The sun is temperate as it shined its gentle light that bathed the length and breadth of the Empire in a halo of golden light. The grand white spires and towers stretched tall from the ground like spears aiming to pierce the heavens while the walls protecting the Empire gleamed with pride. Inside the splendid castle, the brave princess knight busied herself with her work, reading papers on and on and signing contracts one after the other after careful analysis. 

Silvanna sighed after finishing her work and stacking the last bunch of paper. She leaned comfortably against her chair finally feeling a bit of relaxation before pouring herself a cup of tea and sipping it with delight. 

It was not long, however, when her peace had been broken by the loud banging of her door and in came her obnoxious younger brother, Prince Aurelius, who seemed anxious about something. Silvanna's brows furrowed due to her brother's obvious distress but frowned when she saw the variety of jewelry and treasures in his hold. It couldn't be about that again, could it? 

"Sister, I need your help." he voiced raising the items in his hold for emphasis. 

"It's not about what I think it is, is it?" 

"I totally need your help in selecting my next present for Ruby. She wasn't quite happy when I sent 54 summer stags to the north for our 8th weeksary slash 2nd monthsary. She said all they did was 'eat, shit, escape, and ruin the properties of her people' so she had them turned into coats for the hunters and provided a feast for her subjects which I think was very sweet and generous. My Ruby really has the capacity to be a great queen for the Empire. But then she yelled at me over the phone and called me an idiot before telling me to stop sending useless things which I guess I deserve. Right now she's kind of busy because she's leading a campaign to vanquish the rising monsters from the forests surrounding the Empire and stuff. She's so brave and mighty but her job is preventing us from having more bonding time." Aurelius narrated on and on adding to Silvanna's headache. 

The knightess rubbed her temples listening to her brother talk about his girlfriend. According to his accounts, they have been "dating" for two months already which was a month after he visited Cadmure. Somehow, Ruby ended up agreeing to date him but it was still kept secret from the public for reasonable purposes. Due to the vast difference of their location, the two were forced to have a long-distance relationship but sometimes Aurelius would sneak out of the palace and meet Ruby on the Igrain woods where they first met. 

Ever since they became a couple, Aurelius had made it a habit to send gifts to Ruby every month which the maiden doesn't seem to like that much. The Northern Lady seemed to dislike too much materialism or simply because her brother's gifts are just too bizarre or extravagant like the aforementioned stags and his previous lavish gifts of jewelry and clothing. 

"Anyway, which one do you think is much better: this Fiery Lava Ruby or this Crimson Sunset Diamond?" Aurelius asked presenting her two shining pendants that look the same. 

"Ummh, the Fiery Lava Ruby seems more symbolic since her name is Ruby." Silvanna suggested. 

"Okay, Crimson Sunset Diamond it is. Now to ship. Can I borrow your courier? Mine got eaten by a giant bird along the way."

"Oh, sure. But Aurelius I think we need to talk."

"What is it about? I'm quite busy with my less important princely duties and my relationship with Ruby so can we talk about it later?" The prince said with distaste. 

"It will only take a moment. I promise I won't take too much of your time. Ten minutes is all I'm asking for considering you interrupted me in the middle of my break time."

"Fine." Aurelius sighed exasperatedly before taking a seat opposite from her. 

"I, and the rest of the palace staff, have noticed your deep... obsession for Ruby increasing as time went on. You only talk about her, think about her, and dedicate yourself for her that you've neglected some of your duties just to sneak out of the palace to frolic with her and leave me alone to do all your job for you." There was a slight rise in her voice at the end of her sentence due to annoyance but Silvanna did her best to restrain her anger. 

"You even had Lord Earl Ansaac executed by framing him up for treason because your "girlfriend" said that she hates him. The Ansaac Family had been one of our most loyal allies providing lands and rations to help with our battle against the Abyssal Demons! Yes, he may be nasty as a person but he's a glorified general who provides 20% of provisions for our frontlines. Who will fill his role now? Ruby? God, they don't even have vast farmlands in the north because of the terrible weather and then you-"

"What are you trying to say? Just spit it out." The prince said dismissively before turning serious when a sudden thought crossed his mind. 

"Are you trying to tell me to break up with Ruby?" Aurelius' voice turned lower and more threatening as if telling her to chose her words carefully. Silvanna sighed in exhaustion. 

"I'm not telling you to break up with her I'm telling you to do your job as a prince and decide what's best for our people and not what a pretty girl living three leagues away, thinks about. I'm not belittling Ruby. I respect her as a warrior and as a person, but if you keep on pursuing her and forgetting your duties... then I'm afraid it will be Father's decision you will have to deal with." Silvanna warned in a low grave tone. 

