duke of split * jakov.
honing in on his game, blue hues narrowing their line of vision upon the subject of their interest, nikola arched his back to straighten the posture of his neck. in a facile movement, he drew his left arm back, the sharp needle threaded between his index and middle finger as his right arm locked into place. the marginal restive movements of his horse caused an inconsequential interference in his aim he would have to time properly in order to efficiently dispatch his target. but he relished the challenge. as the world around him fell away and his right arm began to falter under the resistance of his bow, he knew it was time.
beginning to release his grip, he failed to discern an intimate countenance ride briskly into his line of vision as though to garner and avert his attention. committed to his shot, a small gasp escaped his lips as he quickly aimed up to circumvent the new obstacle. the arrow soared through the air and far into the distance, beyond his field of perception. with an exasperated suspire, he watched his prey charge into the trees at the sound of the disturbance which cost him a kill and almost a life. he turned in several directions to seek the person to no avail until the sound of hooves trotting in the distance lured him to their location. when he found himself face to face with he who sabotaged his hunt, an ever so slight grin pulled at the corners of his lips for a moment in passing before he adopted his stoic tone.
‘ by god, jakov. i almost killed you. do you realize your contribution to the throne? what would i have done without you? ‘
the seriousness of the situation could not last before nikola erupted into laughter.
‘ are you trying to die? do you despise me so? ‘ he spoke between laughs. ‘ you could always just ask that i relieve you of your duties, you mustn't have to throw yourself in my line of fire. ‘