Unveiling The Past

Unveiling the Past

Mai took a deep breath, steadying herself as she observed Prince Lilian lounging carelessly in his seat. His arms were crossed, his expression filled with disinterest. She had barely gotten through the previous lesson on humility, and now she was about to introduce another one—this time, a history lesson. 

This was not just any history lesson. It was a carefully planned attempt to uncover the truth behind the throne.

Mai cleared her throat, gathering her notes. "Today's lesson will be on the history of Kingdom Veries and its rulers." 

Lilian scoffed. "History? I thought you were here to teach me character and behavior, not bore me with the past." 

"This is part of it," Mai replied calmly. "A prince must know the foundation upon which his kingdom was built. Understanding the past helps shape the future." 

Lilian narrowed his eyes at her, clearly suspicious, but he said nothing. 

Mai gestured to the desk before him, where she had placed a long sheet of parchment, an ink bottle, and a quill. "Write down the names of the ancient rulers of Veries and their bloodline by time of reign." 

Lilian leaned back in his chair. "And how will this help me become a better leader with good character?" 

"It will help you understand your legacy," Mai said smoothly, concealing her true intentions. "A great leader must know his ancestors—their strengths, their weaknesses, and the lessons they left behind." 

Lilian exhaled sharply, clearly uninterested. "You think listing a bunch of dead kings will change anything?" 

"Do you even know them?" Mai asked, raising an eyebrow. 

Lilian frowned, his pride wounded. "Of course I do." 

"Then write them down," she challenged. 

A tense silence filled the room. Lilian stared at her for a moment before grudgingly picking up the quill. He dipped it into the ink and began to write. 

Mai watched him carefully, memorizing the names as he wrote. The list began with King Edmund the First, followed by King Aldric, then King Theodore, and so on. Each ruler was connected by blood—fathers, sons, and brothers passing the crown through the generations. 

But then, as the list neared the present day, Mai's heart pounded. Something was terribly wrong. 

King Eric's name appeared out of nowhere.

There was no lineage tying him to the rulers before him. No father, no grandfather, no noble ancestor linking him to the throne. 

Mai's fingers curled against her dress as realization hit her. King Eric had no rightful claim to the throne. 

He was never meant to be King.

She kept her face neutral, but inside, a storm raged. How did he become king if he had no bloodline connection? Did he seize power? Was there a coup? Did he murder the rightful heirs? 

Mai needed more information. She forced a casual smile and leaned closer. "I notice there's a gap in the lineage. King Eric isn't connected to the previous rulers. How did he ascend the throne?" 

Lilian stiffened. His hand hovered over the parchment. "That's none of your concern." 

"But I'm your tutor," she pressed gently. "Shouldn't you know your own history?" 

His jaw tightened. "My father is the rightful king. That's all that matters." 

"Rightful, but not by blood?" Mai asked, her voice laced with careful curiosity. 

Lilian's eyes darkened. "Are you questioning my father's rule?" 

Mai met his gaze evenly. "I'm asking a simple question. If your father wasn't born into the royal bloodline, then how did he become king?" 

Lilian slammed his quill down. "Enough!" He stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the stone floor. "I won't sit here and listen to your nonsense!" 

Mai remained seated, calm but alert. She had struck a nerve. 

"You refuse to answer because you don't know, do you?" she said softly. 

Lilian glared at her. "I don't have to explain anything to you." 

"But don't you find it strange?" she continued. "A king should be proud of his lineage, yet you hesitate to speak of it. Is it because there's something to hide?" 

Lilian clenched his fists. His usual arrogance was now laced with frustration, and for the first time, Mai sensed something else—uncertainty.

He didn't know the truth either. 

A long silence stretched between them before Lilian finally spoke, his voice lower this time. "I was raised to obey my father, not question him." 

Mai tilted her head. "But don't you wonder? If you're meant to rule one day, shouldn't you understand how your family came to power?" 

Lilian looked away, his lips pressed into a thin line. 

Mai knew she had gone as far as she could for now. Pushing further would only make him defensive. 

She softened her tone. "We can continue this lesson another time. For today, just finish the list." 

Lilian hesitated before sitting back down. He picked up the quill again, but his strokes were slower, more thoughtful. 

Mai had planted the seed of doubt. 

And that was enough. 

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