Chapter 1

My mother said when I first opened my eyes and she looked into them, time stopped and she was enveloped in honey brown eyes that were wise beyond their years. That is how she came up with the name, Savia. It is the feminine form of Savio, which means "clever."

I always thought it unfair that my pulchritudinous sister got a name like Venus. It has so much meaning behind it, so much power.

I cannot deny that it does suit her. She is the replica of my mother, Ella. She is tall and slender with curves enough to please any man, while I am still a bit on the short side and my chest hasn't begun developing yet (even though I am 14.) She has piercing green eyes, while I have soft brown ones, rich gold curls, while I had pale, straight strands.

Mother always told us that she loved us with equal measure, but I always did wonder if she liked Venus better than I. They both have the same temperament, rash and bold, which is why they are so enticing and captivating. Standing next to them is like standing next to a diamond, you can't shine next to something that is perfect.

For every one suitor I had, Venus had ten, which is what got me captured. But let me tell you of all the events that led up to that.

I remember sitting in my small library, deeply engrossed in a book about a girl and a poisoned apple when suddenly Venus burst in.

"Savia, you will never guess who has made an offer for my hand." She sat down gracefully in one of my velvet sitting chairs.

"Who, sister?" I asked, never taking my eyes of the cream pages.

She huffed, "Why, King Sargon of Akken that is who."

I sighed and set my book down; I hated being disturbed from my reading. I looked up; gentle brown eyes meet enthused jade ones. "Father will not let you marry that barbarian, so you have nothing to fear, dearest sister. By the way, Jameson was looking for you; he needs to get you measured for your birthday dress."

She leapt up and ran out of the room, excited to see what our dressmaker had concocted for her 17th birthday celebration.

Content to be left alone again I resumed my reading. But my concentration failed me as depressing thoughts pressed into my mind. No one will notice me, what is the point of going? Venus will be the highlight of the evening, while I, her scrawny, breast less, little sister will be taking up room.

For a few weeks I had contemplated running away but I never made up my mind. After watching my comely sister flounce out of the room with her golden curls bouncing I had come to a decision. I was leaving.

"Your majesty." A small, quiet voice interrupted my plotting.

I looked up to see a maid bowing to me. "Yes?"

"Sir Jameson wishes to see you."

"Thank you. You are dismissed"

She bowed submissively and hurried out of the room. I walked slowly down to the dressing room in no real hurry. Jameson was the best dressmaker in the country, but even he couldn't make me as marvelous as Venus.

When I got to the large, busy room I could see my sister standing in front of the mirror twirling around in her chartreuse dress that brought out her sparkling eyes. The neckline was low cut to show off her ample bosoms and the skin tight material was chosen to draw attention to her shapely body. I sighed with envy, if only I were as beautiful as her.

"Savia, darling, over here!" A small, busty, redheaded woman waved at me from the corner of the room. I laughed and ran over to hug Flann, Jameson's wife and co-worker.

"Auntie Flann how do you fair?" I asked, pleased to see my adoptive aunt.

She flashed her white teeth in a huge grin, "I fair well if I aint with my children. Come, Savia, try on your dress."

She held a cream colored dress that set off my ashen blonde hair, the neckline was high, of course, and the material hung on my frame much looser then Venus' dress did on hers.

"It's pretty, aunty, Mother will be quite pleased I am sure."

I took off the dress and handed it back to Flann. I thanked her again and walked out quietly, sad that she had done all that work for nothing.

On my way to my chambers I bumped into my handsome brother, Alex.

"Sister! What a pleasant surprise. Where might you be going on such a lovely day?"

I looked at him resentfully, feeling like the ugly duckling I had read about in a book, 'I am going to my room if you will excuse me." I walked off in a huff, leaving Alex to stare at me with confusion creased across his face.

I sat down on my bed, and for the fourth time in my life, I wept.

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