A tender breeze blew over the tall grass, causing the long green blades to dance gently to and fro. The sounds of birds chirping, babbling water, and the sun's happy shining, blanketed the area in a serene calm. Rei remained lying on the plush grass and allowed herself to be lulled into a peaceful languor as her faithful steed, Phoenix, grazed lazily nearby.

The two were relaxing, having a well-deserved rest after spending the entire day galloping at full speed through the meadows. They ran as hard as they could – perhaps both felt the need to run from their problems. Although the young woman was unsure what problems the horse would have. The thought that maybe he shared her burdens helped ease the pain that she still felt from the argument she had that morning with her Father.

She tucked an errant strand of her black hair behind her ear as she sat up, her violet eyes over looked her father's lands which surrounded her before focusing back to Phoenix. His black coat glistened in the sunlight, usually the sight of him helped curb her temper. This time, however, the longer she stared, the angrier she became about her current situation.

Just a few days prior, Mara, had awoken her before the sun could creep through her draped windows. Her thick northern accent, a sound that Raye had gotten used to over the years, had been unpleasant to the ears. The young woman had been hastily shoved into her robes and told that her Father requested for the two to have an early breakfast together. He had business in the Eastern Capital later that morning and wished to see his only daughter before his trip.

She knew something was amiss when her Father greeted her somewhat kindly when she entered their private dining hall.

As soon as she was seated the conversation had turned from "Did you sleep well?" to "I have wonderful news to share with you."

Another breeze caressed Rei's face, and she angrily wiped the few tears she had shed from her cheeks. She knew her Father was a cold hearted man, but she had never thought he would sell his only child to the highest bidder.

She stood up quickly, drawing the attention of Phoenix. She kicked some rocks around, her loose braid swayed heavily behind her as she headed towards the small stream that he had wandered to a few feet away.

She lifted her long skirt and dipped her bare toes into the water. Its coolness traveled up her body and made her feel more grounded than she had all day.

Idly, she wondered how far she could get before her Father realized she had ran away. Almost immediately she shook the childish thought away from her head. The reality was that she would not get very far; she had tried when she was younger. Plus, she thought with disdain, it probably wouldn't be just her Father who searched for her if she ran.

Within a few days Rei would be forced into making the vow to honor and remain faithful to no other and to produce an heir for a man who was a stranger. Her Father's news that morning had cemented that his political connections were set for generations to come. He had truly made sure that he would receive the 'honor', 'glory', and 'political security' that he had always wished for.

That morning he had made it sound like a dream come true. His daughter, the one who had never wanted to marry, was now betrothed to a very powerful man.

Rei had been practically sold to the King of the East.

Rei slid off of Phoenix with the ease of one born in the saddle. Her black hair was a tangled mess. Her deep violent dress, that matched her eyes perfectly, had been cut to show her feet and ankles, and many of the beads were missing; but as she untied the saddle from Phoenix, her looks were the last thing on her mind.

No, she wanted to appear as disheveled as possible. A way to rebel against her Father- she mused.

Rei was leading Phoenix back to his stall when a small maid ran up to her.

"M'lady! m'lady! Your father has been looking for you! He wishes for your attendance immediately."

The young maid looked anxious, almost fearful. Her brown eyes looked exceptional large to Rei and Rei knew why. Her father had probably threatened the poor girl.

"I'll be there shortly. Let me place Phoenix back in his stall."

The small maid bit her bottom lip in pure nervousness, "He requested that you come without delay m'lady. Please, I –" She stopped and scuffed her foot in the hay laying on the ground.

Rei's eyes softened as she looked upon the young maid. She realized she never bothered to learn their names anymore. Once she showed even an ounce of friendship towards them, her father had them removed from the estate. Gods help her, she hated the man.

"Can I trust you to take care of Phoenix?" Raye asked tenderly, "He looks big and scary, but he's actually very sweet."

Rei lifted the reigns towards the maid, when she nodded profusely, stepping closer to the giant beast.

"I will take excellent care of him m'lady. Like he was my own!" The pure determination on her young face had Rei smiling.

"I know you will. Please brush him and clean out his stall. He also would enjoy his lunch."

Rei patted his side before walking off.

Rei watched as maids rushed around the kitchen as she tried her best to sneak through, grabbing a few grapes along her way.

She spotted Mara fidgeting nervously while preparing a tray of wine, fruits, and cuts of cheese.

"Mara? Whats going on?" Rei asked curiously.

Mara jumped at the sound and dropped several pieces of fruit in the process.

"My goodness child! You scared me!" placing a hand over her heart, Mara took in Rei's appearance and all color drained from her face. "Why are you dressed like that! I thought I told you to get dressed this morning!"

Rei looked down, noticing the hem of her dress was covered with caked on mud and stained from laying in the grass. She looked back up, "I did. You never said anything else, simply to get dressed. I am dressed."

Mara clucked her tongue, annoyance written clearly on her face.

"I have no time to get you bathed and dressed appropriately." She moved towards Rei and brought her hand up-removing blades of grass that protruded from her hair.

"Turn around child." Rie did as she was told, and felt Mara undo her braid, run her fingers through her hair, and then, with precision, re-did the braid.

Rei glanced back, "Mara, what exactly is going on? Why is everyone so nervous? Father is being his normal self today. No reason to fuss."

"You didn't hear child? It's not your father who's causing all of this. He's here. Early."

By the dumbfounded look on Rei's face, Mara let out an agitated sigh.

"Do you not pay attention to me child?! The man you are promised too, The King of the Eastern Kingdom is here. Now."

For the first time in sixteen years, Mara witnessed a speechless Rei.

dun-dun-dun! Well, we didn't get to "meet" Rei's soon-to-be husband yet, but I hope this satisfies the reading tastes!

I already had chapter two finished-I actually had it finished before chapter one-but, alas, I wanted to start off with Mina.

Anyways, I wanted to thank a friend of mine for editing this one!

I'm unsure if I want Lita, Amy, or Serenity next. I'll decide soon.

Also, please note; Serenity and Endymion wont be discussed as much as the other four couples. I adore them as a pairing, but want to focus more on the scouts/Generals. However, due to my ever changing mind, this too may change.

I swear I have ADHD. -_-

Reviews are appreciated!

-LAla