Introduction

Once upon a time in a faraway kingdom lived a young woman who could not see love, but it was not always this way. Her story begins when she was only a child playing in her family's courtyard with her best friend, a slightly older boy. As the young girl came around the edge of the maze she spotted them, her parents were cuddled up close on one of the many stone benches that lay within the grounds of their home.

Her father's arm lay across the woman's shoulders; it was easy to see the love they shared, a love that the young girl often dreamed of. She heard a soft rustle of leaves behind her and ducked back within the maze she her cover would not be blown when the boy found her.

It was only a short time after that once again the young girl and her companion were playing within the walls of her home when she stumbled upon a sight that would change her mind about love forever. It was there in the closet from which she planned to hide that she found her father in the arms of another woman, one of the many maids that resided there.

Her father tried his hardest to explain to his only child only to be snubbed and brushed aside as she went off to cry. It was in her bedroom that her father found her. It was evident that she wanted nothing to do with him even with all he pleading, but in turn she agreed not to speak a word to anyone in fear of being set away or worse, her best friend. After that singular moment any thought of true love escaped her mind forever.

How many nights had she awoke so such a memory as this. The sound of her father's voice often echoed in her ears long after her eyes opened. It was then that the young brunette pulled herself into a sitting position and let out a long yawn as her eyes twinkled open. Fear flushed to her body as the sights of surroundings came into view. Where was she?

 A light came from across the room and in its wake stood a woman. Her white hair  matched the gown that covered her aging body. "Hello, my dear," she said in a soft yet elegant voice that seemed to echo though the spacious room.

 Before the young woman could even completely roll out of the bed the elder woman moved towards her with a smile. "Wh...who are you?" Was all that escaped her lips before the white haired woman began to speak.

 "Miss McBride," The woman started as she lessened the space between the young woman and herself. "It's nice to see you have awoke after such a long slumber.... I'm getting ahead of myself" She said with a slight laugh. "My name is Athea and I'm here to change your life."

"What do you mean?" The younger woman asked a bit dumbfounded. The elder woman let out a soft laugh shaking her head lightly. "I'm here to show you love, silly girl." "I know what love is." "No, not this type of love. I'm talking about the love between a mother and their children."

"What do you mean you want me to mother a hundred children?" The young woman said in a raised voice. "Consider yourself lucky to get such a great gift as this bestowed upon you." "But I don't want to be a mother, not that way. How will I support them? What about the fathers?"