Once again, Lady Marlar grew concerned that her daughter spent too much time indoors. This left Sein with little opportunity to be noticed by a potential suitor. Unlike her husband, Lady Marlar lacked patience and could not leave the matter be.

Desiring to create an opportunity, Lady Marlar said one morning, “Sein, do you remember Lord Lwin? That good looking young lord we met last year?”

“Not really,” Sein answered flatly, inspecting her nails. 

She noted her mother brought up the subject of meeting new lords whenever her father was away.

Sensing a storm brewing, the three brothers quickly finished their breakfast. 

Thura, being the eldest, spoke up, “Pardon me, Mama. May we leave the table? We would like to start training early today.” 

“Ah…yes, that’s right. Good thinking, Thura. Best to fit in a decent run before it’s too hot,” Phyu backed his brother.

Once they’d received a nod from their mother, the men vacated their seats. 

Naing said as they left, “Have fun, Sein.”

Lady Marlar’s eyes softened with pride as she watched her sons filing out. 

Then, they sharpened as she continued, “Well, you have a chance to get to know Lord Lwin better.” 

She pierced the egg on her plate with a spoon, its vibrant yolk spilling out over the white rice. 

“He will be visiting us tomorrow afternoon. Make sure you are dressed appropriately.”

“I do not wish to get to know him. I have no interest in meeting any more arrogant young lords.”

Dropping her spoon on the plate, Lady Marlar exclaimed, “Arrogant young lords! What are you talking about! Lord Lwin is not only good looking but also charming. His manners are refined and elegant.”

“I am not interested, Mama!” Sein declared, feeling impatient. 

She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her soft palms.

“Such a head strong young lady,’ Lady Marlar said exasperated and she threw her hands up in a gesture of frustration. “No man will want to marry you!”

Sein retaliated, “Perhaps I do not want to marry any man!”

“What in the spirits do you mean? What are you going to do with your life?” 

Unable to tolerate anymore, Sein immediately raised from her chair and stormed away.

“You will meet Lord Lwin whether you like it or not. Do you hear me!” Lady Marlar shouted after her.

Her mother did raise a good question. Sein hadn’t thought beyond her youthful years. It pained her to think, one day, she may have to settle on a marriage. Perhaps by early twenties, she’d have no choice but to marry one of the letches she’d been introduced to. 

Those gentlemen that appeared so refined and proper, yet their fingers would linger a little too long on her shoulder. Or their hand would slip down to her waist ever so briefly. She shuddered at the thought of these unwelcome physical contacts. 

I’d rather die than be married to one of these vultures, she promised herself.

To avoid any more confrontations with her mother, Sein found herself walking around aimlessly that morning. Away from prying eyes, she meandered through the lush gardens towards the compound which housed various official buildings. 

She walked past these stark structures, with their shutters closed, and couldn’t help but wonder what secrets they held within. Eventually she arrived at the palace Archives, a quiet place where not a soul was in sight. 

Perfect, I don’t have to see and speak to anyone, she concluded.

The Archives with its lofty ceiling made the room even more grand and airy. On all walls, there were scrolls and books meticulously arranged, layer upon layer, reaching beyond eye level. 

Curious as to what the Archives had to offer, Sein picked up some scrolls and briefly read the titles. These were mainly about the history of the Gin Empire before the Kingdom of Arkar. She didn’t have a particular interest in history so she moved along, picking rolls at random. A scroll on the healing properties of plants. That was a little more interesting. 

She went to the other wall and pulled out another scroll. There was a scent that suggested aged paper, mingling with a faint hint of dust. It was a little crumpled compared to the previous scrolls she looked at. The title read, The complete art of needlework. 

Mother will approve of this one, Sein chuckled to herself. 

Her eyes caught a few lines that had been hurriedly written in the mid section. 

It read, “My beloved prince, the rightful heir to the throne, is lost, not by nature’s design, but by the treachery of men. His passing was made to look natural, yet I know it was betrayal that took him. He was slain as he slept, his peaceful appearance a cruel mask for the crime committed. Though proof eludes me, I know well who is to blame. Justice must be served. Will you lend your aid?”

“What on earth is this?” Sein said out loud. 

She unraveled the document fully to see who its author was. There were two initials, G. G. Her eyes scanned the rest of the text. It discussed different techniques of needlework. 

How bazaar!

She placed the scroll back where it was wedged and pulled out the one beside it. This one detailed the intricate art of gold leafing. The kingdom was renowned for its craftsmanship and culture, and this wall of ancient texts reflected such knowledge. 

Sein back tracked and drew out the crumpled scroll again. Something about this mystery fascinated her.

“A prince that was murdered in his sleep,” Sein pondered, a finger pressing on her chin. “Which prince? I can’t think of any others except our current one. I don’t know anything about our history.” 

