On the day of the long-awaited event, many things happened, creating chaos and panic during the Hunt. Astrael had managed to infiltrate one of the Heirs' meetings, allowing him to discover their current objective: they wanted to sacrifice the princess and offer her to the demon!
As soon as Astrael learned this, he was forced to flee; the demon in question had flushed him out, and the sect members' plan had been put into action prematurely. While this was happening, near the Marquis's house, not far from the forest, the reception area opened for the nobles and citizens who had come to witness one of the most important events of the year. Many legends were passed down regarding the origins of Arran, and at the heart of the tales was always the Hunt and the beneficial effects it brought to the kingdom and its citizens. It also had religious significance, as it was a time of year when life and death were celebrated, and ceremonies were held in memory of those who had passed away.
Snow White had read extensively on the subject and was interested in deepening her knowledge, including comparisons with the rest of the continent. She wanted to discover the differences between Arran and Grimilde's home kingdom, regarding religious matters, and themes of life and death. The queen was not accustomed to speaking about the past, and the princess could only guess why, thanks to the snippets of information she had gleaned from Astrael and Grimilde herself. Perhaps one day she would learn the full story; for now, she could witness with her own eyes one of the kingdom most ancient traditions.
The citizens who had come to attend the celebration were enraptured by the sight of the royal family. Grimilde seemed untouchable and majestic, wearing white robes adorned with royal symbols, a precious and sharp sword at her side, and a conquering gaze that had captivated both men and women in the audience. Snow White had arrived with her, dressed as a princess, graceful and beautiful as ever, as the myths of Arran had told for years. Her long ebony hair was held in a ponytail with a precious red bow, and her midnight blue dress, typical of Snow White, accentuated her pale skin, giving her an almost ethereal look. It seemed like a bright day, the sky cloudless and blue as never before, yet tragedy would strike: the attempted assassination of the Queen and Princess of Arran.
Trouble began when some noble followers of Quentin Sorton stepped forward to reopen a thorny issue and force the princess into an uncomfortable situation. The Marquis had instructed no one to advance such a proposal, yet it would have benefited him. His faithful followers, however inept at times, had proven their usefulness. "The princess is now an adult; she should find a husband!"
In hushed tones, some men began discussing well-known political issues. They were members of the Council who usually dared not go against the Queen, but were ready to impose their will. After all, Duke Helmholtz would surely be on their side.
"The kingdom will have no descendants otherwise..."
"We will not give the kingdom to a foreigner!"
"Some nobles from the allied kingdoms have arrived. Isn't this the perfect opportunity?" After deliberating for a while, they put their plan into action. Before the race began, they took the opportunity to make an announcement and a public request to the queen and the Council. Their goal, of course, was to corner Grimilde so she couldn't easily refuse their request. Foreign nobles were also present and would witness the queen's behavior.
"Your Majesty, I believe we all agree that the princess has finally reached the age for marriage, for the good of the kingdom, the royal family, and so that there will be no shortage of heirs to the throne."
Grimilde remained seated on the throne prepared for the event, surrounded by her guards, her servants, and at the side of her beloved Princess Snow White. The queen, with wheat-colored hair and blue eyes, looked coolly at the nobles speaking in front of everyone; she displayed a relaxed posture, resting her cheek on the back of her hand, while with the other she gripped the armrest of the royal seat. She was waiting for something unexpected, and she knew that many nobles were playing dirty. She remained calm, however agitated in her heart.
"Among the competing candidates, isn't the winner, the strongest and most competent, the most suitable man to marry our beloved princess?"
A murmur rose in the crowd, and many men became agitated, excited at the prospect of participating in a contest whose prize would be the beautiful princess.
The queen was disgusted by men like that: how could they think of a woman as an object to be won, without considering her emotions or what she wanted to do? No one truly deserved Snow White; to the nobles, women were dolls on display, something to be displayed, not listened to. Grimilde would teach a harsh lesson that day, for sure. She was tired of enduring the comments and insistence of the Council members who believed they could rule better than her.
They were a pack of inept men, with a severe inferiority complex, greedy for money and power, who would benefit no one in the country. They talked about heirs when they clearly wanted control for themselves. Justifications, hypocrisy, and obtuseness... that social class was clearly a ruin.
The queen turned to her princess, who was already looking at her. Her eyes didn't show what she truly felt; they were cold and distant, while her usually red lips seemed to lose color. A glance between the two women was enough for Grimilde to act: she whispered something in her advisor's ear, who immediately moved forward, advancing toward the nobles who were anxiously awaiting a response from the queen.
"Those who wish to participate in the Hunt are requested to register and prepare for the start of the contest. By order of the queen, whoever wins may claim the prize of their choosing. The royal family will guarantee, without repercussions, to satisfy the winner—" A great confusion ensued, and the men rushed to register and organize for the start of the challenge. Some were already jostling and arguing, others eyed the queen suspiciously: how could she have agreed so easily? Furthermore, having allowed the advisor to speak without exposing herself sent a very clear message: she was the one in power.
Queen Grimilde would not stoop to their level, she would not speak directly to them.