The little girl stood at the window, looking out at the rain-washed courtyard. She was small and delicate, with long black hair, striking green eyes, and skin so pale that it was clear that she did not go outside much. She sighed. It was lonely here at the grant that the king had given her father. She was the only girl here, unless you counted Mother, and Mother was gone so much it was like she wasn't even there. Her brother was really fun to play with, but Father kept him so busy, training him to be the heir to the grant when he was older. Now, she was almost completely ignored. She sighed again. The maid came to the door and told the girl that dinner was ready, and to come to the dining hall. Father's orders. Looking out the window one last time, she followed the maid out the door and into a future that was about to change forever.