LITTLE LILY'S SHORT LOOK BACK,
"Grandpa," little Lily called out softly in her childlike voice, her tone heavy with sadness that was all too evident. King Riette's eyes met hers, filled with concern, as he assumed she'd come to him because Lina's hospitalization had upset her. He wrapped his gentle voice around her worries, trying to reassure her, "Don't worry, Grandpa's here. Nothing will happen to Lina. She'll be alright." His warm breath carried the words, and his hands instinctively reached out to offer comfort.
Little Lily shook her head, and tears welled up in her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. She'd come to talk to her grandfather, not to plead with tears. Her grandfather had once told her that tears couldn't accomplish everything she wanted, and that sometimes it was better to speak up and ask for what she needed.
"No, Grandpa, it's not about Lina being in the hospital. She's the reason for me to come to you," Lily said, her voice steady. "She's unhappy for not being with my parents. Why won't you let my parents be with her? If they were, she would be happy and wouldn't have to cry so much or end up in the hospital." Her words tumbled out in a rush, filled with a determination that belied her tender years.
King Riette gazed down at the little girl standing before him, her eyes sparkling with a pure, untainted light. She bore a striking resemblance to her father, more so than her mother. His expression softened as he reached out to gently pat her head, his palm warm against her hair. But then his tone shifted, becoming more serious. "Did you forget, Lily, that talking about your parents is an offense?" His eyes searched hers, his gaze piercing as he waited for her response.
Little Lily's gaze held steady, her eyes locked onto her grandfather's as she collected her thoughts. After a moment, she replied, her voice clear and determined, "No, Grandpa. It's not about defying the rules. I'm not talking about them to anyone outside the family. I'm talking to you, and it's necessary because... they might be the solution, Grandpa." Her words were laced with a quiet conviction, her small hands clasped together in front of her.
Grandpa Riette's response was swift, his voice firm but measured. "And your solution is unacceptable, Lily. It's their punishment for choosing the wrong path. They have to face the consequences." His eyes bore into hers, his gaze intense. "Remember this in your life, You have to be responsible for your actions. When your decisions lead to unfavorable situations, instead of regretting them, be brave enough to face the consequences or try to change the situation to your favor." His words hung in the air, heavy with expectation.
"They're facing the consequences now," he continued, his tone unwavering. "Understand?" The room fell silent, the only sound was the soft ticking of the old wooden clock on the mantle.
Little Lily nodded her head thoughtfully, her little ponytail bobbing slightly with the movement. "I understand, Grandpa. I'm responsible for the results and consequences of my actions."
Her voice was steady as she continued, "But Grandpa, Lina didn't do anything wrong. She'll be happy when she's with Mommy and Daddy. They're good people, and they took care of us well, they always told me to do good things and be kind. They're happy to be with us, but sometimes i saw them felt sad for being away from us." as she spoke, her small chest rising and falling with each breath. Her eyes had begun to well up with tears. She stubbornly blinked them away, refusing to let them fall. She had come to talk, not to cry. She lowered her head for a moment, collecting herself, when she looked up again, her gaze was steady, with a sincere tone, she said, "Their punishment is like a wall between them and us. It makes all of us sad again and again for being faraway to eachother. I want them to be happy, Grandpa. But I don't know what to do to make Lina and Mommy and Daddy happy together." She looked up at her grandfather with a puzzled expression, "What should I do, Grandpa?"
A faint smile crept onto King Riette's face as he gazed at his granddaughter, impressed by her sensibility. At just 10 years old, she was already showing remarkable maturity. He leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together as he considered her. "Hmm, your parents did wrong, and I gave them a chance to correct their mistakes," he said, his voice measured. "But they were too caught up in their own desires to take it seriously, and now they're facing the consequences."
His eyes locked onto hers, his gaze piercing. "Not only are they suffering, but you and Lina, who didn't do anything wrong, are also being affected. But I'll give you a chance, considering your situation and Lina's. However, it won't be easy. It will take you many years to succeed." He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "So, are you ready to take this chance? Or are you willing to let your parents be banished from the kingdom forever?" The room fell silent, the only sound the soft ticking of the clock on the mantle, as he waited for her response.
As King Riette's words hung in the air, a surge of joy coursed through Little Lily's chest, and a smile tugged at her lips. "I'm ready, Grandpa," she said, her voice filled with determination. "If one day I can bring my parents back to our kingdom to stay with Lina forever, then I'll take this chance."
King Riette's eyebrow shot up, and he regarded her sternly, his expression a mixture of surprise and disapproval. "Don't jump into the pit before you know what you're agreeing to, child," he reprimanded, his voice firm but controlled. "Did you forget what I just said a few minutes ago? You're responsible for your actions. Here you are, agreeing without even knowing the details."
