The Hunting Game

Mr. Hyena's POV

Who knew today could get so... annoying.

Ever since that Jack Russel Terrier entered those doors... who knew I'll get to get face-to-face with my princess' previous lover?

"I'm Nathaniel, the royal pet of the prince of the Perilios Empire, on behalf of the royal family of the Boutielettes." He smiles. "I'm here on search for my dear Precious Boutielette."

Annoying. Just annoying.

"So, you're not here because of the great fire of the castle of the Boutielettes?" Mrs. Lion asks. Her plan would go smoothly if this is the case.

"Of course, I'll forward a message back regarding this situation. But my lover is my main source of concern. I fear she may have been kidnapped; after hearing everyone surviving the fire, yet no trace of her."

"A message?"

"Yes, the Boutielettes would like to issue a truce."

"Ah, yes, a truce!"

"And about Precious?" He holds up a picture. 

She looks adorable in that cottagecore dress, though it's a bit short and revealling. Makes me wonder about their relationship, who would make his lover look seductive in public? Unless she's just his eye-candy, to turn him on. It's easy to imagine how 'rough' he must be on an innocent girl like her. I mean... I witnessed it with my own eyes.

"Precious?" She asks.

"She isn't here." I cross my arms.

"It's a relief, this is no place for royalty, quite filthy actually; ruins her elegance..." He turns to leave.

That's it! I open my mouth to speak, but Mrs. Lion speaks first. Lucky him.

"You should stay for the feast, before your long journey back. As a courtesy."

Classic, keeping him to stay longer to prevent him from forwarding anything.

"Can't turn it down, I guess." He follows the queen to the tables.

Aside from the new guest, something in the air of this situation was a bit off.

"Of course, who will be able to resist my meals?" I decide to play along, joining them at the table.

"Your meals?" Nathaniel is surprised. What a judge on someone you just met!

"Everyone contributes their meals in feasts like these. But my courses" I snicker. "I basically serve royalty." I cut a piece of my meal, placing it on an empty dish. "Rolled lamb breast, stuffed with freshly-picked herbs. My treat. And I didn't forget about you... your highness." I also give Mrs. Lion a dish.

Mrs. Lion hesitates to grab the plate. "This time, I also contribute." She holds out a tray of pizza.

"You made this yourself?" I ask.

"You underestimate me, Mr. Hyena." She serves Nathaniel and I a slice.

Of course, I'm a bit cautious, especially now that I have three strikes. And our guest seems to feeling the same way. Here we are, the three of us assuming to be caught in the dangerous game of 'who to trust'.

Nathaniel has no reason to not trust me, despite our little conflict.

Mrs. Lion might have a plot against him, but I can't be sure because Precious isn't here and none of the Boutielettes arrived.

"I pass, had a buffalo on my way here." That's my excuse.

"Same here, uh, I ate lunch on the train. Perhaps a smaller meal?" He agrees.

"Cookies, anyone?" Ms. Chinchilla approaches us. "Sorry, my dish was late."

"Thanks, Chinchilla." I take one.

"It was getting awkward... for our guest."

"Mmm, what flavor?" Nathaniel also takes one.

Not fair, he trusts Ms. Chinchilla. I guess he can feel my negative vibes, apart from her calming atmosphere.

She waits for him to take a bite. "Cookie flavor..."

He notices the flavor. "What?"

"Cookie dough flavor, topped with... cookie crumbs."

"It's not bad!" I take a bite.

"Your majesty?" She moves the plate over to Mrs. Lion.

"Ugh, I don't want to dry my throat with such plain atrocities."

"You don't try anything, Ms. Queen." She faces Nathaniel. "I kind of like this Nathan, how long is he staying?"

"Not for long, I'll have to get going-" He gets interrupted.

"What a waste, we did all this, this whole welcome party... you should stay the night; it's a long way to the Perilous Castle, and long trips are bad for royalty, it makes their royalty-ness wear away."

"Well..." He hesitates.

"Besides, Precious might return soon."

"Don't tell him that, it'll get his hopes up for no reason." I warn her.

"It's almost as if you don't want him to stay."

"Chinchilla..."

"You've been planning this moment for the past few days now." She talks in code.

"But this could be a little overwhelming... for him."

"Y'know, I think Mr. Hyena and Nathan would get along well, just give him a time to talk.."

"I could stay a little while longer, then I'll continue my search."

"That's a good choice. There's a lot more to this party than food." Mrs. Lion says. "Come with me."

They leave, leaving Chinchilla and I alone.

"You should be careful around him..."

"He already has someone he's interested in. I feel there's no need to worry."

"He's already forcing his relationship with Precious, who knows what else he's capable of doing."

"... so, what's next? You wanted him to stay..."

"Right, the longer he stays in our sight, we'll be able to catch whatever the queen throws at him."

"Think she will actually come back?"

"It'd be terrible timing..."

"Wouldn't it be right to... allow them to reunite?"

"I may help him not get murdered, but he's got only himself for this competition."

"And the odds of her accepting?"

"What makes you think..."

"This is probably her first love relationship. Abusive. And why would she trust another? For all we know, this experience has probably gave all a bad name."

"Trauma, huh?" I take the time to think. "It's a possibility, but I'm not forcing her to fall for me..." Besides, if what she's saying true... I'll kill him.