-The Rules for Rulers-

Frozen in indecision, she stood, her arm poised, reaching for the door handle. Iris was resolute she had no desire to encounter the earl. Not after the manner of his speech nor the words he had uttered to her. Not after the peril he had nearly brought upon herself and her mother.

In hindsight, the princess recognized her folly. To believe she could engage in a battle of wits with such a dishonourable man and anticipate fair play was mere foolishness. Now she had been humbled and compelled to swallow a loss. Iris sighed. Her mother had tasked her with making amends. She could scarcely believe it, but she must apologize to the dishonourable fellow for speaking the truth. Oh, how it grated against her pride.

Once more, the princess sighed, still seething but reclaiming her composure. Eventually, she found her resolve and reached out to gently knock upon the door.

"Enter," Levi's voice, soft as a lute, beckoned from beyond the stout barrier of oak and iron.

Iris pushed the door ajar and entered, her cheeks flushed with growing embarrassment. Her mouth opened, then snapped shut before opening again. Steeling her heart, she drew a deep breath.

"Levi," Iris began, her voice taut with anger. "I wish—"

"Come in," the earl interjected, gesturing to a wooden chair before him. "Take a seat."

Iris paused, blinking, as her mind caught up with his words.

An order.

Had he just commanded her?

Iris drew in another deep breath, glaring at the earl. The infuriating man merely raised an eyebrow in response, as if daring her to react.

Impotent, she stiffly complied, her lips pressed tightly together to prevent herself from saying something she would undoubtedly come to regret. Her gaze darted about the chamber before settling on the table before him. The earl had an array of scrolls and parchments before him, evidently engrossed in some task before her arrival. Her eyes lingered on a shelf of delicate tomes and illustrations littered on the desk before panning away.

"...I wish to beg your pardon for my conduct," Iris forced out. "I allowed my emotions to carry me away. It shall not happen again."

Levi regarded her in silence for a moment before emitting a soft chuckle under his breath. "Carried away," he murmured, returning to his work. "Very well. I forgive you."

Confusion clouded Iris' mind. "That's all?" she blurted out. "No scorn, reprimand or words of reproach?"

"Is that what you desire, Princess?" Levi replied without looking up.

Iris spluttered upon comprehending the innuendo before composing herself as she rose to depart. "If we have concluded—"

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"Remain seated, Princess. We are not finished."

Another surge of anger flushed Iris' face. For a few moments, she merely glared at him. Then, she exhaled deeply before reluctantly sinking back into the chair.

"I deem I am beginning to comprehend you," the earl declared as turned the page of the ancient codex in front of him.

"Truly?" Iris retorted, her words laced with scorn.

"Aye. You are naive."

"I—"

"Do not interrupt me," the earl interjected, lifting his gaze without raising his head, fixing her with a chilling stare. "You are naive," he reiterated. "You scorn my methods and those who ousted thy father. Instead of embracing it as a lesson, you despise my means. So fervent is your hate that you refuse to ponder how you might wield what you’ve learnt to achieve your desires."

Leaning back, the earl regarded her intently. "You are naive, Iris,” he said once more. Then he sighed.

“Disappointing."

Iris gazed at Levi, her expression puzzled and offended. “I was never looking for your approval.”

The earl stared at her for a moment longer. "Do you not desire to reign?” he asked. “Do you not yearn to protect your kingdom? Your father?"

"Of course—"

"Then why are you obstinate in your delusions of righteousness? Ask yourself, why do I, or the men who seized your home, not see the world as you do? Why do we act in manners sometimes deemed dishonourable, self-destructive, and short-sighted? Are we truly that witless?"

"Aye." To that, Iris readily agreed.

The earl merely arched a brow in response. "Truly? Yet, we possess all the power and you none? You are the one I almost expelled from Faywyn to resume your search for a selfless saviour willing to accept you, Iris. You are the one fleeing to save your life, not the Hertaleans. The king may have shielded you from the truth out of love, but I harbour no such qualms. You might be beautiful without comparison, but what is beauty without wit? Blind righteousness is merely stupidity redressed.”

"My father was a staunch man of honour—"

“Exactly,” Levi interjected again. "That's why he was ousted from the throne."

Iris’ expression turned scandalised. “What—"

“No matter how great or noble, no man rules alone. A king cannot construct forts unaided, cannot enforce laws single-handedly, cannot defend the realm, nor himself, unassisted. The potency of a king lies not in his actions, but in his ability to inspire others to act on his behalf utilizing the wealth stored in his coffers. A king requires an army, and someone to lead it. Riches and someone to gather them. Justice and someone to uphold it. The individuals essential to bring about necessary deeds are the king's fountains of power. All the aspirations you harbour are nought but fleeting thoughts if these men heed not your commands. In court, where strength dictates right, these so-called fountains of power are scarce, perchance only a handful of generals, administrators, and provincial rulers. Persuade them to your cause, and dominion shall be yours forevermore, yet, displease them, and they shall depose you…

“This your father forgot. He displeased them and hence, he was swiftly supplanted."

The earl frowned at her. “A ruler’s duty is not to be benevolent, righteous or honourable. The throne sits upon an unstable house of cards. Balancing that is a ruler’s duty. Thus, the ruler needs to keep the court loyal and keep raising the treasure that sustains them. This is the self-sustaining core of power. All outside is secondary.”

"I ask again, Iris, do you not desire to rule? Do you not yearn to protect your kingdom? Your father?"

For a brief span, the princess remained silent, her gaze tumultuous. Stubborn.

The earl sighed.

"Verily, do as you will. But mark my words, when you do come begging for my aid, there shall be a weighty toll to be paid. You can leave, Princess…

“Your presence is starting to bore me.”