"Fine. I will do my job. But you will never tell father about anything." Aurelius surrendered with a frown. A

"Good. And Ruby sent me a letter. She doesn't want you to visit the Igrain Woods right now or the next weeks afterward. She said "Don't see me right now. It will be best if you stop sending your gifts altogether as well since they are only nuisances. I have more pressing matters to attend to than to entertain you. Caspian, Ezekiel, and my other knights shall suffice to accompany me with the wild hunt you don't need to come here. Just do your job and I'll do mine. Take very good care of yourself and best regards. Yours truly, Ruby Edelweiss Pendragon." Silvanna quoted, reading the letter the maiden sent.

"It seems that at least one of you has some sense of responsibility. I must commend you. You have excellent taste in women. But I do wish that you catch on some of her senses." 

"What are you talking about? Ruby would never cancel our date to go hunting with other men..." Aurelius forcefully grabbed the letter from his sister's hand and read it. After reading it, he read it again and again and again and there's no doubt that it is Ruby's pretty penmanship, signature, and family crest. 

"Why would she... Drive me away again?" The prince asked mournfully. Silvanna's eyes softened. She might be annoyed at him right now, but she still values his feelings and she knows that Aurelius' greatest fear is being abandoned again... Especially by the Northern Duchess' daughter, Ruby. 

"I'm sure she's just busy. Ruby is an only daughter and she's the only successor of Regent Altria whose job is to primarily neutralize the monsters spawning in the northern part of the Empire. Although they are independent of our command and control, their job keeps our people safe when we can't step in because of the war with demons." She reasoned but her words fell on deaf ears as her brother began to mumble. 

"She's leading a campaign alone filled with other men. Young, dashing hunters and knights. Some are even handsome. More handsome than me she once said. Do you think maybe... they're... Stealing my princess?" He whispered bitterly. 

Oh, gods no. Aurelius is many good things and a few bad things but his most sensitive trait is that he's very jealous especially when it comes to Ruby. She is his first love after all. 

"Brother I know what you are thinking and you cannot go there right now. The blood moon is approaching which is why Ruby is doing what she is doing right now to keep her people, and ours, safe. I don't think that she has time to frolic with other men. Do you doubt her loyalty to you?"

"I trust Ruby with all my confidence. But I can't say the same for the men around her." Aurelius had a hard contemplating look. It was obvious that he is machinating a scheme but what it might be is a complete mystery to her but she's sure that it involves charging North to cure his poisonous jealousy with bloodshed. 

"Sister... I need a favor."

🌹

A large map stretched across a wide table where numerous intricately carved pieces stood in groups being moved by a nibble elegant hand whose owner shares her plans to the congression surrounding the whole table. 

Ruby was dressed in a fine leather tunic and armor while her golden hair is braided nearly to keep them in place. Her beautiful face was serious and decisive as she discussed her proposal of attack to her hunting band, whose members are far older than her and their obvious distaste for her is clear mostly because of her gender and age, but she did her best not to let their prejudice affect her duty. 

"The Igrain woods connect to three other forests making it a large habitat for monsters to propagate. While my mother, Regent Altria prepares the calvary, the economy, the mitigation, the evacuation routes, and others we must find the monster nests and destroy as much as we can to minimize their numbers when the Blood Moon comes. Seerhaven and Dayton knights are assigned to the Sinclair Forest. Talwinn and Hailawyn hunters and huntresses accompany mine to search the breadth of Igrain Woods. Sir Ezekiel will lead the Cantherby soldiers to guard the borders of Igrain and Dark forest. Do not engage and just report if they pour into our territory. Lord Caspian will come with me to visit a few towns and see what they know about the monster movements, hunting grounds, and territory. Are there any questions, further suggestions, or any complaints, my lords?" Ruby asked eyeing each and every lord and knight gathered with her in the tent. Most of them are men and there were only three women including herself and since she's young and a female, getting their respect and obedience will be difficult. 

"Why isn't Sir Gawain or Sir Percival the ones leading us? I don't mean to disrespect your mother's decision, but wouldn't it be better if seasoned knights are the ones to lead us instead of a young girl with no experience in warfare to give us orders in a wild hunt." Lord Pelinor questioned earning a scowl from her loyal knights while Ruby kept a collected bearing. 

"How dare you question our lady's leadership. You should be beheaded for simply implying such no matter if you are a lord of a small town." Ezekiel fired, completely enraged that this man is belittling his lady and friend.

"You've got some sharp tongue there young knight. Why don't I cut it for you?" Pelinor responded before putting his hand on the handle of his blade. Ezekiel also stood in front of Ruby, who had a blank calculating look in her eyes, shielding her from the Lord and gripping his own sword. Caspian gripped Pelinor's shoulder to warn him not to do anything brash in front of the Pendragon lady and whispered that Altria's protection is what keeps his town safe and alive making him back down. Ruby's eyes narrowed. 

