The Unicorn's Blessing | #ONC2025 ?

Chapter Two: The Proof is the Scent

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.