The Weight Of Expectations

The Weight of Expectations

The air in the grand royal chamber was thick with tension as King Eric sat upon his gilded throne, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the armrest. Prince Lilian stood before him, his expression blank, though there was a flicker of irritation in his eyes. 

"Prince Lilian," the King began, his tone sharp. "I have been observing the girl—Mai. She lingers idly around the palace, lost in thought, achieving nothing. Her purpose here is clear: to train you, yet she has done nothing of the sort. Have you learned even a shred of discipline from her?" 

Prince Lilian smirked, crossing his arms. "What exactly do you expect, Father? That a mere commoner would mold me into the perfect prince overnight?" His voice dripped with sarcasm. 

King Eric's patience wore thin. "It is not about overnight transformations, but about commitment! You tolerate her presence, but you make no effort to learn. And as for Mai, she is growing too comfortable, as though she belongs here. If she will not do her duty, I will ensure she has no place in this palace." 

Before the Prince could respond, a soft knock echoed through the chamber. The doors creaked open, revealing Mai, standing hesitantly at the entrance. Her face was pale, her steps slow—clearly lost in thought. 

"You called for me, Your Majesty?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. 

The King studied her carefully before speaking. "You are here to train the Prince, yet I hear nothing but complaints of your distractions. Three days from now, your personal training with Her Grace will begin. Your duties are increasing, and you will rise to meet them." 

Mai clenched her fists, feeling the weight of his words settle upon her shoulders. Another duty, another burden—one she never asked for. She had been pulled into a world she did not understand, given responsibilities she did not want, and now, she was expected to bow and accept them all. 

She took a deep breath, steadying herself. "Your Majesty, do you ever stop to consider what I want? I never asked to be here! I never asked for any of this!" 

The King's expression darkened. "This is not about what you want, girl. This is about duty. You are bound by it, just as we all are." 

Mai's frustration boiled over. "Then maybe I do not wish to be bound! I am not some tool you can wield at will, Your Majesty." Her voice rose, raw with emotion. "You demand that I train the prince, that I prepare for whatever lies ahead, yet you tell me nothing of the truth I seek! You burden me with expectations but offer no guidance!"

With that, she turned abruptly and stormed out of the chamber, leaving both the King and Prince Lilian momentarily stunned. 

The King, his pride wounded, signaled to the guard beside him. "Bring her back." 

The guard hesitated only for a moment before hurrying after her. 

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Mai walked briskly down the corridors, her heart pounding. Anger swirled within her, but beneath it was something else—confusion, fear. Was this really her fate? To be controlled, ordered around, expected to play a role she had no say in? 

Just as she neared her chambers, a warm breeze brushed against her cheeks. It was soothing, almost familiar. Then, a whisper—gentle, yet firm. 

"Accept the King's proposal."

Mai froze. Her breath hitched. She knew that voice. The Queen—the woman from her visions. 

Her pulse raced. "Who are you?" she whispered, turning wildly, but there was no one there. 

The voice did not return. The breeze faded. 

Mai's frustration erupted. "Tell me who you are! What does the prophecy mean? What is the truth?" 

Her voice grew louder, her emotions spiraling. "Why me? Why was I chosen? I never wanted this!" 

Her anger blinded her to the world around her. She did not realize that she was no longer alone. 

From a distance, the King's guard had stopped in his tracks, watching the scene unfold. His eyes widened in disbelief as he saw Lady Mai talking—to no one. Then, she began yelling at the air, her voice echoing down the corridors. 

The guard swallowed nervously. 

"The King wants a madwoman to train the Prince?" he muttered under his breath. 

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