"What my cousin desires to say is that we do not want to risk your life being harmed since you are the only successor. Please forgive his tone, huntress paragon. I completely believe in your skills and excellence." Caspian amended bowing his head to the maiden. 

"It's okay Lord Caspian, Sir Ezekiel, Lord Pelinor. I take no offense. I was raised to be a sturdy blade, not a fickle flower. As for why I was the one assigned to this role, I wasn't. I took it upon myself to do it on my own. In fact, this whole hunt is my idea. This is the first blood moon in this century therefore it will be massive so we must prepare restlessly to battle what may come. Furthermore, I won't be able to accompany you on the cursed night for I shall be engaged with pleasantries down south in the capital. As much as I detest it, my mother wills it that the North establish our stand as one of the players in the big game, thus sending me as the North's representative in the Blood Moon Ball to party and socialize."

"Then perhaps you should be focusing more on the dress you should be wearing for the Blood Moon Ball instead of here. The battlefield is no place for a young lady." commented Pelinor which pricked at her patience but Ruby did her best to put up the mask she wore for her family's honor. 

"You are really testing my patience. Why don't I-?" Ruby held Ezekiel's shoulder and sent him a small glare that instantly shut him up. The young huntress turned to the lord and spoke sensibly with him while her companion wanted nothing more than to strangle the audacious lord. 

"I understand your sentiment, but my gender and age won't be a hinder. I am young but that's exactly why I will listen to the advice of those far more experienced than me before making a decision. I am a woman and a woman's job is to keep her family safe. We are less physically strong but that is why we are cautious. Rest assured that I will keep your people safe and everyone else here as long as you trust me or much less put faith into what my mother brought up. However..." Ruby's soft gaze turned hard and threatening as if challenging anyone else to speak ill of her. 

"Insubordination will be unforgivable and will be treated like treason punishable by death. This meeting is adjourned. You may rest now my lords and heras." Some of the lords obviously gulped at her menacing gaze that pierced the very ego they used to judge her with. It was then, that they can no longer deny, that she is a dragon like her mother and one wrong move can turn their legacies into ashes, for a leader takes care of her people yet punishes insubordinate subjects. The men bowed their heads to her as well as the imprudent Lord Pelinor. One by one they left her tent until only two men remained. 

Caspian and Ezekiel stood there and remained silent waiting for her to speak. Ruby slumped on the chair never minding her posture and manners as the two joined her on the seats around the table. 

"You should really leash your cousin, Cassy. He's gone too ballsy speaking to our Ruby like that." Ezekiel spoke spitefully.

"That fool is naturally like that. I'm sorry that he treated you that way, dear Ruby." Caspian apologized to the maiden who poured herself a glass of water before drinking tiredly from her golden cup. 

"It's okay. I'm numb to it. Let the dogs bark for they are mindless beasts. Caspian, I heard that you and your soldiers were ambushed on your way here. Are you well?"

"Oh, yes. It was a tough battle and some were even able to drag me deep into the woods to separate me from my squad however no demon will amount to the might of a northern soldier. I sent them scrambling with one roar and a swing of a blade. No one can stop me from seeing the beauty of our goddess." Caspian directed her a bright grin which Ruby returned with an amused smile. 

"I'm glad that my face was able to give you motivation. Now, I am tired after all that talking and planning. Can you accompany me on the way to the small lake so I can take a bath? You can also join me since I can smell your foul eggplants rotting under those armors." Ruby joked making her comrades chuckle in amusement before following after her outside the tent. Ruby grabbed some clothes and towels before throwing them to her friends for them to hold. 

"What a dirty thing to say for a lady. Maybe we should wash that dirty mouth instead." Caspian commented feigning shock. 

"My eggplant smells fine. Maybe it's just Caspian after jacking off on some tree outside."

"Oh shut up."

They entered the forest and traversed through the thick undergrowth that trips them almost every time while Ruby's dainty feet allowed her to walk nibbly over the uneven ground. Ezekiel and Caspian are Ruby's childhood friends from other noble houses from the north. Ezekiel is a tall pale man with platinum blond hair and a dazzling pair of deep blue eyes while Caspian is a beautiful tan man with copper hair and the most hypnotic pair of golden eyes. In Ruby's perspective, Ezekiel reassembles a snow leopard while Caspian reassembles a lion. Both of them have strapping bodies beautifully honed by years of combat and training which myriads of women swoon about but Ruby was already immune to their charms through the years of living with God-sculptured-bodied men. 

