Ruka reached out, her tiny hand brushing against her mother's soft cheek. "Even with my past life memories, I still want you to treat me as your daughter, Mama," she said, her voice gentle and warm. The sincerity in her words melted the tension in the room, touching the hearts of everyone present.
Queen Chi sniffled, hugging Ruka closer. "Don't worry, my love. Your mother will protect you and love you always."
Regaining her composure, Queen Chi's expression hardened as she addressed the room. "Everyone here will swear a Heaven's Oath not to speak of what happened today."
The guards, Nanny Zu, and even Arus placed their hands over their hearts, their voices solemn. "I hereby declare that I shall speak nothing of what happened here." A faint pressure settled in their chests, then vanished, sealing the magical vow.
Ruka tilted her head, her dark eyes curious. "Mama, what's a Heaven's Oath?"
"It's a sacred vow," Queen Chi explained, brushing a lock of hair from Ruka's face. "If broken, the speaker dies instantly."
"But how would I relay this to your father?" Queen Mia wondered nervously.
__________
"Is the princess truly a blessed child?" King Kain gasped, his eyes wide with disbelief. Queen Chi glanced at him nervously, her delicate fingers twisting the hem of her silk gown.
Before Chi was a burly man with short purple hair and dark brown skin but he was very good looking.
"How is that possible?" Kain asked, turning to his wife, his voice a mix of awe and skepticism.
Chi hesitated, then blurted out, "It's true! She can speak—telepathically—and even summon humans !"
Kain's jaw dropped. "Fascinating! I must see my daughter at once!" He rose from his throne, his excitement palpable, and gently took Chi's hand, squeezing it reassuringly.
"Very well," Chi said softly, her voice trembling with both pride and unease. "Please, bring Ruka here."
As the royal guards departed to fetch the princess, Kain paced the throne room, muttering to himself. "Just six months old, and my child is an awakened one? Truly, a marvel!" His tone was a blend of exhilaration and confusion.
Moments later, a nursemaid entered, cradling the tiny Princess Ruka. The infant was swaddled in shimmering silver cloth, her large, sapphire eyes scanning the room. She was gently placed in Queen Chi's arms, and the royal couple gazed at her in wonder. And with a wave of Kain's hand all the guards in the room left.
"Nice to meet you, my child," Kain said warmly, his voice softening as he leaned closer to Ruka.
"Peh! Annoying father who didn't even bother to visit me when I was born," Ruka's voice echoed in their minds, sharp and laced with indignation. Her tiny face scrunched into a scowl.
Kain gasped, his hand flying to his chest. "Ah! Such words from my own daughter!"
"Humph! You deserved it!" Ruka's telepathic voice huffed, her thoughts dripping with sass.
"Aren't you being a bit harsh, my little one?" Kain asked, his eyes glistening with tears, though a smile tugged at his lips.
Ruka's response was a telepathic raspberry—"Peh!"—and she stuck out her tongue, her tiny face filled with defiance.
Kain blinked, then chuckled, shaking his head. "So, she doesn't speak aloud but communicates through her mind. Such powers aren't unheard, but at her age? Remarkable."
Ruka's expression shifted, her eyes narrowing with sudden focus. "Hmm, Father, Mother, tell me about the state of the kingdom."
Chi tilted her head, puzzled. "Why would you want to know such things, darling?"
'That goddess who awakened me warned that others like me might come for my life,' Ruka thought nervously. 'I need to be prepared.'
"I want to help in any way I can!" Ruka declared, her passionate eyes blazing.
Chi shook her head gently. "It's not necessary, dear. You're still so young."
"Just tell me!" Ruka insisted, her telepathic voice growing sharper. When her parents hesitated, she let out a wail that pierced the throne room, her cries echoing off the marble walls. The sound was so heart-wrenching that Kain and Chi relented immediately.
"Alright, alright!" Kain said, raising his hands in surrender. He called out for the servants to bring a tray of honeyed pastries and spiced tea, before kettle ng them leave again. As they settled around a low table, the royal couple began to explain to Ruka.
Ruka listened intently, nibbling on a tiny piece of pastry Chi offered her.
"So, the noble families who help govern the kingdom don't respect you. The parliament is filled with schemers who undermine your authority. The imperial military is weak—only five thousand men, most untrained in martial arts. And the twelve great families, who swore to protect Aeloria in exchange for their privileged status, grow arrogant and defiant." Ruka summarized.
Kain and Chi nodded helplessly, their faces etched with frustration.
Before they could respond, Arus, who had been standing suddenly appeared by their side, stepped forward. "How do you plan to solve this, Master?" he asked, his deep voice calm but curious, addressing Ruka with the respect.
"Obviously, I have a plan!" Ruka huffed, her telepathic voice brimming with confidence.
Kain's brow furrowed. "Wait, taking charge so easily? I can't allow that. You're still a baby, Ruka. Your focus should be on growing strong and healthy."
"Can you at least hear me out?" Ruka pleaded, her large eyes widening into an adorable, heart-melting stare. Her parents' resolve crumbled under the weight of her cuteness, and they sighed in unison.