Empress Mai

By Lulu Winterspring

Empress Mai is a Thrilling historical fantasy novel first book of a series written by Lulu.
In a world where men were the ultimate rulers, Mai rose to power and became the Empress of her kingdom. But her journey to the throne was not without challenges, as she must prove to her people that she had what it takes to rule and make a difference. While she navigated the complexity of the political landscape, Mai learned about the power of leadership, the importance of loyalty, and the true meaning of strength.
Follow Mai on her journey as she transforms her kingdom and defies the traditional law in a tale of determination, bravery, and triumph. This exciting and empowering novel is perfect for young adults who love historical fiction with a touch of fantasy. Get ready to be inspired by Empress Mai’s unwavering spirit and her determination to make a difference.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu Winterspring
• Release date: Jul 7, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005874537

Lulu Winterspring

Lulu Winterspring is a mysterious writer who enjoy hiding behind her computer to write exciting book. She found her passion when she first started high school. She was always apart, shy and have very few friends to play with. That was when she started writing, she wanted to fit all her feeling in a piece of paper. The first novel that she ever wrote was Sarah which was based on a true life story. After witnessing an event near her home, she immediately wanted to transform that event in paper. She went ahead and write a story about it and encouraged her classmates to read it everyday. It took her about a year and a half to write the story. It was a successful story throughout the whole school, that was when she decided that she wanted to be a writer.It has been her long life dream to watch people enjoy her wild imagination on paper. So, If you are a big fan of fantasy, romance, historical drama and Action then she's your writer.Follow Lulu on Amazon author page and instagram page luluwinterspring.

Book preview

Empress Mai

The path to the throne

Lulu Winterspring

Contents

Acknowledgement 4

Chapter II 14

Chapter III 21

Chapter IV 28

Chapter V 35

Chapter VII 51

Chapter VIII 59

Chapter IX 67

Chapter XI 82

Chapter XII 91

Chapter XIII 100

Acknowledgement

I would like to express my special thanks and gratitude to God, who has given me the intelligence and a creative mind to be able to put together something enjoyable for others. My dearest sister Micka, who encourages me to follow my dreams and is the number one supporter of my book. I would like to thank my parents, my Raphael family, and my special family at work that put up with my storytelling every day during work hours without criticizing me; instead, they gave me all kinds of ideas and helped me format this work. Carlos Ramirez, Andrew Montano, Vitale Meffe, Kim Argueta, and finally, Mr. roasted rabbit with Gravy Mike Simone, his favorite line in the book; without you all, I could not have made it this far. So again, thank you. Lastly, my readers, I’m excited to share this story with you. Please put your seatbelt on; you are in for a long ride.

Introduction

Mai, the youngest of five princesses of king Rudolf, lived in the era of Gonja, where men were the ultimate rulers. There was not much freedom when it came to women; they were mistreated, used, and had no values. She wanted to be the empress so she could change the life of her people. She fought extremely hard to make a difference. She was brave, strong, and clever. Along her royal journey, she encountered so many things—love, friendship, opposition—against her rules. She was feared by many kingdoms. Although her heart was pure and sincere, she couldn’t make everyone happy. In the end, would she be able to rule peacefully and wisely? Would she be able to achieve the things that she always dreamed of?

Thank you, Copyright, © 2022 by Lulu Winterspring

All rights reserved.

Chapter I

Life often brought so many misconceptions and mishaps, and I was always wondering how I could even survive it. I lived in a world where women were treated so unfairly, like the only thing we could do was bow to men, bear children, and take care of the household. They felt like they could beat us, kill us, or sell us whenever they wanted to. We had no say in anything related to work, politics, or religion. We were being treated worse than dogs on the street. Even at court, the queen and her daughters were not allowed to step in, and all I could see was a bunch of arrogant men killing each other for power. They were greedy, selfish, and proud. I was always asking myself why I was born in this cruel world, but I did not realize I was there for something greater. I wanted the world to be peaceful again. I wanted to have the power to protect those I loved and all the nation.

The king had five daughters and no sons—I, Mai, was the fifth one. All my sisters were weak and naive, just like my father, and they had no interest in politics. In my time, we weren’t taught war, strategy, fighting, or anything related. We were taught how to be a princess like we were. They taught us how to get ready to be a mother. They taught us embroidery and how to flirt with powerful men. As I grew up, I always hid in the back of the fields where the generals and those men of war were training. I sat in the back room every time they were talking about strategic ways to defeat my kingdom’s enemies. I learned the swords, the strategies, and politics thanks to my naughtiness. My father, the king, always carelessly did politics in front of me because I was young and playful; he didn’t think that I would care much about learning. My mother always told me that I looked and acted too much like a man, and she was always afraid that I wouldn’t find a man to marry me because of my behavior, but no one knew what was in my head.

