The Realm of Shadows

Aida's consious thoughts began when she felt an indescribable warmth
on her face.She was convinced that heaven was embracing her and she was
accepting it's offer.
Even with the continued sins in her life; somehow the highest being
found Aida worthy. She smiled, keeping her eyes closed and enjoyed the
warmness bathing her soul.
A loud slam brought Aida out of her happy delusion. She had not
died, the woman realized with a grimness seeping into her heart.Aida
did not want to open her eyes to discover which of the men wanted more
time with her broken body but her eyes opened of their own accord.
The small female gasped softly. She was in the most
beautiful room she had ever looked upon. The room was elegant with
it's perfectly carved chairs and the portraits of rich color. Aida realized
with sudden eagerness she lay in a bed. She had never lay in a bed
before and certainly not one so large and comfortable. Aida could feel
the giddyness building within her heart when she heard it again.
The loud slamming sound had Aida pulling the blankets to her
chin like a terrified child.The fear spread quickly, she after all did not
know who had taken her from the shallow grave.Then Aida's mind
proposed another question. Who had bathed and clothed her?
The idea one of the villagers had taken her crossed her mind
only for a slight moment. No one in the village who attacked her
had rooms lavish as that one. She would know, she had been in
their homes.
The door to the room began to open causing Aida to shut her
eyes tightly. Aida's ears picked up on the door shutting softly followed
by heavy footfalls that could only be made by a man then she
felt the side of the bed sinking under a tremendous weight. A
hand brushed Aida's cheek softly.
"You need not be afraid." A youthful deep voice spoke
soothingly. Aida opened her eyes slowly and gasped quietly at the
sight in front of her.
A beautiful large male sat on the edge of the bed. His
expression confused her for as beautiful as he was, he was not
looking at Aida with expectance in his eyes.
"Forgive me." The male said rising quickly and turning to
face her. "I am Prince Shadows."
Aida nearly flew from the bed to curtsy to the prince. At
least one of her many questions was answered. Prince Shadows
had saved her but she was sure there was a price. The price of all
'good' men'.