Chapter 1 - The Story Begins
She smoothed out her dress, taking a moment to look over herself in the mirror one last time. A sullen look on her face, like someone attending a funeral. The silky fabric clung to her body showing off every curve perfectly, a deep red like the wine she will soon have with every meal.
Her stomach dropped as her father gently placed her mothers diamond necklace around her neck, squeezing her shoulders softly. It was the last thing her mother gave her before she passed away. Tears welled up in her eyes as she wiped them away angrily. After months of trying the king finally offered such a large sum for her hand that they couldn’t turn him away. She knew her father needed the money to keep himself and his business a float. So did the king.
She swallowed hard and grabbed her tiny bag of necessities, preparing to walk out into the yard when her father grabbed her wrist softly. “Can’t forget this now can we?” He chuckled as her eyes widened taking in the shine of a new beautiful blade. No longer than her forearm, equipped with a sheath and harness that fit perfectly on her hips.
Choking back tears she threw her arms around her father and squeezed tightly, “It’s beautiful papa, truly beautiful.”
He held her tightly and stroked her hair “I love you so much my dear, I know you will be okay. You are so strong, just like your mother...” his voice trailed off slightly, pulling away to take one last look at her. Where had the time gone? She had her mother’s stunning red hair and her father’s pale icy blue eyes, with the softest kiss of freckles over her cheeks and shoulders.
