The Moon Festival was a week away and the palace was getting ready for the most anticipated Valorian festivals of the year.

King Dominic was undergoing his regular medical checkup with his trusted apothecary. Lilith sat beside him, feeding him porridge.

After his observation, the apothecary smiled and said, " Your Majesty, the treatment is showing positive results. You will be able to recover fully in a month. However, I suggest you rest another two weeks and then slowly but steadily start walking."

King Dominic smiled gratefully at the apothecary. Lilith sighed in relief. She kissed his forehead. Her father placed his warm, wrinkled palm on hers, his thumb gently stroking her pale knuckles.

The apothecary beckoned Lilith to follow him outside the King's chamber. 

"Your Highness, His Majesty is out of danger as of now. But you need to make sure he doesn't strain himself physically or emotionally. His heart is too weak to endure it. He might not remember some events from the past, because the poison has destroyed most of his memory. His memory is gradually fading... stay strong, Princess." Saying so, he curtsied, took his cloth bag full of herbs and medicines, slung it over his shoulders, and left.

Lilith watched him go and remained standing outside the room, reminiscing her favourite memories with her Dad. She shed a few tears, wiped them off, and walked back inside.

Upon hearing her footsteps, King Dominic turned to face her. He noticed her red eyes and asked, "Lily, what did he say?"

"Nothing Papa. Said you'll be as healthy as a horse in no time."

She adjusted the blanket and pulled it towards his chest. She held his palm, noticing how feebly he was grasping hers. He seemed so weak and pale. She took his hands close to her cheek and felt its warmth.

"You'll be fine in no time. I promise," she whispered.

*    *    *

"Can you ask your Dad if he has written a will?" Dylan asked.

They were seated in the Royal Library. Lilith came here solely to read some mystery and adventure novels. She wasn't a bookworm. She preferred the outside world, rather than being cooped up by books all day. However, some books have the power to transform us into a different place or a different era. As Lilith was an adventurous soul, she immensely enjoyed these kinds of books.

"The apothecary insisted that Dad shouldn't be mentally or physically strained. And who knows? He may have forgotten if he has written a will or not," Lilith replied.

Just then, her handmaid knocked on the door, interrupting their conversation.

"What is it, Lucy?" Lilith asked.

"Princess, His Majesty wishes to speak to you." 

Lilith got up and followed Lucy.

She gently pushed the door open, thinking he might be asleep as he looked quite tired. But he was forcing himself to stay awake. He gently patted at the space in the bed right next to where he lay. She sat down beside him.

"Lily, I may not have long to live-"

"Papa! Please don't say that! Didn't the apothecary himself say that you'll recover soon enough?"

"No dear, I know my life is nearing its end. But before I go, I'd like to tell you a few things I learnt ruling Valoria," He paused to clear his throat and sit upright.

He then continued, "Courage is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it."

Lilith nodded.

"Believe in what makes you happy and let it guide you. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your inner voice. A life spent making mistakes is better than a life spent doing nothing."

King Dominic took a deep breath to gather his thoughts. "Leading a nation and being there for your subjects is not an easy feat. It is tough with its own share of trials and tribulations. But ultimately, it's worth it. Worth knowing that a kingdom sleeps peacefully trusting their leader to take good care of them. Never falter that belief."

"Papa-"

"When I die, I want to see my kingdom in capable hands. There is no one I'd rather choose to lead Valoria but you, Lilith. I will rest happily, knowing my Lily will lead this nation to glory. And yes, before you ask, I've written my will already, naming you, so there's no dirty politics involved."

Phew.

"O-Okay Papa," she nodded.

''You don't have to worry about it. It is under the custody of my faithful Crown Shield," he said, smiling.

Dammit. Faithful indeed, Papa.

As if on cue, the Crown Shield entered the chamber and bowed respectfully. Lilith frowned at him.

"If I may," he said, "I'd like to have a word with you, Princess."

"Take your time," said King Dominic, before drifting off to sleep.

***

Lilith followed him all the way to the...
"Larder? Why have you brought me here? What did you want to tell me?" she asked him, peering around suspiciously.

"I believe there are some things we need to discuss," he replied with a smug smile.

Something glimmered in his eyes.

Something close to malevolence.

Author's note

Why did the Crown Shield bring Lilith to the larder? Is she in danger? What do you think will happen next?

Thanks for reading this far! Please don't forget to drop your theories, I absolutely love reading them.

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