The Royal Journey

Chapter 1

"Harder Zaria, you can't defend yourself with those soft hits"

Sweat beamed down my face as my curls fell from my bun. My body burned from the heat and intensity of the training.

"Mommy I can't!"

"YOU CAN!"

My mother's words awoken me as I was fighting. The next move will be the last, and fatal blow. As I moved in closer I let the swordsman swing. As I blocked his attack from right side, I kicked him in the ribs from the left making him fall to the right. When his body hit the cement floor I pointed my sword at his neck.

"Aye lady Zaria, you win"

The smile on my face grew. Wiping the sweat off my face I looked up at my mother. She nodded her approval and smiled back. Then my father appeared from the dark hall into the training room.

"King Julius"

Everyone kneeled, except for me of course.

"Now my daughter, do you think it's very lady like to be down here fighting?"

"Now Julius our daughter ha-"

My father coughed a obnoxious cough to cut my mother off.

"She is to be practicing her duties as a princess and soon to be Queen."

I rolled my eyes in annoyance. I couldn't believe he really thought I was going to listen to him. I can only practice if my mother is around and if not that I wouldn't be able to.

"Now little lady march up to your quarters, get cleaned up and meet us in the ballroom by 8."

Looking at all the eyes on me I stormed off to do what I was told.

Our castle or may I say waste of space was very large. We could host the whole kingdom in our home. Unfortunately tonight we're hosting other kingdoms.

As I finally got to the room my three maids were already there waiting on my arrival.

"Miss Zaria, please forgive us but tonight is an very important moment for you and your family"

I rolled my eyes as I saw all the dresses laid out on the bed, and the shoes sprawled across the floor.

"Please." One of the maids bowed with her arm extended to my ridiculously large bathroom. I followed in and got undressed then got into the tub.

"I can wash myself" I held my hand up to stop them from pursuing me.

"My lady no disrespect, but you reek of sweat and dirty men"

I let out a large sigh and let them do their job.

"HEY!"

"My lady?"

"Watch where your touching sheesh." They all giggled at my annoyance and laughter filled my room.

After my bath they washed my curly hair and combed it. "Your hair my lady is very thick and curly, what shall we do."

The maids looked at each other and made these weird faces that of course had me terrified.

They let my curls fall down and styled my hair in a tight bun. Unfortunately some of my curls escaped framing some of my face.

"You lack of bosoms, but you have a big bum. Makes you very different, more appealing."

It was true. I wasn't gifted with large breast like many women but my bum was very voluptuous.

"That's why we have chosen this dress for you."

"I've never see-"

"Seen a dress like it before?"

I was speechless. As much as I hated balls and gatherings, especially with other kingdoms. The dress its self made me want to go.

"Try it on my lady"

I got off the seat and took my towel off and slipped on the dress.

"It was made just for you" one of the maids said another one followed saying "your the only one in the world with this dress."

I was in aww. I turned towards you mirror to see myself. The dress fit my shape very well and also complimented my breast. It was a burgundy and gold dress. The patterns were almost like the tattoos our warriors get on their bodies. It came down as a v and showed some of my chest while the rest flowed out.

"I-I Love it." I watched as they put the necklace and tiara on me.

"You would make a beautiful Queen Miss Zaria."

My caramel skin and dark curls complimented my chocolate eyes. I was in love with myself.

I was snapped out of my focus from the clock striking 8.

"Time to go."

As I left down to the ballroom the maids followed behind until I got to the doors then they left.

"Miss Zaria."

The soldiers bowed then proceeded to open the large double doors. When the doors were fully opened everyone turned their attention towards me.

"Princess Zaria." My father introduced me and everyone bowed. I walked through the passage the people made onto the platform where my parents thrown were.

"Now that the princess is here shall the party begin?" People cheered all over and began to mingle around.

"Father, all the kingdoms are here."

"Indeed they are."

I watched the crowd as all the different patterns, colors, and symbols danced around on people's clothing. Our kingdom was the only ones with tattoos or body markings. We had gold earrings and bracelets to establish who we are. All the kingdoms were different.

This might be the only ball I've ever enjoyed. I went down the stairs and went to go greet some other Kings and Queens.

"Excuse me, princess Zaria?"

I turned around to face a boy. He had blond hair that touched his shoulder, and blue eyes that matched the sea. His attire was green and yellow. With silver markings. Very classy kingdom he's from.

"Yes."

He smirked a bit and held out his hand. "May I ?"

"May you?"

"To dance my Lady."

I felt my face flush in embarrassment as I took his hand. "Your soon to be 18 are you not?"

"I am."

We danced rather slowly compared to the music playing. I could see people staring and looking at us while we danced. "That means you'll marry off soon will it not?"

The thought of marrying disgust me. I wasn't ready and my birthday was in a week and knowing that I would be presented with princes to choose from upset me. I pulled away from my dance partner only to be met with almost sinister eyes but as soon as I saw they went away almost like they wasn't there.

"My apologies." He bowed.

"Your name." He looked at me puzzled.

"Your name sir?" He straightened up. "Luke, Prince Luke." I nodded and went my separate way.

I went to go sit with my parents. I notice them talking to King Damon. "Hello Zaria." I knew King Damon ever since I was a little girl. I remember how he lost his son in battle. Their kingdom corrupted by outsiders, and rebels tried to over throw the kingdom and his son caught in the cross fire died in the war.

"Hello King Damon." I plié In signs of respect. "Please don't be so formal. I see your all grown up soon to be 18." He have a grim smile as if something was on his mind.

"King let's go over by your wife and talk business." My father extended his arm for him to pass and my mother followed.

Finally bored of this ball I left the room and went out into the courtyard. I watched the stars dance in the sky and my mind soon drifted into a slumber so needed.