Soon everyone gathered around, as the minister in charged of the youth activities raised his hand for silence.
“For this year’s hunt, you will be divided into five groups. Separate yourselves and prepare.”
People immediately began moving around, joining their friends and families.
When the groups were finally formed, mine consisted of Amar, onxy, Prince William, and me.
As everyone prepared to leave, I noticed Prince William making his way toward me through the crowd.
A smile spread across his face.
“There you are, Jasmina,” he said.
I raised an eyebrow.
“Your Highness.”
“Must you always sound so formal?” he asked with a chuckle.
“And must you always find me in a crowd?” I replied.
“Perhaps.”
Before I could say anything else, the signal for the hunt was given, and our group headed into the forest.
As we walked, I found myself glaring at the ground.
“Jasmina, why are you looking so upset?” Amar asked.
“This hunt is pointless. I didn’t take it seriously last year, and I don’t plan on taking it seriously this year.”
I pushed a low branch out of my way and continued walking.
“And why do they always have to hold it in the forest? There are far better places than this.”
Amar smirked.
“Well, maybe because a certain spoiled, entitled princess is trying to escape, just like she does every year.”
“Who are you calling spoiled?” I demanded.
Before our argument could continue, onxy stepped between us.
“Come on, you two. We’re in the middle of a forest searching for a golden eagle egg, and you’re arguing already.”
“She called me a spoiled princess.”
“Jasmina, just ignore her. It’s not worth it,” Prince William said as he gently guided me away from the argument.
I rolled my eyes.
“Thank you, Your Highness, but I can handle Amar myself.”
William laughed softly.
“I know you can. That’s exactly what worries me.”
“He has a point.”
“Traitor,” I muttered.
Suddenly, Amar stopped walking.
“Wait,” she whispered.
We all froze.
High above us, hidden among the branches, was a large nest.
“The eagle’s nest!” Onxy exclaimed.
Everyone looked up.
Resting inside was a shining golden egg.
William grinned.
“Looks like we found it first.”
I smiled despite myself.
“Then what are we waiting for?”
Together, we rushed toward the tree, determined to win the hunt.