Minerva tucked her sword into the scabbard and picked up a deer on the ground which was dead. After carefully securing the sword, she whistled and picked the dead animal with a big smile on her face. Her father would be very happy to see she has killed a bigger animal after a few days of hunting. A brown creature whoosh among the grass before coming to stand in Minerva's front. " That's so good Percy, both of us are now good at hunting!" She said excitedly and the Lamal beside her jumped in enthusiasm. The forest wasn't far from her small village where she and her father lived after losing their mother to the cold hands of death. Then they made their way towards home with Minerva grinning from ear to ear. In fact, the boys would be surprised to see her with such a big animal. When she got closer, few people started coming into view and no doubt she could see amused expressions on their faces. " Minerva, did you kill that?" A woman who was working on the grain farm asked while po
The Father and daughter duo went back into the sitting room and saw the man sitting there quietly. His eyes lit up immediately when he saw her. " Mr Castiel, your daughter passed my test. Throughout Blueshead, she is the only successful one. I'm the head of security and hunters in RedShire and personally came to handpick the best. To my surprise, she's the only one. Congratulations to you both." " Thank you so much!" Her father bowed before turning to look at her. He embraced her tightly, " you always make me proud Minerva, always." While embracing her father, her eyes didn't leave the man who was doing the same. A small blush crept onto her cheeks and she buried her face in her father's embrace. " Ahem! I would leave you two to talk, we're leaving tomorrow at first light. I have spent quite a lot of time waiting for you to come back from hunting and that added to your score, bringing home a deer big as that is something." The man then walks out of the house with a smile on his fa
" Vincent!" She screamed when she saw him slicing his sword into someone's chest and her eyes almost popped out. " Take her away!" Vincent ordered and the huge net dropped down on the ground as a group of men rushed towards her. Clattering of swords filled the air as Minerva tried to stand on her feet. " Vincent," she called, but his men were the ones there. " Young Miss, come with us, it's for your safety." One of the men with red eyes said and grabbed Minerva's arm to pull her towards a safe distance. Minerva was adamant about leaving Vincent to fight the enemies. They were after her and not her father. Why would they set a net trap for her? Before anyone could comprehend what was happening, a huge fire burned through the trees with great intensity and screams of strange animals were heard. Minerva couldn't see what caused the fire but she could make out the sound that was slicing through the air like thousands of roars. " What are you still doing here, I said you should tak
Vincent didn't expect her to ask him that and he looked deep into her eyes if she was playing mischievous with him but nothing. Her clear eyes were gazing at him with…is that expectation brimming in her eyes? " What? Do you think of me as a Prince or wish for me to be a Prince?" He asked while watching the sour expression on her face. Minerva moved towards the dragon before brushing her rough skin. " No. I believe you're a Prince or a Duke, maybe a Lord or nobleman." " Why?" He probed further while looking at her. Vincent has never met such a dramatic lady before. Minerva came to stand in his front but her height was nothing compared to Vincent. She could reach just his chest so she climbed a rock to be on the same height as him. " Because you look like one. Your aura, and your charms that includes your handsome characteristics," Minerva said all in one go making Vincent chuckle. After laughing to his heart content,he became speechless while gazing ardently at her. When none of
" Minerva!" Vincent yelled in horror as he watch her go up in the air. Her screams were the only sound in the field. Everyone held their breath at the magnificent view like never before as they watch the dragon roaring out black smokes while using it's claws to carry Minerva. After waiting for quite some time which would be enough for her to die, she finally felt her feet on the ground. Opening her eyes, she almost tripped when she saw the huge eyes like burning fire looking at her. Minerva blinked and tried breathing but her and the dragon in the same space was suffocating but why didn't it kill her? When she moved backwards, the dragon moved its snout towards her while looking at her with something in it's eyes. " Hello," she waved at it and it's ears became alert. The dragon folded its bat like wings and roared again making the students shriek in fear but curiosity also. The dragon wasn't harming the new student and she was standing in front of it. " Do I know you?" Miner
" You're jealous." Vincent concluded and gave her a smug look. He could see it in her eyes and also hear it dripping from her voice." Yes, I'm jealous, you can say that." Minerva replied and climbed off the bed to pick up her boots from the other side of the room which was so awestricking. Vincent was left speechless on the bed as he moved his head to see her putting on her boot which would be twice his foot size. ' so small,' he thought.Minerva's hands were unsteady as she tried to put on her other shoes but couldn't. She was feeling the rush of emotions; from her father's sudden death and disappearance to the strange people looking for her and the dragon at the academy followed by her new found feelings for Vincent, she was trying to bottle everything inside." Come, I'll help you," he offered and lifted her up in the air before carrying her to the bed. Vincent carefully placed her on the bed and went down on his knees to help her wear the boots.Holding her small foot, he smirk
