Character Interview: Imara (Royal Captive)

Note: This character interview was originally shared as part of the Royal Captive Media Tour.

Hey Imara! Would you mind taking a moment to tell us a little about yourself?
   Of course! I’m Princess Imara Buhari of Zennor. I’m the third child of seven, and I think being a middle child allowed me to get away with a lot of things—which probably only widened my natural mischievous streak. I have five sisters and one little brother. I love traveling, making people laugh, and learning new things. I believe in embracing life. I’m not one to sit back and just let things happen. The fates might have a plan, but so do I.

Let's get the standard getting to know you questions out of the way, shall we? How old are you? 
   18


Do you have a favorite color?
   Yellow


What is your favorite flower?
   There’s a flower native to Zennor called savai; it’s bright orange, and the blossoms are large and very beautiful. I love the vibrancy and resiliency of this flower.

Please, describe yourself in three words.

• Optimistic
• Friendly
• Loyal

Now, on to the more fun questions! Is there someone you call your best friend, and how long have they had the honor of holding that title?
   My cousin, Princess Serene of Devendra. She’s been my best friend my whole life, even if we didn’t always see each other often. She can be a bit stiff sometimes, especially since losing her mother. But she has a wonderful heart, and I wish more people could see that.

Everyone loves a childhood memory. Do you have one you would like to share?
   When I was about five years old, I desperately wanted a monkey. My older sister told me they only lived in the jungle, so I decided I would live in the jungle, too. I packed up my favorite toys and left a note for my parents, and I arranged for one of my younger sisters to distract our nursemaid so I could sneak out. When my parents found the note, they of course panicked. A search was organized, and everyone rushed to the jungle that borders the city.
   What they didn’t realize is that in my mind, the “jungle” was actually the castle garden. So, while everyone was madly searching for me, fearful that I would be eaten by some dangerous animal, I was building a blanket tent in the back corner of the garden.
   When I got hungry, I naturally went to the kitchen for a snack. The cooks were so astonished to see me! And because I’d gotten quite dirty while building my new home, they truly feared I’d barely survived a harrowing trip to the jungle. They fed me my favorite cake and everyone fawned over me while a message was sent to my parents.
   When they arrived and learned about my definition of a jungle, my father couldn’t stop laughing. My mother was a little more frustrated with me, but I got delicious cake out of it. 
I never did get my monkey, though.


I'm curious, how many kingdoms have you visited? Do you have a favorite?
   Now that I’m in Mortise, I’ve been to every kingdom except Ryden. My favorite kingdom is my own: Zennor. I just love the people, the culture, the food—it’s home.

In all your travels, did you ever find a place you could see yourself settle down as a civilian?
   What an intriguing idea! I think I would choose to settle in Zennor, probably on the coast.

If you were a civilian, would your talent for forgeries aid you in earning a living?
   Forgeries? Goodness, so blunt! Well, I may have some skills in that area. And I may have used those skills in order to accompany Serene on her journey to Mortise. But what can I say? She needed me. I wasn’t going to let her meet her future husband alone!
As for those forgery skills possibly earning me a living . . . That’s an intriguing idea that may have some merit.

How did you learn such an ability?
   It was a mixture of boredom and my aforementioned mischievous streak. But when it comes to all the details of how and what my first forgery was . . . Well, a girl must have some secrets!

Do you have any other hobbies?
   Oh, the usual things. Reading, embroidery . . . I play the flute as well—sort of. I didn’t have much patience for practice, so I’d often sneak out of my lessons early.


What about your betrothed? I'm sure everyone would love to hear what you have to say about him. 
   My father recently arranged my marriage to the leader of the Kabu clan, a man named Skyer. We’ve only met a few times, so I don’t feel like I know him well enough to say much more than that.

When is the wedding, and how are you feeling about it?
   The wedding is set for this fall. My feelings are a bit tangled, but I’m looking forward to doing my part to stabilize the relationship between the monarchy and the clans. 
   I should probably add that it’s possible I joined Serene on her tour to Mortise partly because I’m nervous about marrying Skyer, and I needed some time away from Zennor before my wedding.

Thank you so much for joining me today, Imara. I hope you know that you are beloved by many. We wish the best for you and your kingdom.
   Thank you so much! I appreciate that. And I’m glad we had this chance to visit!