Princess Amira Layla Al-Sahra’i
Author's Notes Princess Layla is an influential figure and a close friend. I have tried to do a just and fair job representing her in my bio of her. Hopefully she will forgive any misunderstandings or misrepresentatation of her or her family in this bio or in the other works I have authored and forgive my boldness in airing her personal thoughts and feelings. Know that I do it in deepest respect and honor as a dual-citizen. Equally a subject of the Underground Kingdom of Al-Sahra, a most humble friend, and a free hull commander after the sterling code of the Nüüdelchid spacefarers.
-OES
Princess Amira Layla is directly in line for the throne of the Underground Kingdom of Al-Sahra' - better known as The Combs. The King's brothers harbored a plan to diminish the power of her future position in favor of their own prospects, but that is far from saying she was embroiled in palace intrigue.
Early Life: Layla kept a low profile mostly during her youth, but had an upbringing with enough prominence and public recognition that she was raised to believe her actions reflected on the Al-Sahra'i name. Her father always expected her to uphold their family values and maintain the Al-Sahra'i strength and control over the Combs, in order to protect it from selfish influences of others who would seek power.
She grew up in the family palace, surrounded by wealth and privilege, but also isolated from some of the struggles of the common people. Her education was rigorous, including studies about on the family’s history, etiquette, and political maneuvering, but heavily infused with practical skills as well, even technical engineering. Personally, she loved the idea of piloting a spaceship; she told me that as a little girl she dreamed that flying away as a pilot would grant her the independence she craved.
The Amira has a strong moral compass and feels deep empathy for others, but was cautious about openly challenging her father's brothers, who outranked her position as Crown Princess before the later resolutions passed by her father the King. She has mentioned to me how she was sometimes torn between doing what she feels is right and feeling the need to protect her family from the criticism of the public.
Amira Layla has a sharp intellect. However, her strategic thinking extends beyond personal or family gain. She has proven interested in using her position to make positive change, much like her father. While outwardly composed and often reserved due to her upbringing, I know Amira is quietly compassionate. She feels an internal struggle to balance the façade she has to maintain of regal separation and her genuine care for those around her. She has openly told me and others that the constant pressure from her future position sometimes leads to moments of self-doubt, but her time at the Academy and her friendships she developed there helped her to solidify her sense of identity both as part of the Al-Sahra'i legacy and also of her own.