The courtyard was alive with activity as servants and stableboys alike rushed around to the bidding of the Court and their pets. Auguste busied himself with checking his own tack on Celeste. Though he had been assured numerous times that the equipment was the best in all of Vere, the newly appointed King insisted with a patient smile. Since his father’s unfortunate accident while boar hunting with their uncle, he had made it a point to always look for himself. One never could be too careful. The gray mare nickered under his gentle hand as he patted her neck, anticipating the hunt as wolfhounds woofed excitedly nearby.
Auguste looked over his shoulder as the arrival of Prince Damianos was announced and smiled. He gave the equipment one last glance over and peered over Celeste’s back to spot Laurent’s elated expression before turning to give his friend a proper greeting. He stepped forward and clasped Damen’s forearm, his smile warm as his sunny hair.
“You’ve hunted boar in Akielos, I’m sure, but you’ve not yet seen the likes of Veretian Boar.”