The Princess' Harem
Chapter 166: Peril in the Woods

Chapter 166: Peril in the Woods

The trail twisted and turned, much more winding than Agnes had said. The supposed ’shortcut’ was getting longer, leading Viana deeper into unknown land. The trees grew thicker, older, their trunks rough and scarred. The path itself became faint, sometimes almost disappearing under big roots and scattered stones.

Viana’s mare neighed nervously, its ears twitching. She kept a firm hand on the reins, speaking soothing words to the scared animal.

Suddenly, a loud, deep roar ripped through the quiet woods. Viana’s mare stood on its back legs, neighing in terror, its eyes wide and white.

Viana, with years of riding experience, held on. She calmed the frightened horse with firm hands and a steady voice, her forest blessing ability helping her, though her own heart pounded hard against her ribs.

From the thick bushes ahead, crashing through the undergrowth with bone-jarring force, came a huge shape. It was a corrupted abomination of a magical beast. Its fur was matted and patchy, covered in grotesque growths with unholy green light. Its eyes glowed with malevolent fire, and its maw dripped with black ichor.

It moved with unnatural speed, its heavy paws tearing at the ground, leaving scorched marks in its wake. This was no mere wild animal—it was a creature twisted by dark magic. A blight beast perhaps, somehow brought to Valendale’s perfect forests.

It roared again, a sound of pure hatred, and lunged. Viana reacted instantly, she kicked her mare, urging it into a desperate gallop. She veered sharply off the indistinct path, plunging deeper into the denser woods, hoping the uneven ground would slow the monstrous creature.

Branches whipped past her face, tearing at her clothes. The mare strained, its muscles bunching, as fear lent it incredible speed.

The beast, however, was relentless. Its corrupted magic gave it terrifying agility. It crashed through the trees, snapping at the air. Its roars echoed, chillingly, close behind.

***

At the picturesque overlook on the eastern ridge, the designated point for the riding party, Rayne dismounted from his magnificent white stallion.

The air here was clear, cool, carrying the scent of pine and distant wildflowers. The view was indeed spectacular, a sweeping vista of rolling hills, dense forests, and the sparkling river of Valendale.

The men of the court, having completed their more arduous route, were already gathering, their horses steaming gently in the crisp air, their conversations lively.

Rayne, however, felt a growing prickle of unease. He scanned the main path where the ladies’ party was supposed to emerge. Minutes stretched into what felt like forever.

The first few ladies began to appear, their colorful riding outfits a stark contrast against the green. But Viana was not among them.

He waited, patiently at first, then with increasing impatience. His eyes swept the trail, searching for her familiar green outfit. More riders appeared, then the last of the formal ladies’ party, accompanied by their guards.

Still no Viana.

His brow furrowed, a fine line of worry appearing between his eyes. This was unlike her, she was always punctual, always composed.

Rayne strode through the group, approaching his mother, Empress Isolde, who had just arrived with a small group of senior noblewomen. His voice was carefully controlled, betraying the sudden anxiety that gripped him.

"Mother, have you seen Princess Viana? She should have arrived by now, should she not?"

The Empress looked around, her serene expression shifting slightly to a frown of mild concern.

"Indeed, Rayne. I had expected her to be among the first. Perhaps she decided to take a slower pace? She has been through much, after all, recently."

Rayne’s gaze sharpened. He turned to the other ladies present, his voice gaining an edge of urgency, scanning their faces.

"Did anyone see Princess Viana, before she reached the overlook?"

A few ladies shook their heads, murmuring vaguely about her being "at the rear."

Then, Lady Agnes, her composure perfectly restored, stepped forward. Her expression was one of polite concern, her eyes wide. Her voice was soft, and smooth.

"Oh, Your Highness. I am afraid I did not see her since we parted ways on the main path. She was quite behind the group when I last noticed her, perhaps enjoying the scenery at a slower pace?"

Rayne’s eyes narrowed slightly at Agnes’s statement. He sensed the lie, as he knew her since her childhood. He could not prove it, but a cold suspicion began to solidify in his gut.

He pressed further, his gaze swept across the faces.

"Did anyone, anyone at all, see her take a different path, or speak with anyone out of the main group?"

All were silent. Rayne dismissed all of them, though the weariness was still coiling in his gut.

Then, a young Baroness, the one Viana had been speaking with earlier, approached Rayne hesitantly. She was Stephanie, a distant cousin of Rayne’s and one of Empress ladies-in-waiting, her face slightly flushed.

"Your Highness," she said, her voice a little breathless, "I did see Princess Viana fall back with Lady Agnes, for a short while. Lady Agnes, appeared quite distressed, and asked to speak with the Princess privately."

Stephanie’s eyes flickered to Agnes, who was chatting with the other noble ladies in the distance, then quickly away.

"They rode slower, then the Princess went through the old trail, and not long, Lady Agnes catched up with us."

Rayne’s blood ran cold. The old trail. Agnes.

The pieces clicked into place, forming a chilling picture. A dark fury suddenly flashed in his eyes.

He knew that trail. It was dangerous, overgrown, and rarely used, certainly not a common route for a courtly ride. And Agnes, pretending to be upset, only to direct Viana down the treacherous path?

It was a trick. A cruel, calculated trap.

He turned sharply to the nearest stablehand, his voice low, guttural, radiating controlled menace.

"Get my horse ready! Now! And gather a search party. Joel, Reyes!" he shouted, spotting Viana’s trusted guards among the male riders. "With me, now!"

His face was grim, his jaw set in a hard, unyielding line. Viana was in danger. He knew it with a cold certainty that chilled him to the bone.

And he would tear this forest apart, to find her.

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