Ashira Modark leaned her petite frame against the balcony rail and sighed as she glanced upon the twin moons of Kahlar, located in the southern sky. Her waist length pale blue hair flowed out behind her as the breeze caressed it and occasionally a heavy lock would fall gently against the small of her back resulting in a small uncontrollable shiver. The pupils in her keen silver eyes expanded slowly as they adjusted to the dark and she ran her long fingers over her arm in an absent minded way as she looked out into the distance.
He would be coming tonight.... she thought to herself.
Ashira's large nipples strained against the silken robe and she cursed quietly at her own bodies betrayal. Her small hands curled into a fist and she slammed them against the balcony rail. A muted chuckle coming from behind her caused Ashira to spin around in surprise.
"Why so angry, my daughter?"
Ashira narrowed her eyes and glared at the imposing figure of her father.
"Like you need to voice that question, father," she muttered.
He frowned and walked towards her. As he did so he let his eyes take in the sight of his only offspring and he found himself holding his breath as he did so. She was magnificent. The very image of her mother. King Jarred frowned slightly at the thought of his now deceased wife, wishing she could be here to ease the fear of their only child on this night.
"There is nothing to be overly frightened of, Ashira... it is the way of our people... and you are the heir to the throne, it is your duty to carry out," he lowered his voice aiming for gentleness to soothe Ashira's nerves. But she would have naught of it.
She turned on him angrily. "You are giving me to that man! I have no say in it... I might as well be an animal offered to the great feast!" Ashira spat out each word forcefully causing Jarred to wince at the anger she omitted. He himself became angry and before he realized what he had done, Jarred had brought his large hand down heavy across Ashira's face. She fell back over a lounging chair that was placed on the balcony so one could enjoy the view.
They stared at each other a long moment, both shocked by what had occurred, but Jarred hardened his face and pointed one long finger at his daughter. "You are a woman, Ashira, and I know I have spoiled you. It is well past time that you learned your place among our people and become a woman in every aspect of the word. You will become his mate.... you will respect him... and you will respect me. Or I shall make you pay for it dearly." He strode off the balcony leaving Ashira still sitting on the balcony floor and she choked back a sob as she rubbed the spot on her cheek where her father had slapped her.
