The power of the royal family was unthinkable, every decision they made had an influence on the people. Be it good or bad , the people didn't have a say. Every statement the royals made was law.
Is a cruel system if you think deep into it. Azura wanted to change that. She wanted to make the people feel like they belong.
"Zurie do you want some cake ?" Getting pulled out of her thoughts Azura didn't even notice that she finished eating. Her brother looked at her with a soft smile gesturing to the chocolate cake that was in the middle of the table.
It took a while for her to convince him that she won't disappear. He kept glancing at her throughout the time they were eating, even with her sitting next to him, he still felt like this was all a dream.
"I would love some, thank you turtle" his smile widened as he placed a piece of cake on her plate. Azura's reply was soft but he heard her loud and clear.
He missed that pet name , when they were younger they use to play in the garden and race one another, Elliot was always behind her whenever they raced , leading in Azura always winning , she always teased him that he was as slow as a turlte. And the pet name stuck afterwards . He was her turtle.
"Azura, your mother and I felt that you should not go around the palace without any guards, so we asked for the top ten trusted guards to assemble on the training field after lunch , so after eating you will go there with Chief William and pick out which ever ones you feel can protect you." Her father looked at her with a crooked smile , hinting to her about what she said to him in the holding cells.
Azura knew what she said a few hours ago was a lie , but nodded her head at her father playing along "Of course father ".
...
Ten minutes later Azura had just finished in the dining hall as she excused herself and walked out the doors to be greeted with Chief William shouting at Mary.
"Sir , I already told you this is my lady's beast ! " Mary hide the snake to her side as she answered the Chief.
Hold out her arm Azura looked between the two.
"What is the meaning of this , Anox come here . Now." Anox , who wanted to be far way from these two shouting humans gladly jumped from the pillow and onto Azuras arm, slithering up to her bare shoulders." This snake is mine , what is the meaning of this Chief Bear."
She knew this would happen sooner or later. "Why didn't we know about this beast while you were in the holding cell" Chief William was suspicious of the beast. But his demoner softened when he looked at Azura petting the snake.
"Because he was sleeping in the hood of my cloak. " Giving an soft reply was the easiest way to work around William, he had always given into her when she pulled her innocent look and soft smiles at him.
And it still worked, his body relaxed as he smiled at her , forgetting about the snake when he saw her smiling face, "Okay then , would you like to go to the training field now princess?" The atmosphere changed to a low calmness , making the tense Mary relax as she moved to stand behind Azura with the rest of her servants.
"I would appreciate it if we could go now Please Sir Bear. " The old man could only smile and hold out his arm for her to take as he thought to himself, I never thought she would turn into such a innocent beauty.
Azura took his arm as she petted Anox with her other hand. "Yes pet me human, you left me with these shouting rats. I deserve this nice treatment. " Anox grumbled out at her as they walked down to the training grounds.
The training field was spread out wide with wepons on all the walls, dummies scattered around , a training rink , and all other things littered around the place as men used them for their training. " Princess Azura has arrived!" Startled by the sudden screech of a voice Azura's eyes widend as she jumped slightly, Chief William noticed this and looked at the girl in pity.
Azura who was just surprised by the high pitched voice didn't notice the pity look Chief William gave her , he obviously thought to deep into it , thinking she was scared of every little thing around her .
"Alright , those who resieved a letter earlier today please line up , the rest of you all can continue with your training!" Chief William called loudly. Ten soldiers lind up infront of her, all of them wore the same attire. A loose fitted while cotton shirt and black training pants with sturdy looking shoes.
"Alright princess make your pick " William told her softly as he gestured towards the men infront of her.
Azura had to be carful , she had to pick those she knew would stay by her side. While walking here she thought of a plan to test them. As she let go of the Chiefs arm she walked forward to the first man infront of her. His hair was black and slightly tossed around. His eyes that were the color of the forests she lived in were looking straight at nothing in particular.
Stoping right infront of him he lowered himself into a bow "Greetings Princess Azura" his voise was deep , very deep, "No need to bow , you may rise "
River never heard a voice as soft as hers before , it flowed past his ears like honey, with a swift motion he lifted his head and looked forward again. " Look at me soldiers" shifting his eyes he looked at her , stunned by her beauty" If the royal family was in danger and you could only save one , who would it be " baffled by her question he immediately answered " i would save the heir of the throne"
His answer pleased Azura as she gave him a soft smile , a quick thinker he was,he would come in handy. " What is your name ?" She asked him. "My name is River ,your highness " a name that suited him well she thought.
Moving away from him to the person next to him she looked at him and immediately noticed an arrogant look on his face. This was the type of person she doesn't need. Not even bothered to look at him again. She moved on to the next person.