Echoes of the Forbidden Past
The grand hall of the palace felt suffocating as Mai left the throne room, her heart pounding in her chest. She had barely managed to escape the King's probing questions, but the burden of the woman's cryptic message weighed heavily on her mind. Prince Lilian had been watching her closely, his keen eyes filled with suspicion and something else—curiosity, perhaps? It unsettled her.
She hurried through the corridors, barely noticing the servants who whispered as she passed. Their gazes felt like needles against her skin. I must not let anyone suspect anything, she told herself. But how can I keep such a secret, especially from the King?
As she reached the quiet sanctuary of her chambers, she shut the door behind her and leaned against it, closing her eyes. The image of the mysterious woman in white haunted her. The way she spoke in riddles, the dire warning she had given—everything felt like a dream, yet it was all too real.
Mai exhaled and moved to the window, looking out at the palace gardens below. The moon hung high in the sky, casting a silver glow upon the land. A part of her wished she could run—escape the strange fate that seemed to be pulling her deeper into something far beyond her understanding.
But there was no escape.
A soft knock at her door startled her. Straightening her posture, she hesitated before answering. "Who is it?"
"It's me," came Lilian's voice. His tone was casual, but Mai could sense the underlying tension.
She bit her lip before slowly opening the door. Lilian stood there, arms crossed, his piercing gaze sweeping over her.
"You've been acting strange," he said, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation. "Even my father noticed. What happened back there?"
Mai hesitated. "Nothing."
Lilian scoffed. "You expect me to believe that? You froze in the middle of answering the King, like you'd seen a ghost. And then suddenly, you come back and give some half-hearted excuse?"
She turned away from him, clenching her fists. "I don't have to explain myself to you."
Lilian narrowed his eyes. "Actually, you do. You're my tutor, yet I know nothing about you. And now… now I have a feeling you're hiding something."
Mai stiffened. He was too perceptive. If she wasn't careful, he'd figure out the truth before she was ready. But the woman had told her to reveal everything to him when the time was right. Was this the right time?
No. It couldn't be.
She turned back to him, forcing a small smile. "You're overthinking. I was just… overwhelmed."
Lilian studied her carefully. "Overwhelmed?"
She nodded. "The King put me on the spot. I didn't know how to respond."
Lilian wasn't convinced. He took a step closer, his voice lowering. "You're lying."
Mai's breath hitched. "I am not."
A tense silence stretched between them. Then, to her surprise, Lilian sighed and took a step back. "Fine. Keep your secrets for now."
Relief flooded her, but it was short-lived as he added, "But don't think I won't find out the truth eventually."
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Mai standing there, her mind a whirlwind of fear and confusion.
---
The following days were uneventful—at least on the surface. The King did not summon Mai again, but she knew he was watching her. The noble ladies continued to mock her, though she barely paid them any mind. And Lilian… Lilian watched her more than ever, always lurking, always waiting for her to slip up.
Despite everything, Mai forced herself to focus on her lessons with him. She had a duty to fulfill, and she wouldn't let her confusion stop her.
One afternoon, as she and Lilian sat in the palace library, she placed a book in front of him. "Read this passage," she instructed.
Lilian arched a brow but complied, his voice smooth as he read aloud. "A true leader must first learn humility, for without it, power is a blade that cuts both ways."
Mai nodded. "What do you think it means?"
Lilian smirked. "That leaders shouldn't be weak."
She sighed. "No. It means that without humility, power leads to ruin."
Lilian leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the table. "So, you think I lack humility?"
Mai met his gaze. "Yes."
He laughed. "You're bold, I'll give you that."
She shrugged. "I was brought here to teach you. If I just agreed with everything you said, I'd be failing my duty."
Lilian's expression softened just a little. "You really take this seriously, don't you?"
She hesitated before nodding. "I have to."
For a moment, there was silence between them. Then Lilian said something that caught her off guard. "What are you so afraid of, Mai?"
She stiffened. "What?"
He studied her carefully. "I see it in your eyes. You act strong, but you're afraid of something."
Mai swallowed hard. "That's none of your concern."
Lilian tilted his head. "Maybe not. But I can't ignore it."
She stood abruptly, gathering her books. "We're done for today."
Lilian didn't stop her as she left, but she could feel his eyes on her back, full of curiosity and something deeper—something she wasn't ready to face.
---
That night, Mai found herself restless. Sleep refused to come, and the whispers of the woman in white echoed in her mind. Reveal everything to Lilian when the time is right.
She sat up in bed, hugging her knees. But when will that be?
A sudden gust of wind swept through her chamber, and Mai shivered. Then, as if pulled by an unseen force, she stood and walked to the window.
The moon was full, its glow illuminating the palace grounds. And there, standing in the courtyard, was a figure in white.
Mai's heart leapt. The woman… She didn't think—she just moved, slipping on her cloak and hurrying out into the night.
As she stepped into the courtyard, the woman turned to face her, her expression unreadable.
Mai's voice was barely a whisper. "Who are you?"
The woman smiled faintly. "The past and the future."
Mai frowned. "I don't understand."
"You will."
Mai took a step closer. "Why are you here?"
The woman's eyes held an otherworldly glow. "Because the time is near."
Mai's breath caught. "Near for what?"
The woman raised a hand, and suddenly, Mai felt a wave of warmth wash over her. The world blurred, and for a brief moment, she saw flashes of something—memories that weren't hers, a kingdom in flames, a crown falling to the ground, a boy with golden eyes standing amidst the chaos.
Then it was gone.
Mai gasped, stumbling back. "What was that?!"
The woman's voice was soft but firm. "The truth, hidden within you."
Mai opened her mouth to ask more, but before she could, the woman faded into the wind, leaving Mai standing alone in the courtyard, her heart racing.
Lilian's voice cut through the silence. "Mai?"
She spun to find him standing a few feet away, his brows furrowed. "What are you doing out here?"
Mai hesitated, her mind spinning with questions.
Should she tell him?
Or was it still too soon?