THE PRIZE

There was tension in the atmosphere. Everywhere appeared to be closed and tight yet there was a breeze blowing.

Right in the palace the queen was in her seat while the 13 elders sat at both sides of the hall facing each other with a long table before them.

They were served some fruits and wine but what was dished before them became invisible and irrelevant because of the tension in the air and the dust they had raised concerning not allowing the princess to ascend the throne after the queen because there was no male heir.

Seven out of thirteen were flexing their muscles in protest of not going to allow that to happen while they sat and watched.

As the tension was heating, the door to the hall was opened but nobody cared to notice who walked in.

The guards within and all the servants turned and looked at the door. They were taken by the elegance and beauty of the princess - both in physique and outfit. They fixed their gaze on her as she elegantly walked towards the royal table to sit with the queen.

Getting to the middle of where the elders were, she stretched out her right hand pointing in the direction of Mr Kin (Mr. Kin was busy flexing his muscles without taking note of her presence) while having her full body facing straight ahead and just twisted her head 180 to the right using a crossbow and shot an arrow brushing Mr Kin's ear and breaking a vase that was directly behind him close to a pillar. 

The atmosphere became so silent that one could feel the weight of the tension in the air. All the elders froze in their position. That moment one could hear the sound of a passing fly.

She brought down her hand, and walked elegantly right to where Mr. Kin was, looking at him with a plain face she said "Anything more to say?"

She turned round looking at the rest of the elders in the face and asked them "Anyone? Speak now or forever remain silent."

Nobody said a word. Those that were standing flexing their muscles sat down quietly and those that were initially seated calmed their nerves and to those that were not a part of all the ruckus - some picked grapes to eat while some grabbed their cup of wine.

The Princess walked to her seat and gracefully sat down while handing it over to a guard standing behind the crossbow.

She whispered in the queen's ears and the queen used her left hand to permit her to speak as she waved it from right to left ushering her to take the floor.

The princess stood before the elders and started to speak.

" I know your fears and how you feel about the whole situation. First, let me apologize for the stunt I've pulled on you all..."

The next word did not escape from her as Mr Kin snatched the moment and shouted "Stunt! (Standing up in anger) You call this stunt when you nearly raptured my right ear." The elder to his left calmed him down and asked him to be silent or next time it's the two that will be raptured since he has no use of them and when it happens, he'll be responsible. 

Mr Kin was quiet because everyone respected that elder. He's one of the oldest among them. ( He sat down quietly looking frustrated because he was not allowed to rant as he pleased). The princess gave a pleasant expression to Mr George as a form of appreciation for intervening.

She continued "Once more my apologies go to Mr. Kin and then to the rest of the elders who were startled. My heartfelt gratitude goes to you all for your support and contributions towards the growth and safety of this empire. I want to bring to your knowledge that the queen and I have not for once taken that for granted.

I used to be just a princess (Pacing back and forth as she speaks) but standing before you is a princess that has passed through the fire to be worthy of that seat (pointing to where her mother is seated). I am my mother's daughter and nothing less of her will sit there except more.

Today, I want to let you know that the queen made sure of that that's why she set me on that journey.

Leaving the palace and going out there to get the prize while I survive has prepared me for the future.

The queen said to me before I Left, you are your mother's daughter, you have all it takes to survive and get what is needed which is the prize that can qualify you for this seat I'm sitting on. Don't give up no matter how hard it gets and never look back but ahead for the prize. Follow the map and reach the mountain. Get to the top of it, walk straight, and turn to your left when you reach a dead end there's an opening, walk right into it, take a few steps, and look straight ahead you'll see the prize.

I left with only what was needed for my journey it seemed like I hadn't held anything.

I walked through a thick forest and faced many obstacles but despite everything, I said to myself no matter how dark and rough it might be there would be an open land ahead where I could see clearly and breathe freely.

Unfortunately, I walked right into a desert. It was dry and soft yet I could feel its harshness breathing down my skin. I nearly gave up at some point but remembering the responsibility that rests on my shoulders I decided to keep going and fighting through. I said again, there had to be a green land ahead so let's take it a step at a time as we cover up the distance.

The green land ahead was a city of many things. It was a place one could easily find many reasons not to go on with the journey neither turn back but remain and start a life because I've come too far and there's more to cover. But one thing kept me going - the prize I'm to attain which is more valuable. I was told many were able to reach this point but decided to remain here since life seemed easy and full of adventure in that region.

I passed through other cities with different experiences and views about life.

I did not let it hold me back even though I knew what lay ahead.

I crossed rivers and climbed mountains. I went through the valley and fought my way out.

On getting to the right mountain I nearly became feeble because I knew I was about to get to the finish line but being born of the royal family one thing I know and have held onto was Never relapse until it is finished. I learned this from my father.

That gave me the strength to keep going because a moment of delay can create a moment of jeopardy.

Getting to the top and navigating my way through the instructions given to me I reached the point where the prize was.

Do you know what I saw?"

Everywhere was hushed as they awaited to hear what the prize was.

Then she said, "I saw me on the glassy wall. It was my reflection".

Everyone now became at ease and some started mumbling.  Mr. Frost impatiently asked, "Then what?"

She continued "Then it dawned on me, the moment I decided to step out of the palace to embark on this journey, I have started attaining the prize.

The reflection I saw was not of the spoilt princess, neither of the weak but of her that has passed through rough times and moments of tough decisions. My doughty spirit made me to be able to survive.

The queen knows a kingdom cannot be ruled by a baby, a doormat, or an individual who cannot make tough decisions.

She knows a kingdom must be in the hand of him that has control over his emotions and to attain a lasting training it must take time and effort. It takes the will to get there and also, it takes the ability to learn and stick to your values.

I have learned a lot, I have seen a lot, and have had first-hand experience.

I have paid the price, I have attained the prize. Do not think of the princess that grew before you but rather see a woman who has gone through the drill needed to handle matters of the kingdom.

I will work with you and my duties I will not sleep on them.”

The entire people were taken by her words and it made them speechless.

Mr Kin relaxed in his seat as he tore the lap of roasted chicken that was later served. An expression of half-acceptance and the notion that the other half can be won based on the outcome was what took over his face as he chewed the meat.

One of the elders raises his cup of wine as a sign of acceptance and is pleased with the narrative. The rest raised theirs in acceptance and exclaimed “Long live the queen.”

All the people in the palace chorused "Long live the queen, Long live the kingdom of Robust.”

The queen smiled at the princess as she raised her cup in congratulations on her daughter’s achievement and the princess smiled at all.