The princess and the tiger

A thick autumn fog clings to the castle’s sweeping courts, gradually lifting to reveal a bustling scene of huntsmen, horses, and restless dogs preparing for the day’s chase. Servants hustle with stirrup‑leathers and rifle loads, while the cavalcade waits for the Prince, who lingers a moment longer in the tender company of his young wife. The atmosphere hums with the ordinary rhythm of court life, from market festivities to the disciplined buzz of officials and ministers.

Newly wed and full of shared delight, the Prince and Princess enjoy each other’s company but soon part ways as the Prince departs for a hunt in the distant mountains. Left behind in a quiet apartment overlooking forest and plain, the Princess turns a telescope toward the landscape, taking in the autumnal foliage and the path the hunting party will soon follow. Her curiosity and the looming adventure set the stage for a tale of courtly intrigue and wilderness wonder.