How tragic, she thought, to be talking to myself. If only I had a friend to share such discoveries with. 

Letting out a quiet sigh, she returned to the wall lined with historic manuscripts. She picked a handful, then walked to one of the four grand teak tables that dominated the room, each surrounded by high-backed chairs, inviting visitors to linger.

The room was serene, bathed in the warmth of the morning sun streaming through. The picturesque view of ancient trees and the garden beyond was perfectly framed by the window. 

Sein settled into a seat and leisurely read through the scrolls. This wasn't a bad way to spend a day.

Her head was buried in a document, when footsteps and voices were heard. She was sitting with her back to the door and couldn’t see who had entered. 

The voice speaking sounded like it belonged to an older male, and by the accent, a high rank lord of the court. 

He said, "Your Highness, while I am aware of your fondness for the rigorous study of martial arts and the intricate nuances of battle strategy as detailed in these esteemed codices, it is incumbent upon me to reiterate the paramount importance of your comprehension of our renowned history. As the Crown Prince, it is not merely a matter of preference but a duty of the highest order to be thoroughly versed in the chronicles of our land, for it is through such knowledge that Your Highness shall be truly prepared to lead with wisdom and foresight."

Disaster! It’s the Crown Prince and his master, Sein concluded. I need to escape.

Unfortunately she couldn’t. The men were blocking the doorway as the master rattled on. 

Was she meant to curtsy in the presence of the Crown Prince? She couldn’t quite recall the proper etiquette. Better to sit still until they leave. 

Maybe they won’t notice me, she hoped.

The Crown Prince and his master didn’t leave. Instead, they seated themselves at the table beside hers. She winced, realising she would have to endure their company. 

Forcing herself to read on, she tried to remain composed but the master’s voice, loud and insistent, disrupted her calm like ripples on the surface of the water. As she listened, she couldn’t help but find his words overly verbose. It was a torrent of unnecessary speech.

"To what extent has Your Highness immersed himself in the profound annals of our venerable history?” Master enquired, after his lecture on the importance of history.

A brief pause then a gentle, yet firm voice answered, “I must admit, history has not been a priority of my studies. Yet.”

“What? Not studied history yet?” Master was amazed, then sounding more collected, he asked, “Is Your Highness well-versed in the illustrious origins of the esteemed Gin Empire?”

“Not yet, Master.” 

At this answer, Sein swiftly glanced over at their table.

The Crown Prince had grown up since the last time she saw him in the Audience Hall. He was slender and tall. Seated opposite his Master, the sun gently caressed his face. It was a striking face. Even Sein had to admit, he was handsome. His profile was well proportioned, his dark hair contrasting with his fair complexion. 

With status and good looks like that, his ego must be as large as this room, Sein thought smugly. 

“That shall be precisely where we, with all due reverence, initiate our profound scholarly journey in pursuit of historical enlightenment.” 

The master stood up, the various chains and ornaments on his clothing jingled. He was a middle-aged man with greying temples and wearing black rimmed spectacles. 

“Alas, it is with the deepest sorrow that I must inform Your Highness that our esteemed Archivist, the very custodian of our cherished histories, has departed from our midst. In the absence of one, it falls upon us, to unearth the necessary texts by our own fair hands.”

“What an absolute delight it shall be, to become intimately acquainted with the Archives,” the Crown Prince responded. 

Sein sensed a hint of sarcasm.

Master nodded. “Ah, indeed, an unmitigated joy, is it not? I shall personally retrieve the very first scroll.”

Seeing a young lady, sitting poised at the table, the master paused from heading to the shelves. He noticed some of the history scrolls had been removed from the shelf. 

Scanning the rolls of parchment scattered in front of Sein, he addressed her, "My Lady, might I inquire if you have, by any chance, completed your perusal of the first history scroll of the Gin Empire?" 

He indicated to the scroll Sein had only skimmed before setting it aside to read properly later. 

However, she replied, “Yes, My Lord.” And offered it to him, holding it with both hands as a gesture of respect.

“Ah…much appreciated,” Master said, studying the young lady with curiosity over the rim of his glasses.

Sensing the Crown Prince glancing her way, Sein bowed her head politely, but then wondered again should she stand up and curtsy. When she looked up, their eyes locked for a fleeting moment before she quickly turned away. His pale jade-green eyes, gleaming with an intense clarity, caught her in a spell, leaving her momentarily disarmed.

Her cheeks coloured slightly as she tried to focus on the text in front of her. Her mind was a turbulent sea, with thoughts crashing like waves against each other, leaving her adrift and unable to grasp a single thought with any clarity. She quickly returned the scrolls to the shelf and made a hasty exit, as the master barked out a lecture in the background.