The Thespian King

Prologue

"I am the girl with no last name. I trained directly under Symph: the most powerful healer known to Eclipseia. I was given the most difficult duty in the world: to save the lowest of the low. I have brought back damned souls from eternal death, and death has kissed me more than once, but I live to tell the tale. A frail, sickly prince is no match for me. Tell me, Your Highness, what do you have in mind when you plan to execute your kingdom's most valuable resource?"

The king was deftly still and silent. Not even his advisers or his wife had to audacity to speak up. Lyd stood up straight and defiantly, her eyes piercing into the king's. Kaiser was nearly shaking with fear of what his father would do to her, but he held a proud gleam in his eye. That was his firecracker girl, speaking for those who had no voices. There was no way his father could refuse. Even though she had taken a jab at his pride, Kaiser was ever impressed with the way Lyd carried her words. She spoke like she had prepared this speech for ten thousand years.

"Go back to the Hellands," the king spoke after what seemed like an eternity.

"But Father-"

"You should be immensely grateful that your head isn't in a basket as we speak," the king cut off his son. "I somewhat admire your nerve to plead with me so boldly, but you must learn when to hold your tongue. This banishment shall prevent you from ever stepping foot past the Hellands again, for as long as you shall live."

"No!", Kaiser screamed as the high guards lunged at Lyd to take her hostage again. He was so emotional that he was almost throwing himself from his podium. "She saved my life, Father! Don't you think she has served enough punishment in the Hellands over all these years?"

The prince wasn't wrong: surviving the Hellands had always been a challenge to Lyd and always would be, but it was a challenge she rather enjoyed. The king didn't have to know that, though. Prince Kaiser just had to convince him to let her stay.

"She may have saved lives, but she has caused death in her wake," the king said sternly. Kaiser still fought back fiercely as ever, fire glowing behind his eyes.

"You're always teaching me about the greater good for this kingdom, so haven't you considered that's what she's doing?"

"I can't have a murderer and near traitor in my castle!"

"Then take a look at all your high guards, all your servants, and even yourself. At one point, this kingdom suffered because of you! All those people you banished to the Hellands died, and for what reason? Not enough resources? Instead of fixing the root problem, you created bloodshed. The only explanation for any of those refugees surviving is Lydia finding and curing them. She undid some of your wrongdoing," Kaiser cried out passionately. Lyd had never seen him speak so effortlessly and knowledgeably about a topic, and it intrigued her. How long had Kaiser been thinking about this issue? Had he always thought of the king as ruthless?

"It is not your place to be deciding what is wrong and what is right! You are not King!", his father roared, his face red with fury.

"When I am, I will have to bring this nation back from ruin if you continue this way." The emotion in Kaiser's voice had disappeared, and was replaced only with condemnation.

"You will be lucky to have a kingdom left to lead after this stunt you've pulled. You can join the girl in her banishment," the king scolded, and that was the end of it. The queen wailed and disagreed and said he was too harsh, but King Julip had made a decision. His one and only son would have to pay the price for his careless words.