"Is that a hint for me to get to the library?"

"Yes. You wouldn't want to work so hard in planning the
ceremony and come to find out you cannot fulfill your role in the
ceremony because you couldn't pass your Rite of Initiation.
Remember, it's in two weeks."

Sophia and Hecuba looked at Lila with shock in their eyes as the
Amazon Princess looked away guiltily. "Got to go," she
stated as she took off to the library.

"Chilapa, I thought she already passed that Rite."

"She passed most of it Hecuba. But she couldn't answer
not one question about our laws or traditions unless it had to with
bonding ceremonies. So now, she has to take it again. Don't
worry, she'll do fine as long as she studies. In fact, I have
assigned Tali to help her with her studies. They could both use
it."

"Thanks Chilapa."

The Regent nodded. "I have some duties that need my
attention, so please excuse me." She bowed slightly before she
headed toward the council hut.

Sophia shook her head. "Talk about formal. It's a
wonder that Chilapa hasn't found a royal title to stick you
with Hecuba. No wonder Lila couldn't pass the test with Miss
Protocol asking the questions."

"Lila not passing is her own fault. I wonder why she lead
us to believe that she passed everything. If Gabrielle had
known…"

"Then she would have never left the village. Instead she
would have stayed to help her little sister, which would had made
Lila feel more guilty."

"Well, hopefully Tali will be able to help."

*****

For two hours the young women studied in virtual silence at the
trainee’s barracks. "Can't we take a break? I
can't stuff anything else in my head."

Tali did not look up from her scroll. "Do whatever you
want. After all, you are the Princess."

"And what's that suppose to mean?" Tali did not
answer but continued to peer down at her studies, her long
dirty-blond hair hiding her face. Lila frowned at the young
trainee. "Are you still mad? How many times do I have to say
I'm sorry?"

Tali finally looked up at Lila's face, her chestnut eyes
dark with anger. "Do you realize what I went through when I
had hurt you? I had just gotten out of the dog house for what I did
to the Queen when you decided to pull your little stunt. While you
were convalescing, all the other trainees made sure I got what they
thought I deserved."