If looks could cause someone to melt from the inside out and then combust into flames that is what would have happened when Abby regarded Maria. There was just something that she hated about this woman to the point that if she could have gotten away with it, Abby would have gutted the perfect little princess herself. Maria was everything she wanted to be and everything she loathed at the same time. Disgustingly sweet, kind and honorable; a woman whom she knew gave her virtue away to another and yet was still loved by everyone?<br/><br/>Abby never had that and she never will either. Which helped to foster the hatred and disdain that she felt for this woman, who she was forced to call sister; however, before she could say or do much else her mother spoke up and excused the little bitch to go and rest. Had it been her, such an insult by the cow of a maid would have been met with a swift backhand across the jaw and then a lashing by the prison warden. Maids and servants were meant to be ghosts, available but never seen or heard. It was not their place.<br/><br/>“Of course my child,” the Queen’s voice soft and kind as she rose from her seat with the same grace that she had used to take it. “Resting is very important during the early months. When I was carrying the twins, I was on bedrest because of how large I had gotten so fast. We assumed I would merely have a large strong babe and instead I had two,” her tone was filled with the love and fondness she had for the younger of her children. As they were her babies and she loved them dearly, probably the most of the four that she had, though she would never be so cruel to mention as such to the elder two. It was not hard to guess, however, and she was almost certain that they knew it one some level.<br/><br/>“We can speak again at dinner? Perhaps just a small gather in my private gardens? It is lovely at night and I can have the paper lanterns lit?” she offered with a look to Simprina, then the Queen and her entourage left to continue on with their daily activities. Abby was the last to leave, as she wanted a moment alone with her dear<span style="font-style: italic">sister</span>.<br/><br/>“No one can run from their secrets forever,” she remarked with a look down at Maria’s stomach. “When it all comes out into the light there may be a time when you will seek me out for help,” she leaned forward then, lips just barely not touching her ear. “On that day I will revel in the down fall of the perfect princess. I will laugh when you are found to be as dirty and unclean as myself,” a soft husky laugh tumbled from her painted lips as she placed a kiss on Maria’s cheek. “Rest well, dear<span style="font-style: italic">sister</span>.”  With that she was gone, out the door and off to whatever else she might have had planned.<br/><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><a class="postlink" href="http://i.imgur.com/5GRk28C.png">[ img ]</a></div><br/><br/>In the brush he knelt, the hoof prints of a stag before him. To his left was Ivor, who to his credit seemed to know about hunting, at least enough that Brad did not feel like he had to hold his hand the entire time.<br/><br/>“Looks like a big stag,” Brad began in a hushed tone, while he gestured with his knife. “The weight in these tracks would suggest that he has a large rack, meaning he is an old one. For meat he should be pretty good. Strong and fat for the upcoming winter,” he stood and placed the knife back in its sheath before he nodded toward the tree line. “There is some good grazing that ways, so we should be able find him there, the tracks are fresh and with some luck we will have ourselves a deer this evening.<br/><br/>The moral of the small hunting party was elevated at the prospect of bagging their intended prey. This would also mean that they could return home sooner. Palace guards were not rangers or huntsman, so they preferred to be on guard with castle walls, than out mucking out in the dirt. Especially, when their main mission was to protect the prince and not actually enjoy themselves.<br/><br/>“Think we can bag a boar too,” Ivor said suddenly from where he stood away from the others now. “There are some tracks here too,” he gestured.<br/><br/>Brad arched a brow, walked over and nodded at the evidence there. “Why, so there is. But we don’t have the man power to take down a deer and a boar. At least, not the skill level,” he remarked and was prepared to get the deer hunt underway, when Ivor spoke up.<br/><br/>“I think between you and I we could take down the boar and my men should be able to handle the deer. Should be easy for a man like you, no? Unless, you are unsure of your skills?” the challenge to Brad was clear and the men gathered about tensed, ready for whatever may come.<br/><br/>“I am more than sure of my skills,” Brad replied curtly. “However, I was not sure if you in your pampered upbringing are prepared for the challenge that came in hunting a wild boar?”<br/><br/>“I need you not to worry for me. I assure you I can handle myself just fine,” Ivor shot back with a grin. “Now, shall we discuss the plans for the boar?”<br/><br/>“Of course, prince Ivor.”