The palace grounds were already bustling by the time Circe and Ragnar arrived, preparations for the hunt well underway and spilling into every corner of the courtyard. Servants milled around, as they carried supplies, and provisions and loaded them into a waiting wagon. The royal hunting party had begun to assemble, composed of the princes and a host of noble families.
Horses stamped impatiently, leather tack creaking as stable hands worked quickly to secure the saddles and check the bridles. The animals snorted and tossed their heads, sensing the anticipation in the air.
The hunt had been scheduled for the second day of Queen Nheera's festivities, and it was an old Lamoran tradition meant to honor strength, unity, and the bonds between the nobles and the crown. The prey brought down would be paraded back to the palace by evening. By nightfall, its meat would be served at the closing feast.
