The Knight's Princess

Chapter 5

CHAPTER 5

The Coming of Age ceremony has finally arrived, and Azaria will be crowned as Demenia's crown princess. As a result, she will be the rightful heir to the throne and the Pearl Stone Amulet. According to ancient traditions, you are considered an adult at the age of sixteen. This transition is a spiritual rite that takes place in the pearl temple. During this ceremony, she will drink the cleansing water falls, allowing the winds of change to dry her off. Light the sacred candle with the fire of determination, which represents the warmth of her heart and soul. Finally, she will walk across the hot earth's rocks to lay a strong spiritual foundation that will allow her to carry the kingdom and its people when she rules someday.

The Azaria wore a dazzling gold veil with small ruby red flowers on it for the ceremony. The skirt featured a gold metallic African design on the bodice. The bodice of the gown also included tiny ruby red crocheted flowers to match the flowers on the veil. Azaria was frightened at first, but after speaking with Queen Nova, she became more relaxed and successfully completed the coming of age ritual. Her crown was gold and encrusted with rainbow diamonds. She was stunning and majestic in appearance.

“Ladies and Gentlemen I present to you Azaria Medina Princess of Demenia”

The crowed cheered for their princess. With such support it gave Azaria hope for the future.

Following the coming of age ceremony, it was time for the bounding ceremony to announce Nkosi as Princess Azaria's Golden Knight. The ritual begins when King Hashu places their hands on the Pearl Stone Amulet and had them repeat the words of Sahar Zahundai. This event lasts about 45 minutes and includes the king reading the bounding scripture before the Queen anoints them both with a magical seal on the forehead for spiritual protection and as a mark of their spirits being linked. When it was finished, they all celebrated the princess's and the new golden knight's coronation.

During the celebration Azaria went out to the gardens to get some fresh air with Nkosi not to far behind.

“Isn’t the night sky so beautiful?”

“Yes it is but maybe we should get back to everyone at the party”

“We will in a minute, but right I want you to dance with me”

“Here? Now? Are you sure that’s wise my princess?”

“Yes I’m sure”

Nkosi takes Azaria’s hand and twirls her in close to him wrapping his arm around her waist. They gazed into each other’s eyes while the stars shines brightly in the sky. Nkosi spins her out then in then dipping her so low that her crown almost fell off her head. He picks her up soaring in the air across the gardens. Azaria touched back down to the ground and skidded to a smiling and breathless halt. They both gazed into each other’s eyes again then Nkosi broke eye contact.

“umm we should get back to everyone” Nkosi suggested.

“umm yeah maybe you’re right, lets go”

The Queen walked over to Azaria with a concern expression on her face.

“Are you alright? Where were you?

“I’m mom I just went out for some fresh air, sorry I was gone so long?

“Well as long as you’re ok lets go mingle and greet everyone”

Azaria nodded her head and went off with her mother. For the remainder of the night the princess mingled and greeted her guest.

The following day Azaria was getting ready to go on her first training assignment with her sister Naliyah and Nkosi. She was so excited when Naliyah walked into Azaria’s room.

“Try not to slow me down during this training exercise”

“I’m not responsible for how slow you move”

“Whatever just make sure you keep up with my greatness” Naliyah walked off feeling like she won. What she fail to realize was that Azaria wasn’t paying her any mind because she was focused on the training assignment at hand.

All the recruits assembled to hear the training assignment for the day along with the rules of the assignment.

“Listen up recruits today’s assignment is capture the flag. It will teach you teamwork, leadership, strategic movement, etc. so no cheating, have each other’s backs, and if any serious event or injuries send a flare and we will come running. Are we clear recruits?”

“Yes Sir!”

“Good, Team A will be Azaria, Nkosi and Naliyah while you guys will be Team B, now let’s get started”

As a result, all of the recruits went to their opposing sides. Azaria's team, Team A, began marching out to take Team B's flag. A mythical White Tiger leaped out of the bushes and blocked their path as they advanced towards the other team's zone. At first, Azaria, Nkosi, and Naliyah froze.

“Do something, aren’t you gonna be future Queen sadly?”

“What’s your point?!”

“Take charge and get us out of this mess like now!”

Despite the fact that Naliyah was correct and she needed to take command. Naliyah didn't have to be such a jerk about it, in Azaria's opinion. But she had a good reason, for a tiger was staring them down. Azaria assessed the situation before implementing her strategy.

“You distract the tiger while Nkosi sneaks behind it, Naliyah. Nkosi, when I cast a paralyzing spell, you come from behind and chop off its head. Naliyah, once you're safe, use your firework magic to send out a flare.”

“Copy that” They both recognize the strategy and put it into action. While Nkosi tiptoed to the tiger's back, Naliyah used a small quantity of firework magic to grab the tiger's attention. The tiger sprayed thorns from its body while Azaria was chanting the paralyzing spell. Azaria screamed out for Naliyah to see whether she was okay after she was hit in the leg by one of the tiger's thorns. Nkosi was running out to assist Naliyah when the tiger swiped its tail at him, sending him flying into the bushes. The tiger then moved in on Azaria. She was frozen with terror and had no idea what to do until Gail, the instructor, came to her rescue and imprisoned the White Tiger in a magical electic trap so it cant escape.

“Why didn’t you send a flare? White tigers are advance level beast, you stood no chance and could’ve gotten killed, back to the castle now training over. Medics carry Naliyah back to the medical Clinic, Azaria my office now”

“Yes Sir”

Azaria arrived at Gail’s office and got chewed her out for today’s tiger event. So her punishment is she will be put on a 30 day probation meaning no training assignments for 30 days. Also 3 weeks of cleaning duties around the training grounds. Azaria agreed to the terms of her punishment and as she was leaving Gail’s office the maid informed her that her father wants to see everyone in the conference hall immediately.

Once everyone arrived except Naliyah for she was still getting treated at the medical clinic King Hashu announced that they’re all going to visit the Rose Thorn Kingdom.

“Wait what?”