I presented to dinner and my family was all happy, seeming to be enjoying the calm before all the lights and noise. As I sat at the table, I saw Nezhii lean into me.
"Tomorrow is the festival!, smile." With her sweet face, how could I not.
"Now that all of the pharaoh's children are here,-" My father started waving at servants.
The servants placed down these baskets with the clothe over them in front of me, Ahkmad, and Nezhii. We all looked up at each other looking for an answer.
"My dear children, every year around this time, I always present you gifts."
In front of us laid decorative baskets. What could it be this time. Maybe more jewels that I don't need. Maybe it's a leash to that baby camel I saw in the marketplace recently. It was the cutest, and without a mother, how will that poor creature survive?
"Aza?" I looked to see that Ahkmad and Nezhii both opened their gifts, that was crowns.
My brother's crown was golden with the suns flames striking outward with an opal that was the color of fire. My sister's was a silver crown with a pearl in the center, surrounding by dangling aquamarines. I removed the cover of my basket to reveal a silver crown with 3 diamonds surrounding an opal that resembled a sky filled with clouds and reflecting sun light. As I raised my crown into view, I saw people bodies shift as if there was something else to expect.
"These crowns were made for you to wear at the festival so that you will be recognized, as well as your personal crowns that you should have as being apart of such an important family." My mother seemed proud of my father.
We all stood and bowed to show respect to our father, and then we went on having dinner like usual. All wasn't as bad, I still felt that I was leaving home too soon, and I had to come up with something. After a long time of laughing, and telling stories, we all returned to our chambers. The festival was tomorrow and though I may have fun, I must prepare to lay down the battlefield. I removed all my jewels and even my servants prepared my bed just before leaving me for the night. I walked to my balcony in my gown to feel a fresh empty breeze. I looked to the sky that was bathed in stars and the moon accompanied.
"Please guide me, be with me." I spoke aloud.
At that time I called out to my ancestors, they have probably went through the same and made a life out of it. A part of me knows there is no running from duty, and another whispers that life will not be and cannot be that straight forward. I need the guidance and wisdom to make it through this. I ended my night placing my crown next to me and closing my eyes, leaving this day for the past to walk another.
The day of the Sand Festival, the halls were almost empty, everyone flooded the streets and roads. I almost felt late. Even my mother and father were enjoying the time. Most of the fun happened at night, so they were likely trying to enjoy the peace before things got more lively. As I stepped out the festival was for sure at its calmest. I was dressed as if my wedding day was already decided and this was a party to celebrate. Hotep, that hag. She must be eating this moment up. I tried to seem normal but I was nervous of all the eyes. I enjoyed myself. I got to talk to the villagers and hear what's it like to live in their shoes. I also got to play with the children, we played a game called the stone eyes. Whoever was caught moving my the stoned guardian was stoned and couldn't move until a non stoned player splashed them with the water to help them move again. It was fun I always played this with Ahkmad and Nezhii and it wasn't as fun with just the 3 of us. I wonder if life is always this fun for these village kids. They seemed to value things more differently from us. At a time of a break as I sat and splashed water around there was music and drums beating loudly. I got closer to the road to see the commotion. There was fancy clothing and carriages carried by people, camels with the riders being dressed from head to toe in royal garments, and even people riding panthers. How fancy. I didn't get too much good of looks of them. As I looked at the last guest riding the panthers, I managed to meet eyes that were the color of magic, eyes that were a lit Amethyst. As soon as we made eye contact, the eyes pulled away from me quickly. What was that?
"Daughter of Sefti it is time to return to the palace for now." One of the guards that must have been following close by approached me.
I looked back one last time, but the person was far ahead by this time. What a strange presence has crossed into the sands of our home. I returned home as suggested to fine my brother pacing the floors until seeing me.
"Aza, it's time." Ahkmad said happily.
I never met such a happy brother to give his sister away so easily, where was the protecting nature from the time when the foreigners were here. Some brother. Ahkmad started pushing me to the throne where my father and mother sat gracefully. Nezhii was also there mimicking the very radiance of my mother. Ahkmad straightened up and stuck out an arm to guide me in. As we entered the throne room it all made sense. I saw to my left that the guest that arrived were my awaiting suitors. Once I got far enough I turned my gaze to the throne and felt my body shake a bit to face them. Once I took my seat, Ahkmad swiftly went to the other side of the throne next to my father. My father sat on his throne waiting.
"King Sefti, I am Muav, I present my son Shahadi, He is a warrior that has brought back many goods for trade in our tribe, he has battled many. I believe for your daughter he would be a great suitor." I looked over to my father who nodded and didn't show no reaction. The next guy who seemed more calm stepped forward. He kneeled before us. If you ask me that might have been a little too much, even for royalty.
"King Sefti, I am Ombte of the north, My kingdom is the remaining of the Greenlands. I have multiple resources that would benefit your kingdom, and I will make sure the desert moon would be protected." He seemed like he rehearsed that.
