Chapter 6: Four races

"Because we're all nice here.." she said while laughing at Alicia's current state. Putting a hand on her shoulder Ziva continued turning serious "Well there are some of us that are rebelling against the rules that are set in place, in order to have peace again, the princess needs to marry a prince from another country that will do Atresiral good. Atresiral is filled with four types of different races- humans, elves, foxes and fairies. We all came together after the the royal family decided to make a kingdom where all can live freely but now, the princess needs to marry to keep that peace.".

Ziva took her hand away midway through her explanation, her tone using appreciation towards the end until it reached the last part, it was kind of sadness but happy as they're trying to push the kingdom further and keep it going.

"Do we have to go straight to the palace?" Alicia asked with her voice still filled with nervousness. "I also want to explore the kingdom, its actually my first time here, I've always been in Salem.. except from when my first parents didn't want me, we didn't live in Salem but in Lunaris.". Alicia was trying to conceal the sadness in her voice.

"I heard a lot about Lunaris and the people who live there, I pity those who suffering. But about your parents, you said they didn't want you." Ziva frowned at the thought of this but hid the look from her so she wouldn't notice.

"Yes, I did say that. But I'm positive that they weren't my biological parents, we had no similarities." There was no hint of sadness anymore, "Once been left twice, you don't feel sad when the third leaves." Alicia said while looking straight into the eyes of Ziva.

Nodding so that Alicia knew that she was listening continued to speak again "When I was little, my second parents had left me to fend for myself out in the open world, I walked around and then before I knew it, I was in a slave prison establishment and I was always catching the guards attention until an middle-aged wife and husband came looking for a child and with that, I was picked. I should be happy that I'm not in there anymore but I can't help but think if they chose me because of my appearance." This time her voice was filled with disappointment and went back to looking out of the window, staring at everything that caught her attention.

Seeing the reflection of Ziva looking at her like she wanted to ask a question but was holding it in as it might offend her, "Have something to say?" she said still looking out of the window, taking a peek at the reflection.

"I do, have you ever wondered why you catched the guards attention?" She answered straight away after been asked.

Alicia was surprised at this question, she thought she would ask how she survived until being adopted. "I did after being adopted but it didn't matter to me because I would no longer see them again. Why do you ask?".

It was like a game, if one should be surprised, the other person should surprise them back. "I was curious because you have crystal pink eyes and it stands out against your hair which is black with a hint of dark brown." Ziva said while still looking at Alicia whom is looking out the window.

"I wasn't born with the dark brown, I know that for sure. A few months before I entered the establishment, I had gotten dark brown highlights and continued after adoption.".

"You said you wanted to look around first before going to the palace right? Where would you like to go?" Ziva asked but continued before Alicia could speak, "But remember, we need to get to the palace before it gets dark."

Hearing Ziva say this, Alicia's eyes sparkled with joyfulness and asked to check out the market.