Thaleia resumed her conversation with Ilyin. "The Dragon Council verified my lineage through blood tests. That's how I became fascinated with genetics. My hope is to find some imperfection in my genetic makeup, so I don't have to assume the role of Empress when the Cycle shifts."
"You don't wish to be Empress?" I questioned.
"Absolutely not! The idea couldn't be more tedious. I've been seeking an escape route ever since my return."
I pondered over the revelations. "Thaleia," I finally spoke, "I have a query."
"Yes?"
"If you're the Dragon Heir, does that imply your father was the heir before you? And if so, why did he instigate the coup?"
"For two reasons," she responded. "Firstly, the Empire was under the rule of a degenerate Fenghuang, and the Emperor was unwilling to abdicate when the Cycle turned. Secondly, my father wasn't the true heir."
"So the actual heir perished during the Regency Break?" I asked.