"You're not supposed to wander alone!" Mother scolded as she cupped Oskar's cheeks in her hands, turning his head in every direction as she examined him. "At the very least, take Matthias with you, or one of the guards."

"Hardly anyone goes into the forest," Oskar groaned, sighing when his face was no longer hostage.

"You are hardly sixteen, Oskar," she said, her tone softening as she guided him to sit on one of the sofas. "And a royal prince of the kingdom. What if you had been injured?"

He sighed, letting his head fall on the back of the sofa. His mother's concern were valid and he could admit his actions were thoughtless, but—

"Sometimes I just want to be alone," he said, lowering his voice as he straightened and met Mother's gaze. "My solidarity is a rare occurrence and I have the rest of my life to be trailed."

Mother fell into a sympathetic silence. Oskar's knowledge of women was limited to his mother and her ladies maids. Of course, his mother was the most beautiful in all the kingdom and no one could convince him otherwise.

"I understand your feelings," the queen spoke softly as she gave Oskar's hand a gentle squeeze. "I do—I have been where you are. Seeking escape from this life is normal, but it cannot be avoided. And as I am your mother, I will worry nonetheless. For my sake, will you please be more careful?"

Oskar offered a small smile and replied, "I will try."

"And I know you will," his mother went on, nodding. "Two sons I have, but between you and I—Erasmus is quite reckless. One day, it will all catch up to him."

"He has been with the tutor all day?"

"Yes, the royal council has decided he must advance his studies. While your father has many years yet, anything can happen and your brother needs to be ready."

He nodded as he listened. Deep down, Oskar was glad his twin brother was first heir to the Unaran throne. Yes, he was required to study the same subjects and learn the ways of leadership, but he would not have the same responsibility.

"Now, tell me why you did not come straight to me when you returned," Mother said as she straightened and leaned forward to the tea table so she could reach the steaming pot. As she poured the hot liquid into two cups, mint and honey filled the air.

Oskar's heart dropped at the memory, but he took a deep breath and calm came over him.

"I found the horn of a Unicorn," he said, sighing. "Covered in blood... on its own, no carcass or any sign of the animal it belonged to... I was showing it Father."

His mother gasped, her hands trembling as she set the teapot down, the porcelain striking the table with a sharp, startled clatter. Her hand flew to her heart, her chest rising and falling with her every breath.

"It could be alive," she said, but Oskar felt she was speaking more to herself than to him.

"Unlikely," he added, shaking his head as his mouth curved into a deep frown. "It so much blood. Just before I stumbled onto it, there had been a sharp... shrill cry. It brought fear to my bones."

Mother met his gaze as he went on to explain the experience, her light eyes welling with tears. Before Oskar could share the depths of his sadness, Matthias appeared and dipped in a bow.

"Begging your pardons, Highnesses," he said, placing his hands behind his back. "The king wishes for his highness, Prince Oskar, to join him in the council chambers."

"Thank you, Matthias," Oskar replied, sighing as he rose to his feet. "Mother, please excuse me."

"I will see you at supper," she said, nodding as she brushed her fingers across her cheekbones. "Go."

Oskar gave a polite bow before following Matthias out.

* * *

The chambers bustled with energy. Kings men and advisors, varying in rank and age, surrounded a great table—Oskar's father stood at the head with both his hands pressed to the wooden surface. The horn rested in front of him. His gaze passing over each individual, falling on Oskar last. Father's expression softened and he motioned for him to stand at his side.

"Counselors," the king said and the room fell silent. "I have summoned you all here to discuss a matter of grave astonishment. As you know, Unara has been blessed to be known as the peaceful homeland to the Unicorn. Peaceful creatures which keep to themselves, whom have thrived within our borders since King Unarion called these lands his kingdom. Their existence is precious. This—" he pointed to the horn before him, still stained red. "This is an unforgivable act. Poaching and hunting of these creatures has never been an issue, unless this is the first time the offender failed to go undiscovered. If that is the case, they will rue the day they chose to murder the creatures."

Oskar pinched his mouth closed as he gawked around the room. His father's sternness was nothing new, and it was rarely directed at him. And yet, the intensity of his tone made the prince feel as if he were witnessing it for the first time.

"If I may speak freely, Your Majesty?"

Oskar's gaze followed the voice to its owner. General Corrin, who stood to the left of the king, bowed deeply. He glanced back at his father, who replied, "General, please."

"The existence of the Unicorn is only confirmed by King Unarion's personal diary," the general explained, clearing his throat loudly. "Before accusing such an act, should we not confirm this horn is even that of a Unicorn? Who is to say it is not merely a sculpture in fine stone?"

His question raised murmurings—Oskar furrowed his brow and began shaking his head, but Father touched his shoulder, calmly.

"No sculptor in the land could carve such a precise, perfect replica," Father stated, squeezing Oskar's shoulder. "Clearly, the crimson stains are blood and when wet, the scent of copper is strongest. Smell for yourself."

The king removed his hand from Oskar's shoulder and lifted the horn in both his hands. General Corrin moved through the other men on his side of the table, and came to stand before Father. He hesitated, but leaned his face close to the horn where the stain was darkest. Oskar watched as the general inhaled, deeply; his eyes were closed for the briefest of seconds. They flung open and the general jerked his head back.

"Not just blood," he gasped, stepped backward. "There is flesh on the severed end... Begging your forgiveness, my king. I retract my statement."

"I thought you might," Father replied, returning the horn to its place on the table. "I understand doubting their existence, but there have always been signs that they are there. Believing is knowing something is real without seeking proof we can see. But we digress... What shall we do about this?"

Oskar glanced around the table once more. Ten royal advisors scratching their heads or tugging at their beards, but none spoke up. Did none of them have ideas? Did none of them understand the gravity of the situation? Oskar thought back to the forest and how there hadn't been signs of distress or the creature. If he hadn't been rushing home, perhaps he would have gone searching to clues. Anything that would tell the story of what happened.

When they remained silent, Oskar sighed and faced his father.

"Yes, Oskar?" Father said, his tone tender and patient.

"Form a taskforce to investigate the issue," Oskar said, swallowing back the lump forming in this throat. "If there are signs someone is poaching outside of the law, evidence will be found. And perhaps there should be a research team to look in the archives for any signs or laws regarding Unicorns in general. If all we know about them is their connection to Unara, we must learn more."

Father smiled, nodding. "Yes, I agree. A taskforce and research team. General Corrin, choose your smartest men to investigate the forest behind the palace, and Starlit River. Who will volunteer to research the archives?"

None of the older men acknowledged the request, and Oskar scoffed inwardly at their disinterest.

"I will," he said, raising a hand. "I have a curiosity in need satiating."

His father nodded and his smile grew. "Very well, my son. You will head the research. You will have access at all hours and may ask for help when you have need of it."

Oskar nodded his head in a short bow. He then glanced back at the horn on the table.

"I would like to have that with me," he said, his voice soft in reverence. "I found it and I do not believe anyone else will cherish as I will."

"As you wish, my son. Request granted."

Oskar went to reach for the horn, his gaze meeting General Corrin's who eyes narrowed on the horn. A frown at his mouth, but the emotions behind could not be deciphered. The prince paid it no attention, and held the horn close to his chest.