They paused when they reached a small clearing where a pristine waterfall lake can be found shinning under the brilliant spring sunshine. Ruby faced her two companions with a stern face and opened her mouth to speak. 

"A traitor is among our ranks." she plainly stated making her companions gasp with disbelief. 

"How can you tell?" questioned Caspian. 

"I bet it's Pelinor he's been sprouting nonsense since he arrived here." Ezekiel suggested crossing his arms. 

"Pelinor is naturally sharp-tongued and cynical but he is afraid of my mother's wrath. He won't kill a fly if it means invoking my mother's rage."

"Then who might it be?" 

"Ezekiel give me your sword." the said man complied without question. 

"Remove your armors." Ruby ordered making her companions look at each other with perplexed looks. 

"Ruby if you wanted to bed us you just need to ask. We're willing to be your dildos if that prince wasn't enough to satisfy you." joked Ezekiel but complied anyway. Caspian only glared at the other knight but said nothing as he unbuckled the straps of his armor. 

Ruby suddenly threw Ezekiel's sword towards Caspian's direction which he caught effortlessly. Ruby eyed the blond male with cold merciless eyes before passing a sentence. 

"Sir Ezekiel of Cantherby, I hereby sentence you to die under the crime of treason to the banner you've sworn your allegiance to. Lord Caspian, please carry out the execution." 

"Hold on a moment, Ruby. This must be a misunderstanding. I would never betray you I will slit my own throat before that happens."

"Then prove it by accepting your sentence." the maiden answered with nonchalance. 

"Ruby, before you pass the sentence then present your evidence first." Ezekiel reasoned further while slowly backing away from the other knight. 

"I have none I just felt like it. A woman's intuition is always right they say." Ezekiel had a pleading look but the maiden's eyes were only trained on his executioner who was advancing rapidly as he drew his sword. Ezekiel noticed Ruby's eyes narrowing as Caspian grip the sword handle tighter and lifted it over his head to decapitate his companion's. 

Ezekiel only bowed his head in hopelessness, accepting his unfair fate. He prays that his death will appease Ruby and help her find the true culprit of her accusations. He bit his lips as he surrendered his life to his lady. 

"You are my queen now and forever." He uttered one last time as he await his impending death. Caspian brought the sword down with one mighty swing and a loud yell reverberated across the empty spaces of the woods. 

"What?" Ezekiel questioned as he opened his eyes. 

"A demon really does reveal its true colors when injured." Ruby muttered as her gloved hand held the blade meant to decapitate her knight's head while her other one held the rapier embedded on Caspian's chest. 

"Ruby?" Ezekiel gasped when he saw his comrade's once handsome face turn into an insidious ugly one. The tan man turned into a demon with hideous proportions before screaming and attacking the maiden. Ruby effortlessly kicked the demon into a tree and skewered it with Ezekiel's sword. It didn't die yet because Ruby made sure to puncture no vital organ as she turned to her other companion who was getting on his feet looking clearly distressed and confused about the rapid occurrence. 

"My lady, can you please enlighten me as to what happened? I cannot comprehend the situation we are currently in."

"I understand your confusion so let me inform you. I received a letter earlier with Caspian's signature in the envelope. I put it aside since the meeting was about to start but it disappeared before I can even read it. Why would he send me a letter if he's with me? Then this Caspian winced when he touched Pelinor's shoulder because his armor is blessed by the priestess and he also couldn't stand holding your sword. Additionally, Lord Caspian will never kill you even if it's God who ordered it because you are his best friend. He will slit his own throat and die with you which confirms my suspicion that he's an imposter." 

"I see. Then he probably swapped with the real Caspian when they were ambushed." Ezekiel guessed with a solemn face at the misfortune of his friend.

"That is what I assume as well. Now bring this demon back to camp and interrogate him. He should be too weak to fight since my rapier is laced with sedatives. I really need this bath and don't worry I'll be fine." 

"At once my lady." replied Ezekiel before tying up the demon and dragging him back to camp. 

When Ruby was finally left alone she allowed herself to slump against a tree and let out a frustrated cry. She most likely lost Caspian because she called him here. If she didn't insist on summoning him here then he'll still be safe in Seerhaven drinking wine and sending her flirtatious letters. She allowed her heart a moment to grieve before sighing her frustrations out and stripping her body naked. 

She submerged herself in the cool pristine water of the small lake and dived under to lose herself in the comforts of the unknown. The chill hugged her body comfortably and emptied her mind of its troubled thoughts. Her tears were wiped away by the water and vanished into non-existence. The cold helped calm her rapidly beating heart but did little to take the sadness prevalent in her chest due to her inability to protect one of her closest friends.