Prophecy Read Online Free PDF

belittle yourself,” her father said. “You will make a wonderful wife and mother one day.”
    Kira’s hands curled into tight fists as she glared at him. “I’m a warrior, not a court lady. My duty is to protect the prince.”
    “Your mother keeps reminding me that you’re also a woman,” her father said. He put down the statue, still gazing at it fondly. “But I’ve treated you no different than your brothers. My soldier girl.”
    He sighed and then faced her. “Just like your brothers, you have a duty to marry well and have your own family. But not with Shin Bo Hyun.”
    The sudden relief unknotted her stomach.
    “Thank you, Father!”
    “Don’t thank me yet. It’s nearly impossible to say no to the queen. It was Lord Shin who broached the idea of betrothing his nephew to you to Their Majesties. And you know how protective the king is of his friendship with Lord Shin. He never lets us forget that he’s the king’s oldest and closest friend.” The general grimaced.
    Kira was well aware of her father’s opinion of Lord Shin. The senior adviser had tried to disgrace her father ten years ago, and they hadn’t gotten along ever since. Lord Shin Mulchin was once a contender for the throne of Hansong. The previous king had no children and no siblings. Shin was the king’s heir from his paternal line and related to the Kudara royal family. Lord Kim Yuri descended from the prior king’s Jinhan maternal line and married Guru royalty, Kira’s aunt. When Shin’s line fell out of favor, the last king chose Yuri as his heir.
    Kira always wondered why Shin would remain in Hansong after such a disappointment or why he and her uncle were such close friends. She had, however, heard a rumor that Shin had saved Yuri’s life when they were boys.
    “But I don’t understand why Lord Shin would wish for this betrothal. He’s the one person who hates you more than he hates me.”
    “He doesn’t like anyone. To be honest, I’m not sure he is even that fond of his nephew, other than for whatever political gain he can provide,” her father replied. “But you are the king’s closest eligible female relation; it only makes sense to push for such an alliance. And as Lord Shin’s nephew, Bo Hyun has ties to the Kudara royal family that the king may be interested in promoting.”
    Kira snorted. “I’m far from eligible!”
    Her father stood up and came to stand before her. “Kira, you are my only daughter and my pride and joy. I have seen you grow into a strong, intelligent, and brave young woman. Be proud of who you are, my child.”
    She dropped her eyes and spoke in a whisper. “I’m so different. I terrify people.”
    “Your differences are what make you unique. They’re what make you special. You have nothing in common with these ignorant wretches who thrive on superstition and fear. You were meant for greatness. Why, I would be less surprised if you were the Dragon Musado instead of the prince.”
    Kira could feel her cheeks flushing in pride.
    “That’s impossible. I’m not a leader—”
    “You’re a warrior. And nothing is impossible unless you believe it is so,” he replied.
    “Why are we even talking about this?” she asked. “There’s no such thing as a Dragon Musado. It’s just a fairy tale that the monks are making up!”
    With an abrupt turn, her father marched toward the large map of the Seven Kingdoms.
    “But what if it’s true? I can’t discount it. I’ve seen too many unusual things in my lifetime to ignore this prophecy. The most unusual and wondrous thing I’ve ever seen is my very own daughter.” He paced back and forth for a moment as he spoke. “When your mother was carrying you, we all believed that her tiger dream was an omen—a sign that you would be a great warrior. And we were right. But over the years, as I have watched you grow and seen your remarkable talents, I’ve come to realize that the dream was in fact not an omen but a visitation.”
    “A visitation?”