She was young, a beautiful girl who wholesomely enjoyed life; to her people she was simply irresistable. She had eyes that sparkled emerald green against dark, full lashes. Her lips were radiant pink and curved slightly to a natural smile. Prominent cheek bones proudly defined the beauty of her face. Dark blonde hair spilled just below the small of her back as loose strands fell forward to frame her forehead. She boasted long shapely legs, a shorter torso, and subtle curves. She was a petite creature; a day short of her eighteenth birthday. Her name was as majestic as she, Alèna Maranèt Dèsary II, a princess well loved and respected by her country. Her mother was the spitting image of her beautiful daughter as a teen. Though unfortunately, EIísia passed away only moments after the girl's birth. As a single father, Kaidante ruled over their small country with authority and wisdom.
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Alèna, being the free spirit she is, was oblivious to the serious predicament her father was in.
He never wanted to expose his beautiful daughter to a world of war and blood lust and preferred to keep her in a veil of innocence.
Alèna wasn't aware at just how much her father sheltered her.
She was a passionate, sensitive, and talented young woman and it showed in how she spent her days.
In the morning, after breakfast, she sang the songs of her country while she dressed and readied herself.
She possessed a beautiful voice supported by a gorgeous tone.
After lunch she changed into her leotard and danced the afternoon away. Her pointe shoes were a blur as her body ferociously whipped around and twirled in endless pirouettes.
Effortlessly, she practiced leg tilts and kicks that showed off her flexibility.
Her aerials and switch leaps were accompanied by a soft, dainty landing.
Exhausted, after a fulfilling supper, she calmed herself by playing classical music on the piano.
Her fingers moved across the keys with ease and her shoulders followed the movements that her heart felt inside.
It wasn't until the next morning, on her birthday, that it all changed...
*********
"Father what's wrong?" She asks at the breakfast table.
"My dear it is nothing but adult business that you mustn't concern yourself with."
A sudden quell of confidence shows on Alèna's face. She takes a deep breath and with a small, troubled glance at her father she blurts out,
"I am eighteen now! You don't need to treat me as a child anymore! I can handle anything you tell me!"
He raises his eyebrow,
"Surely you don't think just because you are older now that you aren't just as innocent? Well you have always been such an inquisitive girl..." He trails off.
Puzzled eyes looked questioningly back at him until he proceeds with an answer.
"Our small country is in danger..."
Her eyes prompt him to continue. He sighs meaningfully and speaks truthfully,
"The vast and wealthy empire of Diyoto seeks to expand. Their ways are sickening and unjust. Sadly, although we hoped to remain a hidden country in our mountainous area, Diato's leader Raquinn discovered our whereabouts. They have offered a treaty asking us to sacrifice twenty of our finest women to their country and thus avoid a blood waging war."
Her face shows undeniable shock and disgust. "I had never thought my country to be in danger, I am sorry father."
She tries to hide her fear before she prompts,
"What does he mean by.. - finest women.... why, father.... - why?"
The frustration in her eyes hurt him, but he knew he had to go on.
"Darling, their wealth is prospered by buying and selling beautiful women into domestic slavery. The market is large and so is the profit.." He wrinkles his nose. "You don't need to know any more."
"But.."
***********
BOOM!
