As I leaned over the balcony, looking over Acanthus, I couldn't help but admired the lively city. I've wanted to be able to explore it, but I never have the time. I've always been busy training with my instructors, and I cannot leave the palace, as my father says it is dangerous in the city. My thoughts were interrupted, when I heard someone clear their throat. I turned to see a slave.
"It is time for your training, princess". She said. I nodded my head, and followed her out my room. As I walked through the long halls, I caught a few more glances of the city. I wish I could go outside these palace walls, at least once. We came to the training room, and I saw my sister, Lapis. I quickly rushed up to her, and hugged her tightly.
"Lapis, I thought you were in Thebes". I said, stunned but happy.
"Senbi needed to speak to father about something. I thought I should come to see you". Lapis told me. She scanned my body, and smiled. "By the gods. You've grown more into a woman, since the last time we spoke". She said, in awe. I smiled.
"You say that every time you've seen me". I reminded her. I looked around the room, and my eyes were caught onto a pair of sais and a spear. "Lapis...it's training time. Shall I test your skills"? I asked, with a slight smirk. Lapis smiled.
"With pleasure, little one". She said. Lapis left, to be changed into better sparring apparel. As I grabbed the sais, I started to turn them around my fingers, smiling to myself. I had myself entertained for a while, until I heard someone clear their throat. I looked up, and I saw Jahi, prince of Eastern Egypt. His royal robe shimmered of many jewels, given to him, by his family. He had a smug smile on his face, as he walked closer to me.
"Layla, my dear. Still as beautiful as ever". He cooed. I forced a smile onto my face, and walked toward him.
"Jahi, it's nice to see you again; however, why are you here? Does your father have business with my father"? I asked him. He shook his head.
"No, I am here for personal reasons". He said, as his eyes scanned my body. I felt slightly awkward, as he looked at my body.
"What are those...personal reasons"? I asked. His eyes stared into mine.
"I am here, to ask for your hand". Jahi said. My eyes slightly widened. I've never liked Jahi to be his wive, nor did I even like him at all. I only dealt with him, because of father. Besides, I do not wish to marry someone I do not love.
"Jahi...I...I cannot accept. I cannot marry you". I said, softly. I could tell by his eyes, that he seemed hurt, but he body said a different thing.
"You will change you mind, princess". He said, as he slightly bowed his head. Then, he turned, and left the training room. A few moments later, Lapis walked in, properly dressed. She had a smile on her face.
"Are you ready, dear sister"? Lapis asked, as she walked over to a spear. She then walked toward me, and we both stood in our stance. I smirked.
"Of course, sister". I said, as I lunged at her. My blades slashing at her spear, barely missing her. As I tried to attack her head, she managed to block my sai, and hit me in my stomach. I fell slightly, but quickly rolled away, as she brought her spear down. I moved my mid-back length dark brown hair, out of my face, to get a better look of Lapis. She wore a smirk on her face.
"Still predictable, I see". Lapis said. Then, she charged at me, spear blade first, and I quickly back flipped away, and as I did so, I grabbed one of my sai. I stood up, and took my stance.
"I am just getting started, sister". I said, as I started to charged toward her. When she swung the spear, I easily slid on the floor, and managed to trip her. She fell to the ground, and I climbed on top of her, with my blade at her neck. She breathed heavily as a smile formed on her face.
"Very nice, Layla. You've seemed to improve". She said. I smiled and pulled my blade away from her neck. I stood up, and helped her stand. A few moments later, I heard clapping, and turned to see my father and Senbi applauding us. I smiled slightly.
"I was right, to have my wonderful daughters of the protectors of such treasures". My father said as he walked toward Lapis and I. He placed his hand on the Amulet of the Heart, that rested around my neck. He looked at Lapis. "Is the Book of the Dead safe"? He asked Lapis. She nodded her head.
"Of course, father. I have our most trusted men watching over the book". She assured him. He smiled, and nodded his head. Then, he looked at me.
"Did you speak with Prince Jahi"? My father asked me. I slowly nodded my head.
"He asked me to marry him". I told him. He raised an eyebrow.
"You accepted, of course". He said. I shook my head.
"No, father. I told him I couldn't". I admitted. My father's eyes narrowed on me. I could tell he was furious with me rejecting the young prince.
"You've come to the age of marriage. You must marry him"! My father boomed. I shook my head.
"I cannot marry a man I don't love, father. Besides, if I marry, I'll only be distracted from my duties". I explained. My father shook his head in disapproval and turned to walk out the room. I could tell how angry he was, but he never understood me. Many times, he's brought suitors to me, and many times I coldly rejected them. I looked over at Lapis, who had a hint of sorrow in her eyes.
"It was nice to see you again, sister. But, I'm afraid I must leave". I told her. She nodded her head. I looked at Senbi. "I hope you treat her well, Senbi". I told him. He nodded his head. I turned, and walked out the training room. When I made it to my room, I walked out onto balcony and sat on the railing. I looked above the city, and all I could do, was wish for freedom. I placed my hand onto the amulet on my neck.
"If I didn't have to protect this...I could be out there". I said, softly. I laid my head against the pillar, and closed my eyes. I stayed there for a while, until night fell. I had walked to my bedside, and placed the amulet into the chest on the nightstand. I laid into my bed, and shortly fell into a deep sleep.
