• Princess Starr Zuri Varik was by the window, the mid-afternoon light hit her just right, making her long golden hair glow. She smiled, happy with how she looked. She was a god to the citizens of her father's nation. It would be hers soon; all she had to do was wait. Her father was finding suitable men so that her dreams could come all the sooner. She had been trained sense birth on how to rule Rience.

    "Madam, lord Varik wishes to speak to you." Starr's personal servant Nellie entered the room and curtsied. Nellie was a peasant girl who was lucky enough to get a job waiting on the ruler's daughter. She had fair brown hair that was often worn in a long braid and Grey eyes. She had a plain face and plain clothes.

    "Thank you, Nellie. Brush and plait my hair." Starr loved looking good in front of her father and his Counselors. The counselors lingering stares enraged her father but caused Starr to feel smoldering warmth. Starr hummed as Nellie brushed her hair and braided it. She then changed into a stunning lavender silk dress; it was light enough so that she would not overheat in the mid-afternoon heat. She ran down the stairs to the main hall where her father was, the guards let her in immediately. She felt their eyes fallowing her as she walked inside the hall. It was a breathe-taking room; it had huge arches and marble statues of gods and goddess, including a life size marble sculpture of her father. Her father was on a large chair, almost a throne but not quite. He was a handsome man; his blond hair had turned Grey many years ago. He had light blue eyes and the start of wrinkles around his mouth. He dresses in elegant clothes that breathed money. He was a strict and merciless man; Starr had seen him kill more then one person. The counselors were spread across the room in polite but attentive stances.

    "Ah, my beautiful Starr, I have news for you concerning your future. An eligible man has asked for your hand in marriage. Officer Benjamin of the island Warwick, will meet you tonight for a small party." Her father spoke with confidence and pride. Starr felt happy; her life was fitting together perfectly.

    "Yes father, I will be more then happy to meet Officer Benjamin tonight. If you will excuse me I will go change and bathe." Starr curtsied deeply. Her father nodded and Starr walked out of the hall. The councilor's cold eyes fallowed her as she left. Once Starr got back to her room, her mood changed, her father wanted this to be perfect. Once in her room she called Nellie.

    "Nellie, I am meeting a suitor tonight. I want to look perfect. If you mess up I swear you will not live another day." Starr got her body buffed and polished for more then an hour. She chose a glorious dark blue dress; it hugged every curve of her body and flowed into a short train. It had no sleeves and was held up the gods intended. Her hair was pulled up into a high bun with some hair left down to frame her face. She studied her appearance in the mirror, she looked older and mature. If tonight went well, she would soon be the ruler of the islands. Everything was fitting into place.

    “Madam, Your father sent up this locket for you.” Nellie held a gold chain in her hand, it had a perfect heart in the middle. Starr loved it immediately, when she put it on she felt the glowing warmth that she loved.

    "Nellie, bring me my rose water. I want to smell perfect tonight." Nellie carefully grabbed the small glass bottle. As she was walking over she tripped over the carpet and the glass shattered. The rosewater splashed everywhere, filling the room with a strong smell.

    "You clumsy b***h! How dare you! I will take that rose water out of your hide!" Starr raised her hand and slapped Nellie across the face. "You will never get a job in the house again. Guards come take this whore out of here and mark her!"

    Starr's personal bodyguard Ayman entered the room, he was a hulking man, and he had his tongue cut out so he would never argue. He pulled Nellie out of the room, he would then pass her down to the dungeon where she would be raped and branded with a hot iron. Several lesser servants came into the room and started to clean up. By the time, the room was clean and Starr had put on the last final changes. Ayman was already back, he would serve as Starr's chaperon, because Nellie was sent away. Starr strolled grandly down the stairs; her father was at the bottom of the stairs waiting for her with another man.

    "Ah, here she is, Lord Benjamin this is my lovely daughter Starr."

    Lord Benjamin was young and good looking. He had short curly brown hair and brown eyes. Despite his young age, he had a certain weathered look. He wore a solid black suit. His fingers where adorned with priceless jewels. He was clearly in good favor with Lord Varik. He blushed when he saw Starr and he was clearly besotted. Starr felt a longing for him, he was perfect.

    "Come young ones; let us join the others for a dance and a meal." Lord Varik entered the grand hall. Rich officials danced together wearing stunning suits and dresses. The Music stopped when Starr and her father were noticed. The Officials fell on the ground bowing and scraping. Starr felt a warm glow as she felt their stares. Lord Varik's personal guard announced them to the people.

    "Presenting the protector of humans, destroyer of evil, Overlord Kostya Varik and his beautiful daughter, Princess Starr Zuri Varik.” The guard bowed and stepped aside. Starr and her father walked through the crowd greeting the more prominent members. The Band started playing the waltz; Lord Varik walked to his throne and sat, coolly appraising the dancers. Starr felt a tap on her shoulder. In the excitement, she had all but forgotten about Lord Benjamin.

    "May I have a dance?" His voice was soft but rough.

    "Yes, yes I would." Starr could not help but be dazzled. He was an excellent dancer, she was just as good. As Starr swirled across the dance floor, she saw glimpses of her future. She saw herself in a white gown, being led down an isle on her fathers arm. She could feel the weight of the crown on her brow. She could see her children, small dark haired boys and light haired girls playing. When Lord Varik called for the feast to be served, Starr was glowing. Her father sat at the head of the table, Starr was at his right, the place for a daughter and an heir to the throne. Lord Benjamin sat next to Starr, during the meal he talked to her. He told stories of his travels and his homeland. Starr barely ate focusing all her attention on Lord Benjamin. Her father looked triumphant at their growing relationship.

    "Might I escort you for a walk Starr?" It was much later and most of the guests had left. Starr was more then happy to comply. She glanced at her father, he was having a serious disscussion with one of the older counselors. Ayman fallowed as a chaperon. It was cool out in the gardens, Starr shivered. Lord Benjamin manfully gave her his jacket. The moon was but a sliver, casting the gardens in a black and white glow. Chatting comfortably, no one heard the two men approach. However, they did hear the thump as Ayman's lifeless body fell with a muted thud. Starr turned and screamed, to her horror the one of the two shadowy men jumped with surprising agility and cracked Lord Benjamin over the head. He dropped soundlessly, unconscious immediately. Starr tried to run but her gown tangled around her feet and she fell. The men were on her in a minute, when she tried to scream they shoved a dirty rag in her mouth. She was then tied up and half dragged, half carried through the walls, and down to the harbor. She was roughly thrown into the bottom of a small sailboat. She lost consciousness, as the boat started sailing away from her home.