Three more years flashed by and Zosia had grown more beautiful despite the vine- like marks on her face that refused to disappear.
Without seeing her face, only her body shape, one would appreciate her beauty.
She has grown accustod to wearing a veil that many who don't know about the rumor, calls her an elusive beauty.
Walking down the Palace hallways to the study room, she t her half-brother running with his attendants chasing behind him.
They had t a few tis in the past three years and Zosia had grown used to it. Sotis they talked.
She knew it wasn't the child's fault that he was born and since his mother is the one training him, it would be strange if he didn't have his ntality twisted.
"Sister! Are you going for your lessons?" Kamal who was running ca to a stop and the breathless attendants behind him, finally breath a sigh of relief.
"Yes, I am and you should too. Else, you may not be able to see the Emperor or hear him praise you." Zosia chided.
"I understand sister, then..." He paused, his eyes brimming with tears, "Will you follow to see mother?" Kamal asked
Zosia's eyes flashed with an unknown glint for a mont, if she hadn't taken her ti to educate the young one everyti, he probably would have gone astray with many things she has seen him do. Plus, she didn't understand his insistence of wanting her to et the Empress.
Could there be sothing more?
She had decided not to imdiately jump into conclusions after that day she t Nora and had even taken her ti to educate her half-brother.
"Fine."
Another voice answered on her behalf. Turning towards the sound of the voice, she noticed that it was the Emperor.
"Greetings to the Great Sun, the Emperor." Zosia courtesied.
Kamal hearing the voice he always dreamt of so close to him, he turned to look at the person who had spoken, shock evident in his reaction as he almost stumbled.
His eyes widened with admiration and a touch of nervousness as he quickly bowed.
"Father," he said softly, the word filled with reverence.
The Emperor, a tall and imposing figure with an aura of authority, looked down at his son with a mixture of sternness and estrangent. "Kamal, you must not let your studies fall behind. Since, you want your sister to see your mother with you, she would go. Only if you do well to study."
Kamal nodded vigorously. "Yes, Father. I will do better."
The Emperor's gaze shifted to Zosia, his expression unreadable. "Zosia, walk with ," he commanded. It was not a request, but an order.
Zosia inclined her head in acquiescence and fell into step beside him, her veil fluttering slightly with each movent.
As they walked through the grand corridors of the palace, the silence between them was heavy. The Emperor finally spoke, his voice low and contemplative. "You have done well with Kamal. He respects you, listens to you. That is no small feat."
Zosia kept her gaze forward, her thoughts different. "He is a bright child and if he isn't led astray, he could be a good ally." Zosia said her thoughts. "He simply needs guidance."
The Emperor nodded, "It's good you are observant. So what would you do if you were the one?" The Emperor asked, his steps coming to a halt as he turned to look at Zosia.
Zosia kept mute not answering the question. So things asked by the Emperor could be a test and could be a double-edged sword just like his praises.
Aaron seeing that Zosia wasn't answering or did she plan to, he wasn't bothered. Even though Zosia could be playful at tis with him, she knew her boundaries so well, that sotis it puzzles him.
He had once asked her why and her reply left him astounded.
"Without boundaries, you can't define a relationship or even know what you want, easily leading you to covet or ask for things that are not yours. One could also easily loose their heads."
He even asked her for an example, which she gave. It was an example between a master and a servant.
"If a servant feels that since he/she is close to his master and becos more loose with the mouth and ear. He/she could say what he is not ant to say or hear what shouldn't be heard."
He began to ponder on the intelligence of the child. He found it surprising how she actually stuck to her own principles.
Never has she ever greeted him as Father like how Kamal did, always with the standard greeting and posture. He couldn't find fault in any of them and could only swallow his displeasure.
"Speak your mind, you wouldn't be held accountable for it." He urged her to say what was on her mind.
"Nothing, I actually just hope he grows into a better person than what his mother is." Zosia shrugged her shoulders as she replied.
"You would be having your last class with Elric today." The Emperor changed the topic.
Zosia nodded. So far her classes with him have been fruitful and she was even given access to the Imperial library.
"Indeed, I have learned much from him," Zosia responded. "He is a knowledgeable teacher."
"Good," the Emperor said, resuming their walk. "You are of age now, Zosia. There are matters we must discuss soon regarding your future."
