Prey

Steve's men took the lead on horseback, while the ladies strolled leisurely in the carriage. Beneath Constantine sat a purplish-red horse, its well-developed skeletal muscles and graceful posture attesting to its exceptional strength and elegance. The mare, named Helen by Constantine, boasted a shiny, well-nourished burgundy coat—a testament to her excellent care.

Helen, a five-year-old foal handpicked by Constantine from the manor's young horses, radiated excitement. Eager to explore beyond the confines of the horse pen, she sneezed impatiently, prompting Constantine to comfort her with a gentle stroke.

As the group moved cautiously to accommodate the ladies in the carriage, the exception was Nina, riding a white horse and surrounded by a pack of hounds. With an unrestrained spirit, Nina effortlessly outpaced the others, injecting a spirited energy into the procession.

April's spring season had reinvigorated the once dormant forest around Tatoi Palace. Sparse woods and open grasslands, ideal for hunting, allowed everyone to partake in the thrill without venturing too far.

Upon reaching an open green grass area, the carriage halted, and the ladies descended. Servants swiftly prepared the area with tables, chairs, and refreshments, transforming the setting into a quaint resting spot for the ladies.

Engaged in lively conversations, the ladies discussed the latest fashion trends and recent purchases, topics that soon lost Constantine's interest. Observing Nina, out of place in her black hunting attire amidst the vibrant long dresses, Constantine decided to invite her to join the hunt on horseback.

"Nina, come with us and hunt on horseback. Your outfit is totally unsuitable for sitting here," Constantine suggested, and Nina eagerly accepted the invitation.

The men, along with the hounds, assembled, and Constantine blew a low, penetrating horn, signaling the commencement of the hunt. The group, accompanied by a trained hunting dog, ventured into the grassy forest.

Helen, under Constantine's expert guidance, gracefully navigated obstacles, her agile movements earning praise from Constantine. The ensemble of hounds suddenly accelerated, signaling a discovery.

"His Royal Highness, it looks like the hounds have found some prey," remarked Goldberry, one of the guests.

"Yes, what kind of prey is it?" Constantine inquired.

The hounds, led by a foxhound trained to track by smell, excitedly pursued a red fox. Constantine, thrilled by the prospect of the chase, blew the horn once again, galvanizing the hunters to accelerate towards the hounds.

The red fox, adept at utilizing its intelligence, led the hounds on a lively pursuit through the dense bushes. Constantine and Helen worked in tandem, navigating the challenging terrain with skill and precision.

As the hounds cornered the red fox, the hunters, including Constantine and Nina, dismounted. The hounds barked vigorously around a cave entrance—the fox's sanctuary.

"What should I do now, everyone?" asked Costerbloom, a first-time participant in such a hunting activity.

Steve, no stranger to hunting, reassured, "It's okay, but it's not that easy to escape."

Constantine, seizing the moment, picked up a smaller hound, resembling the size of a red fox, and affectionately encouraged it. Holding the beagle in one hand, he directed it towards the cave, signaling the beginning of the next phase in the hunt.

"It's time for the little man to show his skills," Constantine declared.

The beagle, seemingly understanding its mission, crouched low and purposefully entered the cave, ready to confront the sly red fox lurking within.