Monique squeezed her eyes shut, immediately the blindfold on her eyes were loosed open.she opened her eyes,her disoriented brain couldn't take in her surrounding till she heard a loud voice behind her,she immediately turned along other equally bewildered girls sprawled across a large ball like room with brown stoned high walls and glass mullioned windows that touched the domed roof Down to the stoned floors.

A man lanky man was standing like a proud aristocrat on a raised dais,a goblet and a long ominous black cane on his left hand.

His head was covered with white strand and his jaw was surprisingly hairless.

He smiled,a wry smile and announced in a clear welcoming yet authoritative voice.

"Welcome fair and chosen maidens,you are the chosen brides ,graced with the opportunity to bring forth the next generation of powerful Therondians,you are expected to find rooms and take a much needed rest ,torwards dusk for your presence will be needed".

Like a ghost he vanished without a trace.murmurs and squeals of excitement could be heard in the hall,girls of different sizes,hair and bodies as their eyes looked around in curiousity and excitement due to the fact they've made it into the dance of the Royal Arena.

instead of excitement,Monique was looking around with fear and bewilderment.it wasn't her wish at all to be part of the Royal Arena,a contest made for dainty spoilt daughters of the country's noble family.

"ladies,I am Eritrea vandalf,the head of your assigned female servants.please allow your to lead you to your various rooms and your assigned servants"a tall robust ,stern looking woman ,with sizable numbers of female servants dressed in plain light blue gowns and their hair tied in tight looking buns annouced.At once she walked out of the room as the maidens dutifully followed behind them.