The Trial Of Strength And Secrets

The Trial of Strength and Secrets

The second day of Mai's training arrived, bringing with it fresh challenges and even more obstacles. The court ladies continued their cruel whispers, the guards still doubted her, and the etiquette lessons felt impossible. But Mai had endured worse. She had survived years of hardship in the village—this was just another test of willpower.

As she struggled through the noble training, Lilian watched from a distance, his mind still occupied by the previous night. That strange moment in the study… What had happened to her? The way she had moved during their sparring session—it wasn't natural. And now, there was something in her eyes, a quiet determination, as if she were unlocking something even she did not understand.

His father's words from years ago echoed in his mind. A true ruler recognizes strength, not just in battle, but in spirit.

Lilian scoffed. Strength? He had never believed in it beyond power and bloodline. And yet, this commoner girl was proving to be far more resilient than he expected.

During combat training, Sir Roderic called Mai forward again. "Your Highness, will you spar with her once more?" the knight asked Lilian with a smirk. "Or shall we let someone else teach the commoner her place?"

Lilian's gaze flickered to Mai. He was tempted to decline, to step back and let her flounder under the weight of her own inexperience. But something in him wanted to see what she would do next. What she was capable of.

"I'll fight her," he said, stepping onto the training ground.

Mai braced herself as she picked up the wooden sword. She knew Lilian was fast, skilled, and relentless. But she also knew something else—something that had awakened within her the night before.

They clashed, and at first, it was as expected. Lilian dodged and struck with ease. But then—it happened again.

A surge of warmth rushed through Mai's veins. Her movements became quicker, sharper, as if her body were moving on its own. She countered his strike with precision, spinning around him in a blur of motion. For a split second, she saw the flicker of surprise in his eyes.

Lilian barely managed to block the next attack. "What the—"

The watching guards murmured among themselves. Was she improving that quickly?

Mai's heart pounded. She could feel it now—the power inside her. It was growing, pushing its way to the surface.

And then, she saw it. A flicker of gold. The same symbol from her vision. It wasn't just on the pendant anymore—it was faintly glowing beneath the skin of her palm.

She gasped, dropping the sword. The energy vanished, leaving her breathless.

Lilian stepped back, studying her carefully. He had seen it. He knew something was wrong.

Before either of them could speak, a voice rang through the courtyard.

"The King has summoned the prince and his tutor. At once."

Mai swallowed hard. Another test awaited her, but this time, it wasn't just about proving herself to the court.

It was about discovering the truth behind what she was becoming.