Little Lily playfully stuck out her tongue before responding, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I don't mind whatever consequences I'll have to face if it brings my family together, staying with all of us. So, I'm happily agreeing, and I'll be responsible for my actions and results. Now, tell me what I have to do, Grandpa."
King Riette's smirk hinted at amusement as he leaned forward, his eyes sparkling with challenge. "Your eldest cousin, Zerus, has been undergoing the Royal Assessment Heir/Heiress Training for the past year. So, are you ready to train for the Assessment?"
Little Lily's eyes widened in astonishment, her face a picture of confusion. "But why should I have to undergo that assessment training, Grandpa?" she asked, her voice laced with uncertainty. "Uncle Callum said it's an assessment only for training the next in line for the throne, for the future ruler." She tilted her head, her brow furrowed in puzzlement, as she waited for her grandfather's explanation.
King Riette sighed, his expression serious as he leaned backwards in his chair to explain. "Your cousin and you have different purposes for training, Lily. I said I'd give you a chance, and that's exactly what I mean. You'll have to train as if you're next in line for the throne." His eyes locked onto hers, his gaze intense. "If one day you can surpass my abilities, power, and prove yourself capable of taking care of the kingdom and protecting the people, then you'll succeed in the chance I gave you."
He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "And when that day comes, I'll allow your parents to return to the kingdom, and we'll announce to the entire kingdom that they're alive." His voice was low and measured, his words dripping with promise. "What do you say, Lily? Do you agree?" The air was thick with anticipation as he waited for her response.
Little Lily shook her head, her face set in a serious expression. King Riette's eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of sadness flickering across his face as he anticipated her response.
"Grandpa, I don't understand," Lily said, her voice firm but laced with concern. "My cousin is the one who needs to learn all this. If I have to learn everything and beat you in everything, that means it's equal to letting me fight with Brother Zerus for your place." Her eyes widened in distress as she grasped the implications. "No, Grandpa, if I do that, Aunt Diana, Uncle Callum, and everyone in the family will be hurt seeing me compete with Brother Zerus for something he deserves."
Her voice took on a pleading tone as she continued, "They're all our family, Grandpa. They're taking care of me and Lina. Why are you suggesting something that would hurt them? I don't want a deal that hurts another family member. You're being unfair, Grandpa." Her words hung in the air, a mix of confusion, concern, and disappointment etched on her face as she awaited his response.
King Riette listened intently to Little Lily's words, his expression shifting from stern to bewildered. He was taken aback by her thought process and her ability to think several steps ahead. Internally, he couldn't help but think that she would become a formidable force one day, perhaps even a little devil, given her sharp intellect and strong sense of justice. He mentally prepared himself for the tough years ahead, knowing that her growth and development would require careful navigation.
Just as he was lost in thought, Little Lily's soft voice pierced the air, "Grandpa~" The gentle call snapped him out of his reverie, and he focused his attention back on his granddaughter, he chuckled, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Don't worry, you don't need to fight with your cousin," he reassured her. "I asked you to beat me in everything, but that doesn't mean I'll let you rule this kingdom. This kingdom is mine, and your cousin will inherit it after me. Your task is to create your own empire, to prove your own abilities and to become more powerful than me."
He leaned forward, his eyes sparkling with encouragement. "I'll help you train in everything, but it's up to you to excel and make the most of it. After learning everything, I want you to build a great powerful empire using your abilities." Despite his explanation, Little Lily's face still wore a frown, her brow furrowed in confusion.
King Riette gently reached out and smoothed the crease between her eyebrows, his touch soothing. "It's okay not to understand everything right now," he said reassuringly. "When the time comes, you'll understand how to build your own empire. I can assure you, your main concern, fighting with your cousin is not an issue. If he will succeedin Royal Heir Assessment, he'll rule this kingdom after me when his time comes. So, remember, you're fighting for this chance to bring your parents back." His words were gentle, but firm, as he guided her towards understanding the true nature of their agreement.
Little Lily nodded her head, a determined look on her face. "Hmm, then I'll agree, Grandpa. I'll train, I'll learn, and build my own empire, and successfully bring my parents back to our kingdom again~"
But then her expression faltered, and she paused, a realization dawning on her. "Grandpa, if I build my own empire, I'll have to be there to take care of everything. How will I be with Mommy and Daddy, with Lina, and with all of you here?" Her voice was laced with concern, her eyes searching for reassurance.
King Riette laughed a loud, his eyes crinkling at the corners. He reached out and gently squeezed her cheeks, his touch playful. "Don't worry little girl, we'll work together and find a better solution when the time comes," he said, his voice soothing. His words were a promise, a reassurance that they would face the challenges ahead together, as a family.