The past

The room went silent as the two men gazed at each other with intensity. Arias' eyes were filled with emotion while Anemone looked at him with contempt. It was only after a few moments had gone by that Anemone finally spoke. 

"He was once a good and kind man, a just and benevolent king. He's been through a lot over the years, but I know that man is still in there somewhere," he said.

"We all go through things!" Arias shouted, his chest rising and falling with anger and frustration. 

"But that doesn't give us the right to mistreat others…to treat people like playthings. That man isn't the kind king you once knew and you are a fool to keep waiting for something that will never happen!"

"I've already said my piece, Arias. If you have nothing else to say, then please—go."

The captain narrowed his eyes, studying Anemone. 

The man before him seemed thinner than the last time they'd met, his once-athletic frame now gaunt. Anemone had been a legend in his youth—the kingdom's greatest warrior, the most skilled huntsman. The two of them had known each other since birth, rivals and companions from the moment they could hold a bow and the sword. Arias had always admired Anemone. It had been his dream to build a guild together, a place for the strongest warriors, serving the nation and fighting side by side.

Things had been going well. Arias had even entertained the thought of making Anemone his partner—not just in battle, but in life. Over the years, Anemone had grown stronger, but also more beautiful, his quiet grace only adding to his allure. Arias had always known that he wanted Anemone for himself.

But everything had changed the day the king set his eyes on Anemone. Ceremus had recognized the warrior's potential and drawn him into the royal court, offering him a position as an advisor. The incredible fighter, once free to roam the wilds and live as he pleased, had retired from his hunting days. 

The news had torn through Arias, but because Anemone was his friend first, his heart had ultimately wished for the man's happiness. Anemone seemed content with his new role—content, but distant. Arias could see it in his eyes. And though every part of him had ached, he had no choice but to let him go.

At the time, Ceremus had been a great king—fair, just, a warrior like no other. It had been an honor to serve him, especially as a fellow warrior himself, knowing that Ceremus was the greatest fighter to ever live. Anemone had earned fame and recognition, quickly rising in the court, becoming the "Dark Beauty of Trojas." The two of them had been inseparable, always seen side by side—despite Arias' jealousy, he had been happy for his friend. 

That had been before the king started to change. After the loss of his father, Ceremus had begun a slow descent into madness. The kind ruler they had once known was gone, replaced by something darker, something dangerous.

Arias knew how stubborn Anemone could be. It was one of the things he admired most about him—but at times, it also drove him to the edge of frustration. He had watched, helpless, as Anemone grew more and more overworked, constantly at the king's beck and call. It pained him to see his friend trapped in the service of a man who had once been noble, but who now seemed to drain the life out of everyone around him. Arias had begged Anemone to quit his post as the king's advisor and join him in the guild he had built for them, a dream they had shared for so long. But every time he saw the resolute expression on Anemone's face, his hopes were dashed, and he was left with nothing but a heavy sigh of resignation.

"Alright, friend," Arias said, pushing his thoughts of the past aside. "I'll leave it at that for today. Do let me know what the king decides." 

He stood and began walking toward the door.

Anemone nodded, surprised by how quickly Arias had given in. As Arias reached for the door, he turned back, his hazel eyes locking with Anemone's deep purple ones. Without thinking, he reached out, brushing a stray lock of hair from Anemone's face. For just a moment, he felt Anemone flinch under his touch—just enough to make him smile, a soft, fleeting reaction. 

"Come visit the boys when you have the chance. They miss you." He said. 

Anemone hesitated a little before nodding his head. "When I'm free." He replied in a low voice. 

Arias shot him another smile before leaving. The advisor leaned against the door after closing it shut. He ran a finger through his hair and a sigh escaped from his lips. He hoped that the king was done with his afternoon tryst so they could get down to business. 

A few hours later, they finally held a council meeting in order to address the issue with the Aphthonia Forest. It was obvious to everyone there that if things continued like this, then the lack of meat would be detrimental for the citizens in the future. 

A representative from the Huntsmen Guild proposed sending one of their female warriors to assess the situation. The suggestion was met with immediate disapproval from the court.

"Why would you send a woman to face a manbeast that three skilled men couldn't even handle?" one of the councilmen interjected sharply.

The representative sighed, rolling his eyes. 

"Obviously, we'd send one of our best warriors, someone fully capable of handling the task. The reason I suggest this approach is that, assuming the manbeast is indeed a human male, perhaps he would be more inclined to listen to reason if confronted by a woman."

The rest of the council remained divided on sending a woman to the forest, their doubts lingering. The representative, however, continued to assure them that the female hunters in their guild were some of their finest. He emphasized that if the situation became too dangerous, they would be ordered to retreat immediately.

The arguments went back and forth, each side voicing their concerns, and Ceremus could feel the pressure of a headache building. He was growing weary of the discussion and longed for the peace of his chambers. With a deep sigh, he let his frustration show, and the room immediately quieted, sensing the change in his demeanor. He adjusted his golden bangles, the soft clink of metal cutting through the silence. All chatter stopped.

"Why not send a woman?" Ceremus said, his tone languid and detached. "They've proven time and again that they are just as capable as men. Or else, why bother having them in the guild? Why allow them to become knights?" He paused, looking around the room with half-lidded eyes. "Send a female huntsman to seduce this forest man. Do whatever it takes to solve the problem."

Without waiting for a response, he dismissed the meeting with a wave of his hand. 

Ceremus rose from his throne, and without another word, turned and left the room. Anemone, ever at his side, followed silently. As the king's figure disappeared down the hall, the advisor's gaze lingered on his back, lost in thought.

"What is it?" The king's voice echoed through the corridors as Anemone was jolted from his thoughts. 

"What?" 

Ceremus rolled his eyes, clearly irritated. "I've felt your gaze on my back for quite some time now. Do you not agree with my ruling?" His words were cool as they continued toward his chambers.

"N-No, Your Majesty, your decision was just," Anemone stammered. "I'm sure they'll send a skilled huntress to placate the manbeast."

Ceremus shot him a sidelong glance, his expression unreadable, before letting out a low grunt. "I'll be in my chambers for the time being. Leave any important matters for later." Without another word, he turned and continued down the hall.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Anemone replied quietly, watching the king disappear into his chambers.

As Ceremus and Anemone moved on, the remaining representatives from the Huntsmen Guild stayed behind to discuss their next steps.

"Whoever we send needs to be beautiful enough to catch his attention, but strong enough to hold her own in a fight," Casper, the guild's representative, said, his voice steady.

The others nodded in agreement, considering the challenge.

Finally, one of the councilmen spoke up. "What about Anthanasia?" he suggested. "She's one of the most beautiful women in the guild and ranks fifth in the standings. She'd be the perfect candidate."

Casper thought for a moment, then nodded. "I agree. She's the perfect choice. Now, all that's left is convincing the captain—and convincing Anthanasia herself," he muttered.

And so, it had been decided. Anthanasia would be the huntsmen sent to the Aphthonia Forest to face the mysterious manbeast.