Chapter 8

"The hunting will commence in another hour. Please freshen up whilst you rest." The King announces. He is older than my father and has a grey beard. He doesn't look scary but something about him says he is not to be trifled with.

There are five families in total and the royal forces who are attending. The men will be hunting whilst women are instructed to rest in the royal palace rooms. This hunting ground is on one of the royal family's holiday homes so they've provided accommodation for all of us.

Bella and I have rooms next door to each other whilst my father's is on another floor.

I glance around as the King finishes his speech and sits down. The man next to the King must be his son, the Crown Prince, whilst the woman must be the Queen.

"Is that the Crown Prince?" I whisper to Bella who is sat next to me.

She nods, "Yes, why?"

"Nothing, I just–" I stop as I find everyone's eyes staring in my direction. Was I too loud? I smile awkwardly at them. Can't I talk or is there another rule about it here?

"You must be Lady Beatrice Hatter?" The King suddenly says and the eyes turn to look at him. He doesn't look at me with fear or anger like the others I have seen. Instead, he sounds almost gentle when he speaks to me.

I nod and bow, "Yes, I am, Your Majesty."

"This is the first time I have seen you attend. It is a pleasure to see you again Lady Beatrice. You are a beauty just like your late mother."

I blush at the compliment. So he knows Beatrice's real mother. "Thank you Your Majesty. You praise me too highly. It is actually my pleasure to see you." I say politely.

"If you find any discomfort whilst residing here, please let me know Lady Beatrice." He says with a warm smile.

"Thank you Your Majesty." I bow. Why is he holding me on a high pedestal? Is there some hidden secret which I don't know?

As we depart the meeting room, I feel a pair of eyes on my back and walk faster. Is someone stalking me? I might not know how to use a sword yet but I can throw a good punch when I need to.

Turning down the corridor, I wait for the man to pass and manage to sock him in the face. He stares at me in shock and I mirror his expression when I realise it is none other than Francis Tag.

"It's your fault for scaring me." I say, feeling guilty as his nose bleeds.

He laughs, "You really have a strong hand. You should be fine with a sword."

I scowl and run to my room. After finding the first aid kit which Tess fortunately packed for me, I head back to where Francis is sitting with his nosebleed.

"Let me clean it up." I say, gently dabbing a cotton bud in his nostril. "Sorry." I apologise. I can't believe I gave my sword tutor a nosebleed.

Francis smiles and sits silently next to me as I clean his nose. Everyone must have already gone to rest in their rooms. I stare around at the empty corridor.

"Where's your room?"

"I'm with the Royal Army so we're outside in tents." He explains.

"You have tents outside? What if it rains?" I ask. The weather didn't look too good earlier.

Francis shrugs, "We've trained in worse conditions before. Our bodies are strong so there's no need to worry." He pats my head gently.

I smile. I haven't felt another person comforting me like this since I arrived in this world. "Is the hunt fun?"

"Of course it is. It's a competition to see who can catch rare or the most animals."

"How many have you caught before?" I ask curiously.

"Not many. Twenty has been my high score so far."

"That's your 'not many'?!" I say in astonishment, "What's the highest numbers like then?"

"A hundred, a hundred and fifty." He says seriously.

"How is that even possible?" I wonder aloud. I stand up, "Anyway, I'll let you rest before you go." I gesture to his nose, "I am really sorry about that."

He chuckles and stands up, "How many times have you apologised? I've lost count. I won't hold you against it, don't worry your head Lady Beatrice." He pats my head again.

"Beatrice." I say, enjoying the feel of his gentle hand on my head.

"What?"

"Just call me Beatrice. It sounds awkward when you call me Lady. You're my tutor from now on so you should just call my name." I explain.

"Beatrice." He smiles, "Does that mean you'll call me Master?"

I laugh, "Of course Master Francis. You are my Master, my one and only Master..." I sing.

He bends down from laughing too much and holds out a hand, "St–stop singing, my ears hurt."

"But I sound so g–mmmmm." His hand is over my mouth. I smirk and lick his hand.

"What did you...?!" He exclaims, immediately pulling his hand away.

I wink and walk away to my room, my face scarlet. I slowly lift my hand to my head. Maybe it is because I lack human touch that I felt warm when he patted me.

The hour passes and from outside, I hear the gunshot signaling the start of the hunting competition. Glancing out of the room window which overlooks the forest area of the hunting grounds, I can't see anything. Will I have to stay in this room and suffer from boredom for the next few days simply because I am a woman?

The only time Beatrice has come here and I have to stay in a room instead of being able to watch the hunt. However, I'm not as obedient as Bella. I should be able to silently sneak out of here if everyone is occupied with the hunt or stuck in their rooms.

Wearing my boots and my black cloak, I walk out of the room and down the floors. My legs are almost giving in by the time I reach the ground floor. I didn't use the elevator in case it triggered anyone's attention.

All the men use horseback when they are hunting so I should be able to hear the footsteps if anyone is behind me. Curiously and with a little excitement, I walk onto the hunting grounds.