Zosia felt a chill run down her spine. She knew this conversation was inevitable, but the reality of it still felt daunting. "I understand, Your Majesty."
"After today, Pack so of your things, you would be going to the Army." He said and turned to her. "An important part of power is Military power. I am sure you understand the depth and how useful it is."
Zosia nodded her head in response.
"Good, so get ready."
They reached the doors of the study room, where her lessons with Elric were held. The Emperor paused before opening the door, looking down at her with an inscrutable expression. "Do not underestimate your own importance in this palace, Zosia. Your role, though veiled, is crucial."
Before she could respond, he pushed open the door and gestured for her to enter. Elric was already inside, a stack of ancient scrolls and books laid out before him.
"Greetings Teacher." Zosia greeted.
"Ah, Zosia," he greeted warmly. "Please, take a seat. We have much to cover today."
As she settled into her chair, the Emperor left, closing the door behind him. Elric observed her closely, his sharp eyes missing nothing. "You look troubled."
Zosia shook her head. "Just thinking about the future, Master Elric."
"Ah, the future," Elric mused, stroking his long beard. "A concept both exciting and terrifying. But today, let us focus on the present. We have the final stages of your education to complete."
He handed her a scroll, the parchnt yellowed with age and covered in elegant script. "This is a treatise on the art of statecraft. It was written by one of our greatest philosophers. Study it well, for you will need its wisdom in the years to co."
Zosia unrolled the scroll and began to read, her mind absorbing the intricate details of governance, diplomacy, and strategy. Elric's voice guided her through the complex ideas, his explanations clear and insightful.
Hours passed, the sun shifting in the sky outside the study room window. When they finally finished, Zosia felt a sense of accomplishnt, but also a weight of responsibility. The knowledge she had gained was powerful, but it also ca with the expectation that she would use it wisely.
Elric leaned back in his chair, regarding her with a satisfied smile. "You have done well, Zosia. I have no doubt that you will make a significant impact in this palace, and beyond."
"Thank you, Master Elric," she replied, her voice steady. "I hope to live up to your expectations."
As she gathered her things to leave, Elric's expression turned serious. "Be cautious, Zosia. Knowledge and power can attract both allies and enemies. Trust your instincts, and rember that not all battles are fought with swords."
She nodded, understanding the weight of his words. "I will, Master Elric."
Leaving the study room, Zosia's thoughts were a whirlwind.
Elric watched as Zosia left and also packed his things, intending to go et the Emperor.
As Zosia walked back through the palace halls, the evening light casting long shadows, she felt a renewed sense of determination. The vine-like marks on her face might set her apart, but they did not define her. Her strength, intelligence, and resilience were what truly mattered. So she could only depend on herself.
Reaching her quarters, she paused to look out at the sprawling gardens below. Their beauty under the evening sky looked beautiful.
Rembering what the Emperor had told her before she started her lessons, she gently touched her hair.
"Seems like you would be going under the knife again." She muttered.
Zosia suddenly rembered that in ancient tis, the hair is regarded as sacred, aning, she couldn't cut it even if she wanted to.
"I haven't even rested and yet I am on another journey. The Life of a Heir." She thought inwardly.
Zosia was about to step inside when she noticed Kamal sitting by the side of the garden.
Zosia sighed and walked up to him. "Prince Kamal." She called out, bringing the young child out of his daydream.
"Sister!" He called out joyfully which turned into a frown, "Sister I told you to address informally or don't you.... like ?" He asked, his voice breaking towards the end.
Zosia bent down to face him. "In life, there are boundaries used to define things including relationships and your decisions. If you don't have one, you can make terrible mistakes."
Kamal nodded his head, he felt like he grasped sothing, yet it remained elusive to him but it didn't stop him from etching those words to his mory.
"I understand sister, but it still shouldn't stop you from addressing right." He complained.
Zosia smiled and ruffled his hair. "Alright." She agreed, "Let's go little brother."
Kamal smiled, his milk teeth coming to view. He led the way to the Empress courtyard, skipping joyfully in his steps.
They talked on their way, their conversation quite pleasant.
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Hi guys... How are you all?
School has begun and I thought I could use this week to stockpile, unfortunately, lectures began imdiately.
I am really sorry that I would not be able to keep up to expectations but I would try my best.
Please keep supporting and I plead for your support during my absence.
Thank you all and have a nice and enjoyable day.
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