Chapter 11 – Hunting a Very Big Boar presents a pivotal shift in Rudolf Rassendyll’s moral and emotional journey, as the weight of his deception grows heavier. Though outwardly composed, he internally wrestles with the temptation to let the King remain imprisoned, which would allow him to retain both the throne and Princess Flavia’s affection. The idea creeps in uninvited, sparking a moral crisis that he cannot fully ignore. With the people of Ruritania growing more affectionate toward their “King,” and Flavia more deeply drawn to him each day, the stakes are no longer just political—they are deeply personal. Yet, Rassendyll remains anchored by an inner compass, refusing to let convenience or emotion undermine his sense of duty. He recognizes that to act on such thoughts would betray both the man he impersonates and the woman he loves.

One morning, Rassendyll’s visit to Flavia, ostensibly to deliver flowers, conceals a deeper need to be near her before the storm breaks. His carefully chosen words, respectful and tender, show his longing to stay in her presence without compromising her virtue or the truth he hides. The conversation is light, yet every glance and gesture is heavy with meaning. Countess Helga watches attentively, and her presence reminds him that eyes are always observing, waiting to interpret every action. Meanwhile, beneath the warmth of affection lies a growing web of intrigue—letters from Duke Michael and a cryptic message from Antoinette de Mauban warn of danger closing in. The court may be bathed in sunlight, but shadows are thickening quickly, and Rassendyll senses that Flavia is at the heart of a dangerous scheme.

In response to the veiled threats, Rassendyll begins placing safeguards around Flavia, enlisting Colonel Sapt and Fritz to ensure her movements are watched and guarded. Though it is Flavia’s safety that drives him, there is also a hint of dread—what if she discovers the truth too soon? What if, when the rescue is complete and the real King restored, he is forced to let her go forever? These fears linger in the background as he navigates the line between affection and deceit. When Flavia gives him her trust so freely, it cuts deeper. Her every look reflects admiration for a man she believes to be her sovereign, not a substitute. Rassendyll knows that their growing intimacy, if left unchecked, will only lead to heartbreak for them both.

The mounting tension finds release in a final exchange before he departs for what could be his most dangerous mission. Though few words are spoken, their farewell brims with emotion, each one painfully aware that time is running out. Flavia’s parting glance clings to him like a promise and a burden, giving him strength while also deepening his sorrow. Rassendyll rides away not just to hunt the “big boar” of Michael’s treachery, but to reclaim the life of the man who holds the throne by right. Still, the knowledge that he will lose everything he holds dear—Flavia’s love, the admiration of the people, and the noble façade he’s worn—chafes with every step of his journey. His internal struggle is no longer about courage; it is about doing the honorable thing when the heart begs otherwise.

This chapter deepens the novel’s core conflict between personal happiness and moral obligation. Rassendyll is a man ensnared in a lie he didn’t choose but now must uphold until the end. The emotional stakes soar as the danger around Flavia escalates, and the romantic tension builds toward inevitable heartbreak. Every move Rassendyll makes now carries immense weight—not just for the fate of the King, but for the future of Ruritania and his own conscience. The “big boar” isn’t just Duke Michael—it is the consuming battle within Rassendyll himself, as he fights to hold onto honor while losing everything else. Through love, loyalty, and sacrifice, Chapter 11 marks the turning point where nobility is tested not by bloodlines, but by the strength of a man’s resolve to do what is right, even when it tears him apart.