Coming of age Ceremony

Within the tribal temple arena, princess Zaila took a deep breath as she looked through the many faces in the crowd. Her hands started to dampen as nervousness slowly crept into her body. "It's just another day." she thoughtfully repeated under her breath in an attempt to calm herself. Her plump lips pursed in a slight pout. Zaila was a sultry beauty who has smooth sun-kissed skin that was a deep cinnamon brown with glimmers of golden undertones. When it was Zaila's turn to perform, as if on cue, the musicians of the tribal temple began playing a sensual drum melody in anticipation for her to perform a dance. As the four young women before her presented their own ritual dance routines as their presentation to the tribe. This made Zaila look at the ground and roll her almond shaped eyes that had full naturally curly lashes.

"I guess they have yet to notice my attire," she thought to herself, in good humor. Princess Zaila was wearing a crisp white military styled combat suit made of linen and pure cotton that gently hugged the curves of her body. Though she had the perfect combination of muscle tone mixed with feminine allure, her small waist, curvy hips and shapely legs brought softness to her 5'10" physique.

Zaila wore her black naturally curly hair in locs that reached just below her shoulders. Her servant Tanasi palm rolled them the evening before with jojoba and argon oil so that they were neat for the ceremony. To keep them out of her way today, she decided to wear them tied behind her back with a single piece of white silk.

"I will not be dancing in today's ceremony." She said with a loud commanding voice. Surprised by this announcement, the musicians began playing their melody a little softer. "Where is Zaaire?", she mumbled to herself while her eyes scanned over the crowd looking for her brother. Although Zaila is the first born Zaaire's birth provided the royal family with a true heir. As she looked to her left, her parents, King Amir and Queen Zulwa, sat on a raised platform in their throne-like chairs. Her mother instantly recognized a hint of worry then returned her daughter's gaze with the silent question 'What is troubling you?' With a look of reassurance, she shook her head and gave her mother a convincing smile.

A sudden commotion from the crowd forced Zaila to quickly avert her gaze. The disruption made the musicians abruptly stop playing their drums. As her dark brown eyes widened in surprise, she watched her younger brother Zaaire run full speed into the back of the crowd, causing them to disperse. While the crowd continued to separate to avoid colliding with the prince, her brother swiftly glided through. Coming closer, he then jumped into the air while twisting his body into a front flip landing on his feet in front of Zaila about four feet away.

With a small smile appearing as she stood across from her brother. She greeted him with a slight bow of her head keeping eye contact with him. While letting her smile fall she said, "Prince Zaaire it is such an honor to finally have you in attendance. We all praise the great Damu for allowing you to grace us with your presence." Her gaze narrowed. Instead of speaking directly to her, prince Zaaire addressed the tribe:

"Greetings to my people of Zulum. Today is a very special day for princess Zaila. To be truthful, I didn't come at the start of today's ceremony purposefully not wanting my presence being a distraction against my dear sister's highly anticipated debut." He smiled showing all of his teeth as the crowd mindlessly applauded his childish banter.

"Your lateness had me convinced that I would need to select a volunteer from the tribe." Zaila growled at Zaaire for only him to hear. The tone of her voice was barely polite. The prince shot a quick glare over his shoulder at his sister then back towards the crowd with a relaxed smile before continuing to speak.

"I am saying all of this to say, please excuse my lack of punctuality. My intentions were not intended to dishonor you. Now ready yourselves for what you are about to see. We have prepared a spectacular demonstration for your viewing pleasure." He bowed to the crowd which gained more applause and excitement.

Turning towards his sister, Zaaire's smiling face swiftly changing to a serious expression. Seeing his mood switch, Zaila's eyebrows raised in anticipation when he opened his mouth to speak. There was a mischievous smirk starting to appear on his face. Holding her gaze he then asked in a low voice so that only she would hear, "Shall we begin?"