I looked over to see a subtle smile grow on my father's face. Would this benefit my family the most. My father seemed to enjoy his speech. And Honestly Ombte was not bad looking. His hair was grass green along with his shines eyes. He stood firm and tall and like a warrior. He seemed serious too. I guess he wouldn't be a bad suitor. As he stepped back another guy stepped forward with short black hair and saluted my father with two arms across his chest. He then raised a serious face to my father.
"King Sefti, it is our greatest pleasure to be welcomed in your kingdom. From the east we present Prince Ratuk."
He moved to the side to make way for my final suitor who eyes were as glowing as I first saw them, he removed a mask that covered the bottom of his face as well as his head. Underneath his helm was deep purple hair. That grew from his sun kissed skin. He wore a mischievous smile. He was most handsome. As he finally settled his movements he flashed a gaze to me that made my face burn as if I was nearing a hot flame. What was he up to? It's very obvious if he is.
"King Sefti, I do enjoy being within the palace walls once more." My father rose from his throne.
"My boy, I have heard you have grown from the little rascal that plagued these halls with chaos along with Ahkmad." My father wore a comfortable smile.
Does he like those two? This will make it all the difficult. How should I push forward? I should investigate more come tonight. Ahkmad joined my father standing to acknowledge Prince Ratuk.
"As we all know, you were invited and chosen to be part of the Gods' main kingdom. All were exceptional candidates. Unfortunately I have no further say who will move forward. The decision will be up to my precious daughter, Aza." He turned his head to me.
I felt totally scared to be put on the pedestal to be stared at, as If I was an auction prize. I stood from my seat and did a small nod toward them.
"My princess." They all said bowing their heads as well.
"Before the festival we will all meet in the dining hall for a meal before the festivities. While you're here, enjoy yourself, and good luck." My father left the throne with my mother. Ahkmad ran down to Prince Ratuk and shared a celebratory greeting. Nezhii came next to me.
"Sister, still think it's all bad?" She stated as she walked pass me to exit the throne hall.
I guess she is right about that, these options were a lot better than I thought.
"Princess Aza." I focused to see I was approached by the Greenlands guest.
"I am Lufti, The older sibling of Ombte and soon to be next king of the Greenlands."
"It is a pleasure to meet you." Ombte stayed silent in the back and almost stiff.
"Likewise, I hope we get a chance to learn more about you, isn't that right Ombte." He turned.
When you look closely Lufti looked almost identical to Ombte, the only difference was hair. Lufti's green hair flowed down his back as long as mine.
"Princess Aza, you are most beautiful." From behind his back he presented me his open hand with a small flower that laid flat.
I held out a hand to accept the flower.
"In the Greenlands, this flower is known as the Viofip, It has many properties that can be used for food, wounds, and even material that can be used to help attract other animals. What I find most interesting about this flower is that it does not give up on its life so easily, even if not helped with sun and water."
I was surprised. what a useful flower.
"Hopefully with time I can show you more of what the Greenlands have to offer." His voice was so soothing.
"Thank you Ombte." I said as I did my final bow.
I turned to see Prince Ratuk make eye contact with me and did an arrogant chuckle and turned back to Ahkmad who seemed to be having too much of a good time even with Prince Ratuk's guard. Who is he? I certainly don't remember such a color character. As I make my way to the exit. I was stopped by Shahadi.
"Princess Aza, I would like you to have this." In his hand held a round object.
He opened it and inside was a tiny mirror, on the outer of the mirror was gold trimmed with little designs.
"Where is this from?" I asked in curiosity.
"That my princess is from a place far from here called England. They have many machinery that we have built ourselves, if you ever visit the west I will favor you and show you many other things that are not on our land." He said with a soft smile.
His father who stood behind him looked at me with a serious face. Almost as if he was studying me. Once he must have realized my attention he flashed a smile to me. That man looked as if he didn't want to be here. I noticed even when he introduced Shahadi it was as if he only acknowledged my father in means to peek his interest in the politics of it all. As I zoned out in my thoughts, I heard a distinct whistle. As I looked around it came from where my brother stood with Ratuk. In response to the whistle there was many flashes of black. As the movement slowed there were panthers in my father's throne room. No animal as dangerous as this ever crossed into these halls. The Two big ones circled around him with eyes that pierced purple as well. They seemed like mighty beast that could have ripped any of us apart at his command. As they approached me slowly, I saw Ahkmad annoying one of the panthers who swatted at him in response.
"Aza, It has been time since I have seen you." He stared at me with eyes of hunger.
"Has it? I don't remember." I said so coldly, on accident.
"Really? Don't you remember me? How could you forget I played with you and Ahkmad all the time. I'm hurt."
"I apologize for my bad memory, I will try my best to not forget you again."
"I plan to help with that." He said with seductive like eyes." My skin moved a bit.
I began to feel shaken, nervous like. I felt my ears burn. Who is this guy.