"Just remain calm," Alice whispered to Tina gripping her hand as Helena and two royal guards scanned the last 30 human females. All the women were standing in a straight line fidgeting as Helena stopped to look every single one.

As Helena stopped in front of Alice, Alice straightened her back and puffed out her chest defiantly. Helena cocked an eyebrow and turned to one of the guards, "Shane, do you think Porter will kill her?"

"Instantly," Shane responded looking her up and down, "she’s too outspoken and she hasn’t even spoken. Bette would rather stay single forever than with her."

Helena turned to the other guard, "Dana?"

Dana who had been staring at Alice, quickly shook her head to address her clean, "not good for Porter your Highness. They’re too alike."

"You’re right, she needs an opposite," Helena commented stepping forward in the line. Dana was trailing behind her gave Alice a shy smile and Alice smiled confidently, having chosen her target.

However, when Helena stopped in front of Tina, Alice tensed fighting her overwhelming need to protect her best friend. Shane felt the rise in tension and shot her a warning glance.

"Hmm," Helena smirked circling Tina like a vulture, "she’s beautiful."

Tina shifted nervously and kept her gaze down, not wanting to provoke any altercations. "Your Highness," Shane said softly, "remember the peace offering to Zurion."

"Right, right," Helena said in frustration, "I am to be betrothed to their ruler Queen Dylan."

"I would highly advise against taking this human," Shane said, "if Queen Dylan should get angry, there could be a war."

"And what better way to keep me away from this woman than to leave under the vigil of my strongest soldier," Helena joked.

Shane and Dana laughed but Tina was sweating bullets.

"No seriously," Helena continued, "she’s too pretty to end up in the whorehouse with the rest of these women."

Tina snapped her head towards Alice who had her jaw dropped in shock. 

"So she’s the one?" Shane asked.

"Yes, take her to get ready," Helena said waving her arm dismissively.

Shane grabbed Tina’s arm gently to guide her out. Tina immediately flinched and lashed out defensively. Shane easily grabbed tightly with her superior strength as she turned to Alice and yelled out, "Alice!"