The Forbidden Truth

 The Forbidden Truth

The grand hall leading to the restricted section of the royal library was dimly lit by torch sconces flickering against ancient stone walls. The air was heavy with the scent of aged parchment and secrecy. Three heavily armed guards stood at their posts, their sharp eyes scanning the corridor with practiced vigilance.

Sofia, gripping Mai's wrist tightly, whispered, "Stay close. When I signal, slip past them and head toward the farthest shelf on the left. The book we need is bound in deep emerald leather with a golden insignia of a phoenix. That book holds the truth."

Mai nodded, her heart pounding like a war drum.

Sofia inhaled sharply before stepping forward, her posture shifting from cautious to distressed. With an exaggerated gasp, she stumbled into the open, her voice shrill with panic.

"Help! Oh, please, you must help me!" she cried, clutching her stomach as if in pain.

The guards snapped to attention, weapons partially unsheathed. The tallest one, his grizzled face stern, narrowed his eyes. "What's the problem, girl?"

Sofia staggered toward them, doubling over with dramatic urgency. "I was carrying a tray of wine for the King's feast when I saw—oh, it was horrible! A man, dressed in black, lurking near the royal archives. I swear upon the heavens, he had a dagger!"

The guards exchanged wary glances. The second guard, younger and visibly on edge, gripped his sword. "A trespasser?"

"Yes! He fled towards the eastern hall!" Sofia insisted, panting heavily. "If you hurry, you might still catch him."

The urgency in her tone worked. The guards cursed under their breath. The leader barked, "You two, go check it out. I'll stay here and keep watch."

As the two younger guards hurried off, Sofia stumbled again, grabbing onto the leader's arm for support. "Oh, please, I feel faint! What if he comes back? You wouldn't leave a poor girl alone in the hallway, would you?"

The remaining guard frowned, clearly irritated, but as he turned his attention to her, Mai slipped into the shadows and darted through the open archway of the restricted library section.

Mai pressed the book against her back as she made her way through the dimly lit corridor. She moved swiftly, her breath shallow, every shadow feeling like an enemy. Just as she reached the staircase leading to her chambers, a voice cut through the silence.

"What are you hiding?"

She froze.

Prince Lilian stood a few feet away, arms crossed, his piercing blue eyes narrowing as he stepped closer. His gaze flickered to the awkward way she held herself.

"I asked you a question," he said, his tone edged with suspicion.

Mai swallowed hard. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Lilian took another step forward, blocking her path. "Turn around." Her pulse quickened. Just as she hesitated, Sofia's voice rang out from the other end of the hall.

"Your Highness!" Sofia called cheerfully, strolling toward them. "I was just wondering—would you like your tea with honey tonight?"

Lilian shot her an incredulous look. "Have I ever taken tea brewed with honey?"

Sofia gasped dramatically. "Oh dear, I must have mistaken you for someone else."

As Lilian momentarily turned his attention to Sofia, Mai seized the moment and swiftly tossed the book near a flower vase.

Lilian, catching the movement, turned back to her. "Lift your hands."

Mai smirked and raised her hands, palms empty.

The prince frowned, clearly expecting to see something. His confusion deepened. "Why were you lurking around?"

Mai tilted her head. "Why were you?"

Lilian scowled but said nothing. He turned and walked away, suspicion still lingering in his gaze.

King Eric stood by the window, staring out at the dark horizon. When Mai entered, he didn't turn.

"Do you know why you're here?" he asked, his voice cold.

Mai kept her expression neutral. "No, Your Majesty."

The King turned, eyes sharp. "You refused my summons before. You sneak into places where you do not belong. Tell me, Mai, do you think yourself above my authority?"

Mai held her ground. "I think truth is above all authority."

King Eric's gaze turned icy. He stepped forward, tilting her chin up with a single finger. "Truth," he mused, "is shaped by the hands that hold the crown."

Mai clenched her fists. "Then perhaps the wrong hands are holding it."

His grip tightened slightly before he released her, chuckling darkly. "You are bold. But boldness alone will not save you."

He leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I know who you are."

Mai's breath caught for a fraction of a second, but she quickly composed herself. With a small, polite smile, she said, "I know too. I'm Prince Lilian's tutor."

The King's lips curled slightly. "Is that so?"

"If that is all, Your Majesty, may I take my leave?"

King Eric studied her for a long moment before giving a small nod.

Mai turned and walked out, closing the door behind her. As soon as she was alone, she clutched her chest tightly. He knows who I am, she thought. But who am I? That was a question even she didn't know the answer to.

Mai entered her room setting the book down between them. Sofia's eyes widened as she traced the golden insignia.

The conspiracy over the throne was laid bare in elegantly inked script:

"This book…" Sofia whispered. "It's real."

Mai flipped it open to the passage about the conspiracy:

_"The true heir of the fallen kingdom was not slain, but hidden. The usurper king, fearing the prophecy, ordered the massacre of the royal bloodline. Yet, a single ember of destiny flickered in the darkness—a child, spirited away, her existence known only to those sworn to secrecy. Should she awaken to her birthright, the throne shall tremble, and the false king shall fall."_

Mai's hands trembled. Could this be about her?

Her eyes flicked to the next passage, detailing the prophecy:

"When the moon weeps and the crimson star ascends, the princess of the fallen kingdom shall return. Her heart, untainted by greed, shall bear the weight of the lost crown. Through fire and storm, her power shall rise, binding fate and justice as one. Yet, should she waver, darkness shall consume all."

Mai's chest tightened. Before she could process more, her gaze dropped to the page number.

Her blood ran cold.

The next page was missing. Torn out.

Sofia looked at her, voice firm. "It's you, Mai. You are the one in the prophecy."

Mai shook her head. "Maybe it's talking about someone else. Not me."

Mai refused to believe it. "It could be anyone. We don't know for sure."

But deep down, doubt crept into her mind.

King Eric sat in his study when Sofia entered. His gaze darkened as he regarded her.

"You have been close to her," he said. "Guiding her."

Sofia kept her expression blank. "She is merely a girl trying to find her place."

The King leaned forward. "Do not take me for a fool. If I find you aiding her, I will ensure you regret it."

Sofia bowed. "I serve the crown, my King."

But in her heart, she knew she served someone else—the rightful heir