"No grandpa, Minerva is my pupil, she's under me and…""You're my grandson, Vincent. Stan, prepare a room in my quarter for Minerva. I could teach her more about hunting and skills than you my boy because I'm your grandfather. I've been living here for a long time." The old man was persistent on allowing Vincent's guest to stay with them.Vincent rolled his eyes before looking at the red hair in his embrace. So petite and beautiful. Sometimes Vincent would wonder why he fell for her at first sight because he didn't believe in such love."Alright grandpa, let me escort her to the academy," he said to his grandparents and then walked away with Minerva.***Getting into the carriage with Minerva, Vincent shut the door before focusing all his attention on her, a smug smile playing on his lips while staring at her."What?" Minerva asked while looking out of the window, enjoying the green scenery outside as the carriage sped by.Vincent exhaled and leaned on his seat, the soft cushion dippi
A new horror suddenly rose inside Minerva's heart as she struggled to swallow the spit in her mouth. Stopping at the huge gate of the hunters academy, she stepped out of the carriage. The Royal guards stationed outside the building with their huge and burly body almost made Minerva feel intimidated. She walked to the gate and the guards didn't waste any time in opening the gate for her because they saw her with the Crown prince and could also remember what happened on the day of her arrival.“You must be Minerva, I've been waiting for you for the past one hour,” a plump man asked with a displeased expression on his face. Class has been on since the morning.” He said while going through the writing pad in his hand. Minerva stood quietly as she watched the man go through the pad. “Yes, I'm Minerva, are you my teacher?” She asked to see the man wave his hand nonchalantly. “I'm your guide for the time being, assigned to you by his royal highness old Mr and Mrs Gael. Now! We need to ge
Roseline paled instantly as she stared dumbstruck at her grandson, Vincent. She immediately recovered from the shock and put on her royal face mask on. “How much did you hear?” She asked. Her throat bobbing up and down as she swallowed nervously. Her heart couldn't stop beating fast and she was so sure Vincent could heart it.He smirked. “Enough to let me know that you don't have good intents for her,” he replied with a stern expression. Vincent drag his fingers in his hair as she glared at his grandmother. “I can't believe you,” he growled and stormed into the room where his grandfather was quiet. “Both of you! Is this what you want for me?” He asked. “This is what your father had always wanted for you. You've to let the people know that you're superior to them,” Roseline said calmly. She moved to stand in front of Vincent, holding his hand like the caring grandmother she is. “By making Riona your concubine would prove that point,” she added. Expectations gleaming in her eyes as she
Warm rays of the morning sun sipped through the window into Minerva's room, brightening every corner of it. On the bed laid Minerva and Vincent, tangled up inside the quilt. He cuddled her so well in his arms as a faint smile played on his lips. Last night was a night he won't forget. Pleasuring a woman. A woman he fell in love with. Vincent had believed love at first sight were nonsensical ideologies. Being entwined in one, he knew that the earth is vast and so are lots of things that can become possible. ‘knock knock’ Someone knocked on the door and gently pushed in. Vlad appeared behind the door and bowed. “Good morning, your highness.”“Rise. Is everything in order?” Vincent asked, already in his King mask. Minerva still snuggled in his arms. Vlad waved his hands in response to what Vincent just said. “Everything is in place my Lord. I would like to have a word with you before I let her leave with you,” he added and turned back to the anteroom. Vincent appeared inside the ant
Vincent returned to the physician's quarter with a servant on his trail as he stepped into Minerva's room. He found her pouting her lips while staring at the ceiling. The sounds of footsteps make her look in the direction of the door, only to find Vincent and a middle aged woman behind him. On her hand was a tray of food, served in different plates and enamels. Her eyes moved back to Vincent and he shrugged.“You should have some food,” he said and carried the only stool inside the room, placing it beside Minerva's bed so he could sit. He was now dressed in black slacks and a white sleeve shirt, which revealed the strong outlines of his masculine body. Her eyes fell to his lips which looked firm and tasty as he sat facing her. Minerva blushed scarlet and crimson. Quietly, she outstretched her hands for the tray of food. Instead, the woman who was wearing a faded blue and brown dress handed it to Vincent. “Thank you Anna,” he says and the woman gives a deep bow before stepping out o
