Cade sat down at the small table, the warmth of the morning light streaming through the window, casting gentle patterns on the floor. Lyrica, still clinging to her breakfast plate, perched her chin in her hands, curiosity dancing in her eyes. The tension from the knight's visit still hung in the air, thick and unyielding, and Cade knew he had a precious opportunity to instill a deeper understanding in his daughter.
"Lyrica," he began, searching for the right words to convey the weight of what had just transpired, "there's an important lesson that's not easy to learn, especially in our world."
She nodded, her brow furrowing as she leaned in closer. "Is it about kings and queens?"
"Exactly," he confirmed, a mixture of pride and apprehension swelling in his heart. "You see, not all kings and queens are the same. A good ruler—one you can trust—carries a weight of responsibility that goes beyond their own desires, beyond power and riches."
"What do you mean?" Her eyes sparkled with genuine curiosity, eager to learn.
Cade took a deep breath, steadying himself. "A true king or queen never wavers, never bends under pressure. They stand firm in their beliefs and values, even when it's hard. They never rely on others to make choices for them—every decision is their own, guided by a genuine desire to protect their people."
"But what about King Erigut?" Lyrica interjected, her youthful innocence guiding her words. "Isn't he a king too?"
Cade nodded solemnly, his heart heavy with the reality of the matter. "Yes, he holds the title of king, but that doesn't make him a good leader. He's more concerned with lining his own pockets and feeding his greed than genuinely caring for his kingdom. A bad king uses their power for selfish reasons, ignoring the needs of the very people they are supposed to protect. They exploit others to enhance their own stature."
"So… a good king would care about everyone?" Lyrica asked, her voice soft yet inquisitive.
"Exactly," Cade affirmed, his voice growing more animated with each word. "A good king looks after farmers, shopkeepers, and even the most vulnerable among us. They understand that true strength lies in the compassion they show. They listen to their people and create a safe place where all voices can be heard, no matter how small."
Cade paused, allowing the weight of his words to settle. "In times of trouble, when conflict arises, a good ruler will step forward, leading with integrity. They don't use others as pawns; they stand right beside them, fighting for justice and peace."
Lyrica's gaze searched her father's, her young mind processing the complexities of leadership. "So, it's like you help everyone in town without expecting anything in return?"
Cade smiled, a flicker of warmth igniting in his heart. "Yes, exactly! I help because it's the right thing to do. I want to make a difference, even in small ways. And while I'm not a king, I believe that everyone can lead in their own right, whether it's through kindness, courage, or standing up for what's right."
She nodded, her expression thoughtful as she absorbed every word. "What if someone isn't a good king? What can we do?"
Cade leaned in slightly, meeting her gaze with unwavering sincerity. "We can challenge them. We can speak up, encourage others to do the same, and find allies who believe in justice. Change is difficult, but it starts with the belief that things can be better. If enough people unify their voices, it can move mountains. But always remember—the fight for what is right must be approached with courage and hope."
Lyrica's brow furrowed, a mix of determination and apprehension in her voice. "But it's scary to speak out."
Cade reached across the table, placing his hand gently over hers. "I know, sweetheart, and that fear is normal. But sometimes it's in those moments of fear that we discover our greatest strength. Use your voice, and you may inspire others to do the same. Remember, even the smallest actions can create ripples of change."
With each word, Lyrica reflected deeply, her youthful spirit absorbing the lessons presented—lessons that had taken Cade a lifetime to grasp.
He continued, his voice softening, "And know this: being a good leader, whether king or commoner, always comes down to two things: love for your people and unwavering resolve in the face of hardship. If you carry those values in your heart, you'll never lose your way."
"Someday, I want to be like that," she said, her eyes sparkling with newfound determination. "A good leader for everyone!"
Cade chuckled softly, pride swelling in his chest. "You already have the heart for it, my little warrior. Never forget it."
As they finished their breakfast, Cade felt a flicker of hope amidst the shadows of uncertainty. Perhaps by nurturing a new generation like Lyrica, he could help forge a path toward a brighter, fairer world—one where kindness triumphed over greed, and true leadership emerged from the ashes of turmoil. The lesson he imparted today would linger in her heart, lighting the way for the future yet to come.