The forest was thick with shadows as Queen Adina ran, clutching her tiny son to her chest. The prince's small hand gripped her gown, his eyes wide with confusion. Behind them, the cruel echo of hoofbeats warned her: her pursuer was close—the King's own brother, who had slain the rightful King to steal the throne and now sought to end them both.
Branches lashed at her face, thorns cut her feet, but Adina pressed on, her only thought to keep the prince safe. Just as her strength began to fail, a burly figure appeared in the path—a hunter, bow in hand and eyes fierce with purpose. With arrows flying and a roar, he drove off their attackers, snatching the queen and her son into the safety of his hidden hut.
Inside, Adina collapsed, blood staining her dress—the knife wound from the attack was deep. She pressed trembling lips to her son's forehead. "You must survive, little one. A prince's destiny awaits you." As dawn broke, her breath faded, leaving the young prince in the hunter's care. The world believed the royal line was gone, but deep in the ancient woods, a kingdom's last hope still lived.