Minerva whimpered when she suddenly felt dizzy and Vincent pulled back. Holding her face gently yet firmly. Her lips were now swollen from his sweet torture on her mouth and her beady eyes stared down at him. She pant heavily. Her heart beat frantically as if she had just run a marathon. Her eyes then moved to the door of the anteroom and a frown settled on her face. Minerva thought she saw someone there from her peripheral vision. Just then, the Physician pushed the door and ambled inside with a tray in his hands. “King Vincent,” the old man bowed before lifting his head. “His royal concubine awaits outside the quarter.” Vlad added before making his way towards the bed. ‘Concubine?’ she thought and bit into her lips, not daring to meet Vincent's eyes which she could feel on her head right now. So he really married the princess. The old physician, who didn't know his name, handed her a ceramic bowl of liquid substance. It was still warm but wouldn't burn. Her eyes met his for the b
All he could see was an unconscious Minerva lying on the broken carriage seat. His eyes turned gold at the thought that she would die. Then he heard it. Approaching footsteps of people. On the ground which was covered with fallen dead leaves was the man Vincent had beheaded. On the headless body's hand was a flute. The man had blown the needle into Minerva's head. At the front was the coachman. Without looking twice, Vincent knew he was dead. An arrow pierced through his heart, pinning him against the carriage body. Fresh blood dripped from the dead man's mouth and chest. When Vincent looked at the men who were marching towards him, he immediately recognized who they were. He could never forget them and neither will he be able to forget this day. They were the same men who killed Minerva's father on that gore day at Blueshead. “Young man, give the girl to us and we'll let you live. It's not a plea, it's a demand,” one of the men who looked huge said between gritting teeth. Impatien
“I wasn't complimenting you,” he replied and Minerva halted on her feet. Turning around, she shot him a deathly glare which was enough to put a smile on Vincent's lips. Minerva stared at him angrily. Now that he has been crowned king of RedShire, Minerva found it hard to retort or rebuke him. Especially in a place as crowded as this. Her thoughts were drawing her consciousness and she didn't realize when Vincent walked to stand at her front. He gripped her chin lightly as if she was a fragile doll and made her look at him. His fingers hot on her skin and the closeness took her breath away. She wanted to pull back but her feet refused to do her biddings. Her lips opened slightly, giving way for air to rush out of her mouth. Vincent was doing something to her that she couldn't fathom. Dalton and the sisters immediately scurried away to give the couple some privacy. “I missed you Minerva,” he whispered closely, enough for her to hear him. Minerva swallowed and was about to respond
The Coronation;The ballroom was decorated with red and black ribbons. From the chandeliers to the pillars, everything was covered with red and black, which was the color of the RedShire emblem. Few people from different kingdoms were invited to witness the crowning of a new king. Victor Gael stood regally in his suit while waiting for his grandson to appear. On his hand was a cushion of estate and on top of it, was a huge gold crown.The Archbishop of the Roman church in RedShire was present. Standing on the platform where the pulpit was before him. Vincent despised the church because of their lying reverend father. The churches were among those responsible for the chaos that took place hundreds of years ago. The poison era. Standing in his full grace, the Archbishop wore his long mantle which had the sign of the cross at both sides and a small red cap on his bald head. Vincent stood before him, glaring at the old man with a scowl on his face. “Sirs, I present unto you King Vincen
Crestfallen Minerva appeared on the balcony where the other students were waiting for her. Her heart constricted each time she thought about Riona becoming Vincent's bride. So that was the lifestyle of royalty. As for Riona, she will not know what hit her when Minerva takes her to heart. Same goes with her mother.“Minerva,” Belle's voice reached her ears and she raised her head to see almost a dozen pairs of eyes staring at her. Belle rushed towards her with a worried expression on her face. Until her fingers touched the red marks on her face, Minerva inhaled sharply as she swallowed the pain. It hurt. “Who did this to you? The Prince?” Belle asked furiously. The mark of someone's hand was staring at her from her friend's face, and she instantly felt riled up. “You won't tell me, I'll go find out for myself.”“Don't!” Minerva grabbed Belle's arms. Looking at the other students who were in support of Belle, curiosity brimming in their eyes and retaliation evident in their stance, si
The news of the king's death was yet to reach the academy. The gigantic bell that was located at the tallest building in RedShire which Minerva learnt was called the bell of doom chimed aggressively. “Bell of doom? Why would anyone want to name a bell?” She asked Belle who was getting ready for today's training. Minerva was already dressed as she woke up very early in the morning due to the fact that she couldn't sleep. Belle chuckled lightly and grabbed her spear from under her bed. “RedShire has so much history, Minerva. As time goes on, you'll learn each of them,” she replied and made for the door. “Okay! Huh– where's my spear?” Minerva asked when both sisters took theirs. “It'll be given to you by our coordinator. Relax,” Elle smiled as they walked down the corridor which was now crowded with so many students trotting up and down in various colorful uniforms. Exiting the dormitory, the three girls made their way towards the training arena which was behind the registration bui