In my kingdom, once a girl turned sixteen, she entered the age of maturity where her parents must choose a suitor for her. That was not the kind of life I wanted; I wanted a wild free life. Unfortunately, I was a princess, the daughter of the great king Rudolf and the most spoiled princess in the country. As the younger princess, my father allowed me to do everything I wanted. No one expected anything from me because I could never have reached anywhere close to being the queen or crown princess. Every day was a struggle for my father to choose his successor. The court wouldn’t leave him be. Since my father only had daughters, no one in court wanted a crown princess but a prince. He was in a demanding situation to find a solution. The poor man was too humble for these hungry power men at court.

My father decided to call for a family meeting as his most trusted people. He was desperate and wanted something to change. He wanted peace at court, and at the same time, he didn’t want to give these powerful men the opportunity to the throne, or else his people would perish. But he was too soft to scare them off. My father was getting older; all he ever wanted was a normal life with my mother. When he got in power, he didn’t like this kind of life, but he had to because he was obligated to do it. It was his duty as the first son of the king, my grandfather.

That night at the table, all seven of us sat for dinner. I looked into my father’s eyes; all I saw was sadness and desperation. He was a good king; he cared deeply about his country and his family, and all he ever wanted was for his country to prosper. He looked at each one of us, holding my mother’s hand.

My beloved, I have something to announce, he said with worries, all eyes immediately fixed on him and waiting for him to talk. He scratched his throat and continued, In three days’ time, I shall declare my heir to the throne. They want me to have my greedy cousin as heir while I have five beautiful daughters that can do equally the same job as the queen.

What is on your mind, your majesty? my mother, Lisa, asked.

Well, I was thinking three of our daughters are already married. Since Dana is already my firstborn, she can become the crown princess when the time comes for her to rule. She can give her husband the crown matrimonial. Otherwise, I don’t know what to do. What do you think, Dana?

Dana had always been shy and quiet, just like my father. She always wanted to stay away from politics. She looked at us incredibly sad and said, Father, why me? Why do I have to shoulder this responsibility just because I’m the oldest? I don’t even know how to be queen, and they hate women in power.

I understand you, honey, but right now, I want you to understand your father’s position also. It is exceedingly difficult for him. We love all of you, and we do want what’s best for you. The fact that we were born royalty, we can’t be like any normal family. One person must make the sacrifice so we can be safe, and our nation can live in peace, my mother said to Dana. She looked at the rest of us and continued, Since Dana refuses to be the crown princess, who is brave enough to take her place? Jenna! Alisa! she said, looking at each one of them.

Jenna was the third child and Alisa the second. Lily and I were the youngest. Amongst all my sisters, Lily was the kindest and most beautiful soul of all. That was why I had always been closer to her and became very protective of her. She and I were the only two that were not married yet. She was engaged with the prime minister’s son Thomas.

Not me, Alisa replied.

Everybody else, including me, didn’t say anything for at least thirty seconds.

I will accept to be the crown princess, father, I said.

I looked at my parents, and it felt like someone was about to have a heart attack. They were all in shock and looked confused.

No, no, no, no, there’s no way you can do that, Mai. You are our youngest and inexperienced. Also, there are too many corrupt officers. You are not even married yet. Who will defend you, honey, when they bully you and father’s not around? said my father.

Papa, I know you and mom love me and are trying to protect me. I’m fifteen; I know how to protect myself. I know I’m wild and very free-spirited. Our people need a change, and I can give that to them. Mother said that someone must be willing to make the sacrifice for our family, our friends, and our nations. Your majesty, I’m willing to be the sacrifice. The one thing I will promise if you make me your heir is I will give you a glorious, prosperous, and peaceful Zakiskta Kingdom, I replied with confidence.

My father’s eyes were widely open, and my mother was very excited and impressed by my words. I looked at my parents, and I could see hope.

My father shook his head and said, Since I have three days to announce my heir, I will have to evaluate you in many things for these three days. Does everybody on the table agree that Mai should be the crown princess?

Everyone