Under the curious and shocked eyes of everyone, Rafael took out a handkerchief from his pocket.
Just like others, Hazel’s initials and animals were embroidered on the handkerchief. The women who had done hard work to make one knew that it was not easy for a man to do the same.
Not to forget that he was the lord of the council with so much work waiting for him all the time.
They all looked at him with an amazed look while the man felt burdened.
As if everyone in their partner’s gaze was asking them, “why have you not done the same gesture for me?”
Rafael tied the handkerchief on her bow and then kissed her lips softly with a smile kiss.
“I will wait to get most of the sacrifice of the hunt.” he whispered in her ears as he finally let her go.
“….” they all were not only fed dog food but it also cleared that that lord was not participating.
He was going to wait as her partner? Many nobles who wanted to defeat Hazel exchanged glances.
It was easier than they thought. Hazel had never received military training or art of war.
How would she be able to kill those beasts? Not to forget that hunting did not allow knights to audition any other participant. That would only mean that she would be alone in the woods.
Who knows what could happen to a lonesome woman! The thought enthralled them.
A cold and vicious smirk formed on their faces as they looked at Hazel riding the horse from afar.
They have already made a plan in their mind. Even if they could not get a single beast, they will make sure to hunt her and kill her in the woods.
“Since there is no security in the woods, I will request all of you to not stay at one place for long and do not go into the deep forest where the larger beast resides.
And I wish for the well -being of all of you.“ The final announcement was the last call for everyone who was still not mounted on their horses.
“This is the golden chance. We have to make a team and seize it.” said the baron as he climbed on the horse.
Though he was sure he would never be the emperor, if the team he supported would win, then he would get enough support from them and would enjoy his life in luxury.
“I don’t care who will be the next emperor but I want that girl to die!” said the count who was the close relative of the empress that was sent to the maternal family after the downfall of her husband.
Everyone knows that Hazel was the destruction of her father and brother.
“That is perfect! If you all help me in getting rid of the stones, then I will make sure to support all of you in the future and bring the glory of our land back from the hands of the vampires.” the duke had a proud smirk on his face.
If they all fought with him, then Hazel was not even going to last for a few seconds. Then they could throw her body to the deeper forest where she was eaten.
No one would be able to prove that it was their doing.
As the crowd started to leave in groups or solo. Only the women and a few men were left there.
While everyone was merely talking to each other. Declan walked to Anne who seemed to be worried.
He held her hands and gently pulled her to his arms.
“Have you already forgotten about me, hmm?” he whispered in her ears when she smiled.
Her face turned red but she shook her head. Leaning further on his chest, she continued to state at the direction where hazel had left,
“After the events of the past few days many wanted to kill Hazel. I am just worried for her.” she said in a soft voice when his eyes flickered.
“Do you think Rafael would have let her go if he would not have been sure about it?” he asked with a raised brow and his voice was full of amusement, “she is a strong woman who wanted to rule the empire. If she is not able to handle this much, then it would be good that she loses and realize it at the right time.”
She was not worried about Hazel being hurt, never! She was just worried that her truth would be out and then she would suffer a lot.
But he was right. She had to trust her sister more.
“If you are so worried. How about you participate too? I will accompany you as a fellow hunter!” he offered suddenly as if he was worried about her and wanted to help her in taking care of her sister.
Anne turned to look at him with surprise, “I thought only nobles and knights are able to participate while I am just a maid!” she asked in an unsure tone when he laughed and took out a small box from his pocket.
She stared at the small box that had a letter framed showing his position as a baron that was given by the council for his hard work.
“I have been asking them for a promotion and better salary for a long time while they were offering me the position of a noble without any financial benefits.
That was a waste in my eyes. But when I saw how you were adored by the future empress of the empire, I have to be a noble too or how would I get your hand!” He said in an exaggerated dramatic tone that she rolled her eyes but her heart felt warm and fuzzy.
“So, if you want, you can use this decree and participate in the hunt as my wife!” His magnetic voice was no less than the sound of a siren that was able to spell bound her.
“As your wife?”