The palace was a world of gold and silk, but to Zaria, it felt like a cage. While her brothers trained with swords and spears, she was confined to the royal chambers, dressed in elaborate robes and forced to learn the ways of a proper princess. But Zaria was no ordinary girl—she was born under the blood moon, destined for something greater.
She had seen the warriors training in the courtyard, their blades flashing under the sun. She had watched her father lead councils of war, speaking of enemies beyond the great river. She had listened to the whispers of servants, telling tales of the battles that shaped the land. And deep in her heart, she knew she did not belong among embroidered veils and delicate jewels.
One evening, as the sun bled into the horizon, she made her decision. She slipped out of the palace, her small feet silent against the stone floors. She knew where she was going—the royal training grounds, where only men were allowed.
She crouched behind a stone pillar, watching as the warriors clashed in the arena. One fighter stood out. General Baku, her father's most trusted commander, a mountain of muscle with scars that told a thousand stories. His sword moved like a whisper of death, cutting through his opponent's defenses with brutal precision.
Zaria's heart pounded.
"I can fight," she whispered to herself. "I was born to fight."
But before she could step forward, a hand gripped her wrist.
She turned, her breath catching in her throat. It was her mother, Queen Nyasha, her gaze fierce as a storm.
"You do not belong here," her mother said, voice sharp but quiet.
Zaria lifted her chin. "Why not? My brothers do."
Her mother sighed. "Because you are meant for something greater. You are more than a warrior, Zaria. You are a ruler."
Zaria clenched her fists. "How can I rule if I do not understand battle?"
For a long moment, her mother said nothing. Then, to Zaria's shock, the queen smiled—a knowing, dangerous smile.
"Then let us see what you are capable of," she said.
That night, under the cover of darkness, Queen Nyasha led her daughter to a hidden courtyard deep within the palace walls. A place where no king's decree could reach. A place where a girl could learn to become more than just a princess.
A place where a lioness would be set free.
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