I toss a Loud Beetle towards the monster luring it towards the pit. The beetle’s noise blares all throughout this lonely forest. My heart raced as the monster jumped out of its hiding spot. I hurried as I jumped out of the bushes, racing hastily towards the pit. The monster squashed the beetle. I shuddered at the sight of its juice—green in color spread in all directions. I overcame the disgust and charge towards the monster.   With the dagger in my hand, I sprint faster but stop midway. The monster picked up my scent right away. He knows that I am within his territory. He knows that I was the one who sent the beetle. He knows that I was sent here to kill him. He roars a deafening roar that echoed all throughout the forest-- a roar louder than that of the Loud Beetle I threw. I shudder at the sound. Flocks of birds flew up in the sky. Black ravens squawked in the pale moonlight.

The afterparty was a blast. Crowds of noble families filled the halls and rooms of the palace and it made me feel uncomfortable. Never did we have guests as much as this ever since mother passed away. She was known for being the life of the palace. She hosted social parties for noble families, for the poor, and even charity events that focused on raising the economic status of the poor. With that, she was renowned as the Queen of Hearts. She had a big heart and that she always made it a goal to be closer to erasing "Poor" as a classification of economic status. She was loved by her people. Her legacy remains and hopefully, it will. I am sick of hearing all the congratulations and responding my thanks in return forcing out a smile. To be queen was never what I wanted to be. The crown I wear on my head is not deserving to be on me. I don't want to be this way as I want my freedom of not having to think of royal duties or responsibilities to pu

The horse ride back home was slightly peaceful. I was not able to relieve my stress from the morning's conversation on The Introductory. Why would a middle-class nation strive to become one of the high-class kingdoms conduct The Introductory? It is not like we are facing a problem where the solution would be to find a king from the high-class kingdoms. I am supposed to be "designed" to handle this on my own. The guards salute me as I entered the palace gates. I can see Anna from the stables waiting patiently for my return. I appreciate having her around as she knows where and when to wait for me. She does not bother me at all with my activities and she knows to never cross the line. I appreciate that from her. I slow Hera down as we near the stables and Oscar stands up along with Anna to meet me. I unmount from Hera and Oscar receives Hera. Anna meets me and smiles, "It is always good to see you back home safe but my God, let's tidy that bloody mess!" "Thank you, Anna. As always, it