((This post is long because it's the first post. Please don't feel pressured to make yours long too! Most of mine from now on will likely be much shorter))
Another day of entertaining visiting dignitaries. Sumara was becoming quite bored with the diplomats from Agrea. The man sitting across from her at the table was droning on and on about naval trade routes, and all Sumara could do was nod politely and sip on her spiced tea. "Your Highness, what is your opinion on the trade proposal?" The man suddenly asked, catching Sumara by surprise. She hadn't listened to a word the man was saying. She gently set her teacup on the saucer, folding her hands in her lap. She looked up at the man with a gaze of kindness and confidence, answering, "It has the potential of being beneficial for some." A rather indirect answer that gave the dignitary nothing. He didn't expect anything more. Sumara was supposed to remain neutral in politics - all decisions were for her mother. Hers was the only opinion that mattered.
"Oh! Look! Here comes dessert." Sumara quickly changed the subject, signifying her disinterest in it. Understanding the signal, the dignitary gave a polite smile, keeping his mouth shut.
When the dinner was finally over, Sumara stood, a silent command to the other attendees that it was time for them to take their leave, as well. The diplomats stood, bowing deeply to the Princess as her bodyguards escorted her out of the room, and back to her quarters. Her suite was at the top of the southern tower, and she took the steps slowly, with one hand resting gently on the banister, careful not to trip on the hem of her skirt. When she finally reached the entrance of her quarters, her guards stepped in front of her, opening the doors. She stepped inside, and the two guards saluted respectfully, before shutting the doors behind her and taking their leave.
Once inside, Sumara finally relaxed. She walked through the sitting room and towards her bedroom, opening the door unceremoniously and entering. She stretched her arms towards the ceiling, yawning loudly. Her Lady-in-Waiting, Aza, stopped what she was doing and greeted Sumara, asking, "Long night?" Officially, Aza was her servant and inferior, and while in public she treated Sumara as a princess, behind closed doors, she was more of a friend than anything else. "That was so boring!" Sumara complained, "I can't believe my mother made me sit through that." Aza laughed, bringing up Sumara's hand to take off her rings. "Well, it's not like she could do it herself. She's away right now." Aza opened Sumara's jewelry box and placed her rings in little velvet holders, then turned back around to take off her bracelets. "Besides," Aza began, "She wants to make sure you would make a good ruler." Sumara rolled her eyes, protesting, "My sister is going to be queen, not me! And good thing, too!" Aza placed the bangles gently into the jewelry box, closing it and turning back to Sumara with her hands on her hips. "It never hurts to be prepared!" She teased, a good natured tone to her voice. Sumara simply laughed, letting herself fall backwards onto her bed, arms outstretched.
"Anyways, the rest of the night is yours. Should I draw a bath for you? Or fetch one of the musicians?" Sumara wrinkled her nose at the options, running possibilities through her head. "Actually, I think I'll go down to the beach tonight. Just to relax." Aza nodded, quickly walking over to Sumara's wardrobe. "Your green one?" Aza asked, picking through Sumara's swimwear and cover-ups. "Yes, please," Sumara answered, hauling herself off the bed and preparing to get changed.
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Sumara arrived at the beach with her two guards. "Leave me," she commanded them, and they obeyed, standing guard at the arched entryway. The beach was beautiful, closed in by palm trees, ferns, and different types of tropical flowers. The sun was beginning to set, and despite the slight chill, Sumara removed her heavy, embroidered cover-up, revealing a green bathing suit encrusted with jewels. Thankfully, in Aurelia, it not considered immodest to show one's stomach, so the suit was in two pieces - a cropped short-sleeved top, and loose bottoms that tied off at her knee.
She pulled her long braid over left shoulder, and waded into the water, dipping her entire body in once the water was deep enough. Sumara swam a bit further out into the ocean, looking out at the beautiful sunset, painted in golds and pinks. Deciding that she had gone far enough, Sumara closed her eyes, listening to the lapping of the waves against the rocks. She dipped her head back, taking a deep breath as the cool water washed over her face. Finally, she was able to really unwind.
