Hearts and Swords

Tightrope

King William knew his daughters, or at least that's what he thought. He sat on his chair, taking a sip of his tea.

"Father, I need to go with the guards. The sun has set. Sofia could be in danger! Please, let me go," Natalia pleaded, her voice trembling.

Her hands shook with fear. She loved Sofia deeply.

After their mother died, Sofia had been her rock, the one person who comforted her when she cried, celebrated her victories, and helped her cope with the loss of their best friend to war two years ago. Now, she might be fighting off rebels or facing a hungry tiger in the South Forest, and here she was, trapped in her father's chamber.

"And what good will that do? Do you know the South Forest? Can you fight anything right now? No. You can't. Your hands are shaking. You'll just be a burden to General Kim," the King replied, his voice unbothered.

"Father, how can you be so calm? Do you know something? Did you hear news from the guards? Is she alright?" Natalia blurted out, desperation creeping into her voice.

Tiana scoffed. "Seriously, Lia? Do you think the king cares about us?" She laughed bitterly.

"He only cares about that golden-green throne. He cares more about his horses than us."

"Tiana..." Natalia started, but her words were cut short as a sword landed at the King's feet.

She stood abruptly, recognizing the weapon.

Sofia stood at the door, her face flushed with rage.

"You said it's my duty as a princess and the firstborn of House Williams to become a queen. But that's only true if I remain a princess. I don't want to be a queen, Father. So I'm giving up my title and my rights to the throne. I won't be a Williams by morning. I can leave right now if you want me to."

Sofia exhaled heavily, unpinning her cape and dropping it beside her sword.

"Have you lost your mind, sister? You need to calm down. You have no idea what you're saying right now. Come sit here, and I'll get you some water," Natalia urged, taking Sofia's trembling hand.

But her heart dropped to her stomach when she saw blood on Sofia's palm.

Horror gripped her as she noticed the blood smeared on her sister's neck and cheeks, her eyes red and wild.

Natalia's blood ran cold.

Her voice trembled as she whispered, "What happened, sister?"

Sofia scoffed.

"Oh, dear sister, don't be afraid. It's not my blood. This blood belongs to the people. Your people. Look what power has driven me to do! I made a mistake, and now someone is fighting for their life. If I become queen tomorrow, I'll make mistakes again-only this time, with real power. I'll bring war to Delonia. Do you remember Minji's death in battle two years ago? That will happen again if I accept the crown. If I take on this power, I won't know how to wield it."

Sofia's voice trembled with rage and fear as she spoke.

All this time, King William remained unbothered. He took a final sip of his tea, placing the cup on the table, and picked up Sofia's sword from the floor, rising with a knowing smile.

"I don't believe your last statement is true, my daughter. You know exactly how to wield your power. If I'm not mistaken, you just demonstrated that. Am I wrong?" he asked, a glint of challenge in his eyes.

Sofia froze, feeling like a rat trapped in a death trap, with no way out.

"My dear child, you've spent your life believing power is a curse. You thought it destroyed innocence, so you rejected it, viewing it as a burden. But tell me how you feel today. When everyone bows before your power? When you used it to save someone's life? When you use that to make up for your mistake? the power is not about war. It's not about fighting with others. It's not about the throne and the crown. When you have the power, you can protect the people you love, The people who you care about. You can save a life. The power itself never decided how it would be used. You are the one who does that."

King William took Sofia's hand and placed the sword in it. She didn't shout, didn't deny, and didn't throw the blade away; she stood there, motionless as stone.

"You were born first, by God's design. Our ancestors made the rules for a reason, and we are still believers." The King's calm voice sent a shiver down her spine.

"Guards!"

Two royal guards entered the chamber.

"Inform General Kim that the Queen's guest must be well taken care of. The royal medic will see to him until he can run like a horse. Once he's released, take him to the best guest room. Make sure he feels welcomed here. After all, he is our queen's first guest."

The guards bowed and left. The King turned to Sofia.

"Go get some rest. Tomorrow, guests will arrive for your birthday ceremony. You have to welcome them with a beautiful smile."

Sofia stepped back, then another step, until her shadow faded into the long corridor.

The King turned to his youngest daughter.

"And you, Tiana. I didn't reply earlier, but you were right. I care more about my horse. Do you know why? Because they're more useful than some people. They cause fewer problems. And when I command them to stop, they do." The King smiled, satisfied by the fire burning in Tiana's eyes.

"But I care about my daughters too. You've been grounded for so long, and I think it's time for you to be free. You'll attend Sofia's birthday ceremony."

Tiana's anger shifted to confusion.

"But, Father-" Natalia began, only for the King to cut her off.

"Visit the tailor's chamber. You can order any dress you want. No restrictions. Choose any jewelry you desire. It's been too long since all my daughters attended a royal ceremony."

Tiana's eyes widened. She knew there had to be a reason behind this sudden kindness, but she smiled brightly and bowed before leaving.

Natalia stood there, her mind racing with questions.

What did her father mean by the queen's guest? Why had Sofia suddenly become so obedient?

Whose blood had covered Sofia?

And why was Father letting Tiana attend such an important ceremony, especially after what she did today?

King William, noticing the confusion on Natalia's face, placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Your father knows what he's doing. I need you to trust me. Will you?"

Still confused, Natalia nodded.

"Every king and queen must walk through fire before they take the throne. Everyone has their own war to fight. I can't shield Sofia from hers, but I'll do everything in my power to make her battle easier. She must take the throne."