Princess Alessa

While the battle raged in the streets of the capital city, the castle prepared for the worst. Among their preparations was a way to make sure the line of succession did not end with the King. The King scoured the entire land, looking for a double for his only daughter, Alessa, the crowned Princess. The entire affair was kept secret, so no one had any clue what was going on, except for the King and his closest advisors.

When a double for the Princess was found, the family was paid a King's ransom for her services to the King and country. To test how good this body double of the Princess was, she often asked to substitute for the Princes at various royal functions. None could tell the difference.

The royal family assembled in the throne room as the dire news of the impending fall of the capital became a reality. The King knew the first place Luton forces would come to was the throne room itself. Alessa and her double were brought before the King, just before the castle itself was invaded.

The King looked upon both girls with a heavy heart. He truly did not want to sacrifice either one of them. "The time has come now to make the most horrible decision I have ever made as King," he began. "My dear, your job as Alessa's double will end today in one of two ways. Either you will stay, and play out your part, and share the same fate as the rest of the royal family will more than likely suffer, or you can both leave, and take your chances through the secret castle exit in the kitchen's storage room. Time is of the essence, and we must be swift in what we do here and now."

Alessa's double spoke. "If it would please the King, I wish to stay so that Alessa may be spared, and the royal line continue. It is my place to do that, and I am not afraid of ****. I owe you that much for what you did for my family. To be honest, I have come to think of you as my father, and the Princess as a sister. I am ready to lay down my life for King and country."

Alessa spoke up, "No, I can't do this to her, father. Rayne has become closer to me over the past year than anyone else. I shouyld be here, and I should fight along side the rest of you, no matter how futile the battle may be. It is my place."

Rayne caressed the side of Alessa's face. "It is because of how close we are that I am willing to do this for you. You need to survive, reclaim the throne, and exact vengeance on our enemies. I love you like a sister. Don't let that love be in vain. Now please go while there is still time."

"Rayne, you are brave and true, and I love you too. I will not let anyone's sacrifice here today be in vain. Even if it takes me a lifetime, I will hunt down those responsible for this reprehensible action."

"That is all we can ask of you, my dearest daughter," the King gushed with pride. "Now take the family sword, and go. The underground passage will lead you out of the city. Take your handmaiden with you. She's a very skilled fighter, and will protect you with her very life."

And so it was Princess Alessa left the castle through a secret underground passage with her handmaiden Juniper by her side, never to look upon her father and mother's faces again.