The Cursed Kingdom

Chapter One: The Tribute

Once Upon A Time, there lived a village girl named Kiran and she was raised by her uncle Ezra, who was a wise and powerful sorcerer, and she inherited his magical abilities. She could control darkness and shadows with her left hand and the light with her right. She was also trained to fight, and could command lightning.
Unfortunately, there was an evil king named Damien. Every month he would decree that all of the eligible maidens to stand in the town square and he would randomly select one and they never returned.

Ezra had seen the population decreasing, and knew someone had to do something. It was late at night and the moon was almost full, and he was alone in his room, looking up at the stars. He looked at a picture of Kiran as a young girl and looked at a picture of her with her parents. They died when she was young, so he vowed to protect her. He grabbed his guitar and started singing,
"The village fades, the people leaving one by one,
But I, dear Kiran, know your time has just begun.
Tonight, beneath the moon's watchful, silvery gaze,
I gaze at photos from your childhood days.
Your parents are gone, but I made this solemn oath -
To shield you from harm, come what may for us both.
As I study your smile, so bright and pure,
My faith in your future feels forever sure.
I'll keep you safe, my niece, my hope, my light.
You'll lead our people through this darkest night.
Though I'm alone now, watching stars above,
I'll always believe in your power, your love.
That vow renews my courageous heart,
To help you find and play your destined part.
Our village's savior, its hero brave and true -
My faith in you, dear Kiran, will ever renew."

He was weepy with memories and he knew now that she was 18, she was eligible. He knew how stubborn and hard-headed she was.
He decided to tell his plan for her to infiltrate the King's castle and find out what his plan was, and he had a special mirror that would let people communicate through a connected mirror.

He approached her while she was brushing her hair in the mirror. She had long, purple hair and piercing purple eyes. She saw him behind her and turned around. Squeaker, Ezra's pet mouse, was on Ezra's shoulder, eating a small hunk of cheese.
"Hi, Squeaker!" she said, petting him.
"Hi, Uncle Ezra. Don't think I didn't notice you." she said jokingly.
"I understand, Squeaker is a cutie pie." he said sagely.
"So's Rufus. He's already at the foot of my bed waiting for me. What did you need, Uncle?" asked Kiran.
He sighed reluctantly and said,
"Sweetheart, I have a very important task for you."
He handed her a mirror.
"What's this?" she asked curiously.
"Well, it's no ordinary mirror, it's a mirror that will let you communicate with me."
"Where am I going?" asked Kiran in confusion.
"Well, I was getting to that. You know how King Damien is acquiring maidens?"
"Yeah?" she inquired.
"Um, well, I was thinking, maybe tomorrow, when he's supposed to come down the mountain, we could gussy you up and offer you up as a gift for the king."
"Oh?" she asked.
"Yeah, but here's the catch, you'll be a spy."
"I see, we'll take him down from the inside!"
"Yeah, exactly. You see, women play an important part in our community and without their contributions, well, there's no hope for the future."
"Yeah, I get that. So, the women never return, and no one questions what's going on?"
"No. They stay silent. They leave. They don't act. We need to act because no one else will."
"I see, so what this town needs a hero." said Kiran.
"Yup, and I believe the answer is right in front of me." said Uncle Ezra.
"Aw, thanks, uncle. I'll go get some rest. Tomorrow's a big day." said Kiran.

On the next day, the villagers gathered in the town square and Kiran and Ezra were walking through and Ezra was having a hard time walking and Kiran was helping him. Jonas MacFarlane, the King's Squire, who Kiran already had bad blood with.

"Ezra's just as weak as his brother was." he said.
"Don't you dare underestimate me!" said Kiran.
"Aww, what are you gonna do, run away like your cowardly father?" Jonas mockingly said.
Kiran's hand started lighting up.
"Don't talk about my father in that manner." she said, tension rising.
"What are you gonna do, cry like you did when your father left?" Jonas said, still in a condescending tone.
"Ok, buddy, you're really crossing the line here, you need to leave my niece alone!" Ezra said.
"What are you gonna do, leave like your brother did?" asked Jonas.
"All right, that's it, chicken Schmitt!"
said Kiran, raising her palm to strike.
"Sunbeam, save your strength!" said Ezra.
"Sunbeam, eh? Is that your nickname, or does it reflect the annoyingly cheerful and overly optimistic attitude that makes everyone want to roll their eyes?" asked Jonas.
"The king will be here any minute. Pray that you don't get selected." sneered Jonas.
"I plan to get selected." said Kiran defiantly.
"Well, I -"
Suddenly, the trumpets sounded.
"Well, looks like he's here, pretty girl." he sneered again.
"Your breath reeks of alcohol." said Kiran.
"You know what, I'll make sure you get picked today." Jonas said, walking away.
"Can he do that?" Kiran asked Ezra.
“

I don't know but I think our plan is working.” said Ezra.