, the Empress herself," came the mocking tone of the Crown Prince, a tall figure with silver hair and sharp, calculating eyes. His reputation as a ruthless, yet charismatic, ruler was well-known, and his interest in me had been more than apparent since the moment I arrived in the capital. "Tell me, Your Majesty, will you be hunting beasts today, or men?"
I narrowed my eyes, but my smile was anything but friendly. "Perhaps both, Crown Prince," I replied. "But today, I am more interested in the game of power. And I intend to win."
The Crown Prince chuckled, stepping back with a sly grin. "We'll see, Your Majesty. The hunt has a way of revealing one's true nature."
As he walked away, I felt the weight of his gaze on me, and I knew that his words held more than just idle jest. The hunt would be a battleground, not just for animals but for the future of the kingdom. It was time to prove myself, to show everyone that I wasn't just the Empress by name but by right.
---
The horn blew, signaling the start of the hunt, and I mounted my steed, riding into the dense forest with a sense of purpose. The trees loomed overhead, their shadows heavy, as the sound of hooves echoed in the distance. Lucien rode beside me, his eyes scanning the surroundings, but I could see the uncertainty in his gaze.
"Are you truly ready for this, Your Majesty?" he asked, his tone almost pleading.
I looked at him, my heart heavy with the weight of my duty. "I don't have a choice, Lucien. The kingdom needs strength, not weakness. And I will give it to them—whether they like it or not."
We rode deeper into the woods, the hunt beginning in earnest. I could feel the tension in the air as the nobles scattered, their faces full of competitive fervor. But I was not like the others. This hunt was more than just a game for me—it was my first step toward gaining control over my kingdom.
After hours of riding, we finally cornered the creature—an enormous beast with glowing red eyes, its fur as black as night. It was a divine beast, just as Alistair had described. I had no idea how I was supposed to approach it, but I knew one thing: I was not going to let it escape.
---
I raised my bow, the sharp arrow pointing directly at the beast. Its gaze met mine, and for a moment, I could feel its power resonating with mine. A strange sensation washed over me, something ancient and familiar, as if the beast knew me and I knew it. There was a connection between us, something deep and primal.
I let the arrow fly.
The beast let out a deafening roar as the arrow struck its chest, but instead of falling, it only seemed to grow stronger. Its body glowed with an ethereal light, and in that moment, I felt a surge of power flow through me. The divine beast was not merely an animal—it was a force, a being of ancient power that had chosen me.
Before I could react, Lucien's voice shouted, "Get back, Your Majesty!"
But it was too late. The beast's power surged outward, sending shockwaves through the forest. I felt my body being pushed back, but I stood my ground. The energy was wild and untamed, but I could feel it—it was my birthright. I had the blood of the divine beasts in my veins.
---
When the dust settled, the beast was still standing, but it no longer seemed hostile. Its eyes locked onto mine, and for a brief moment, I felt a deep sense of understanding. It bowed its head, acknowledging me as its true master.
The nobles who had witnessed the event were silent, stunned by the display of power. The Crown Prince, who had been watching from afar, now rode toward me, his expression unreadable.
"You are not like the others," he said quietly, his gaze fixed on me. "You have power—true power. But power comes at a cost, Your Majesty."
I met his gaze, unshaken. "I'm ready to pay any price."
---
End of Chapter 11
---