Runaway Princess

Ⅳ.

-Zuri

After making Omar's favorite dish with Abeni I started to arrange out courtyard for a small family feast to celebrate his birthday.

Some important elders would be there, but it was still going to be small yet grand,

I told father when to arrive and he agreed and I told Abeni to find Omar and keep him busy, I would send a servant to call them when everywhere was ready.

The sun was down, and the moon peeked from our roofs making the torches I deliberately placed in particular spots shine brighter.

I had gotten his favorite flowers and scattered them along the foot path and table, I also put them in small calabashes along with other flowers on the table

The courtyard looked magical which was nothing less fit for Omar.

This was a birthday tradition that went on for as long as I could remember but I made sure to change things up every year.

"Excuse me" I call the attention of a nearby servant "It's almost time, please bring out the food"

"Of course, princess" she scurries away and returns after a few minutes with other servants with the food.

"Cover the food, one of you should tell my sister to bring our brother and someone else should alert the king and the invited elders"

"Another person should alert the dancers and drummers; they know what to do"

I need to dress up

"Of course, princess"

"Yes princess"

I walk away and my personal servant follows in tow

|Later...|

We cheer once the banging of drums begin, followed by the dancers who came pouring out of the entrance, they danced around my brother who clumsily joined them with a wide smile on his face.

One he only used when extremely happy,

He walks to my father and bows, waiting for the usual birthday wishes

My father stands from his designated seat and begins to say a few words like he does every year

"On this day 10 years ago, a child was born"

"A child recognized by the gods"

"A child who has been blessed with wisdom, strength, fertility, prosperity and long life"

"He shall live to see his great-great-great grandchildren" we nod and hum in agreement

"May his seed be scattered all over the earth"

"Today marks the addition of another year to our prince's life and may it be one of many"

"May this feast begin"