The Unicorn's Blessing | #ONC2025 ?

"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."