CHAPTER SIX

As the day drew to a close, Prince Edon stood at the grand hallway, his gaze fixed upon the sprawling landscape that stretched before him. Lost in the depths of his thoughts, his mind wandered to the enchanting forest, its secrets and mysteries calling out to him.

Queen Zyla, a vision of regal grace, approached her son with a gentle smile playing upon her lips. "I hope your thoughts are centered around finding a bride," she said, her voice carrying a touch of both amusement and concern.

Prince Edon turned to face his mother, his eyes reflecting a longing for something more profound than the conventional expectations of royal courtship. His gaze wandered to the garden, where the princesses sat engrossed in their domestic activities of knitting and sewing, their conversations filled with trivialities.

"Princess Brila is a nice choice," the queen suggested, her tone hinting at the traditional expectations placed upon royalty.

"Princess Brila may possess grace and charm, but she is no different from the others," Prince Edon responded, his voice filled with a hint of disappointment. "They all engage in the same pursuits, with no sense of individuality or uniqueness. What makes her a better choice?"

Queen Zyla paused for a moment, considering her son's words. "Well, my son, tradition demands that princesses be trained to become royal wives," she explained. "Pardon me, but I was once like them, and I believe I have been a wonderful mother. Am I wrong?"

Prince Edon contemplated his mother's words, acknowledging the love and care she had bestowed upon him and his siblings. Yet, he couldn't help but express his reservations. "Mother, if the aim is to breed royal wives, then I must say you did a terrible job with Princess Cirena."

A burst of laughter escaped their lips, momentarily easing the tension that had settled between them. Queen Zyla, her eyes gleaming with fondness, spoke in a heartfelt tone, "Cirena has always possessed a mind of her own. And having you as her brother only made it more challenging to control her spirited nature."

Prince Edon nodded, a mix of pride and affection emanating from him. "Cirena's spirit is what sets her apart," he said, a glimmer of admiration shining in his eyes. "She embodies the strength and independence that I seek in a partner—a soul who will walk beside me as an equal, not merely as a decorative figurehead."

Queen Zyla, her maternal instincts blending with her regal wisdom, reached out to gently place a hand on her son's arm. "My dear Edon, I understand your yearning for true love," she said softly. "Though tradition may dictate certain paths, it is your heart that should guide you in matters of the soul."

Queen Zyla considered her son's words thoughtfully. "You could consider Princess Omana then," she suggested. "Just like Cirena, she is free-spirited and cares less about music and knitting."

"Princess Omana?" Prince Edon mused, his curiosity piqued. "King Vases' daughter?"

"Yes," Queen Zyla confirmed. "I have heard tales of her adventurous spirit. King Vases has tried his best to control her, but to no avail. Speaking of the devil, there she comes riding on the horse's back."

Prince Edon's gaze followed his mother's, and his eyes widened in awe as he witnessed Princess Omana's approach. Her fiery hair danced in the wind, and her eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint. She exuded an aura of untamed beauty and spirited grace that captivated his heart.

After a moment of silence, Prince Edon's curiosity grew stronger, and he couldn't resist asking the question that lingered in his mind. "What secrets lie within the depths of the forbidden forest?" he inquired, his voice filled with a mixture of intrigue and wonder.

Queen Zyla regarded her son with a thoughtful gaze, her expression tinged with concern. "Why do you ask such a question, my dear?" she responded, her voice gentle yet cautious.

Prince Edon took a deep breath, his eyes reflecting the flickering memories of the previous day's hunt. "During our pursuit of the elusive beast, we ventured deep into the heart of the forest," he began, his voice carrying a sense of both awe and uncertainty. "In that moment, I felt a peculiar presence, as if someone or something was watching us. And for the briefest of moments, I glimpsed a pair of feet vanish in a fleeting flash."

Queen Zyla's brows furrowed, her mind filled with a mix of apprehension and curiosity. "The forbidden forest has always held its secrets," she said, her voice a whisper that seemed to carry the weight of ancient tales. "Legends speak of enchanted creatures and hidden realms, whispers of magic and ancient spells."

Queen Zyla's words hung heavy in the air, echoing through Prince Edon's mind. He regarded his mother with a mix of curiosity and concern, his eyes searching for answers within her wise gaze. "Nobody has ever returned alive from that forest?" he asked, his voice filled with a mixture of awe and trepidation.

The queen's expression softened, a flicker of sadness dancing in her eyes. "No, my son," she replied, her voice tinged with a hint of sorrow. "The last person to venture into those woods was a widow banished by your grandfather, our beloved king, many years ago. She had suffered the devastating loss of her children and husband to a mysterious illness, and though she survived, the people feared her, attributing her misfortune to dark forces."

Edon's heart sank at the tragic tale of the banished widow. He understood the weight of his grandfather's decision, forced to make a choice steeped in sorrow and the preservation of his kingdom. The realization of the forest's dangers sank deeper into his consciousness.

"Stay away from that forest, my dear son," Queen Zyla cautioned, her voice filled with maternal concern. "Your encounter with the snowcat was a stroke of luck, but the forest holds untold dangers, demons lurking within its depths. The widow's banishment serves as a stark reminder of the perils that await those who dare to tread its forbidden paths."

Prince Edon nodded solemnly, his resolve strengthened by his mother's words. "I understand, Mother," he replied, his voice steady and resolute.

With a gentle smile, Queen Zyla patted her son's arm affectionately. "You have a wise and courageous heart, my dear Edon. I trust in your judgment and your commitment to our people. May the light guide you on your noble path."

As Queen Zyla gracefully walked away, her presence fading into the tapestries of the castle, Prince Edon was left alone with his thoughts. The allure of the forbidden forest lingered, its mysteries and dangers beckoning to his adventurous spirit. Yet, he understood the importance of heeding his mother's words, for the fate of his kingdom and the legacy of his ancestors depended on his choices.