Philon, heir to a pirate empire, is determined to take a wife. And not just any wife either. No, he has set his eyes on Arianna Delora, a green-eyed beauty with a tongue as swift as her blade. Unfortunately, she also happens to be the only child of his father's mortal enemy. Nonetheless, Philon is determined to have her.

Tonight, Arianna is supposed to undertake the ritual that will turn her from girl to woman. But on the eve of this most important night of her life, Arianna is uncertain. She enjoys the free life of a pirate and she does not want to give that up for the so-called joys of womanhood. And she is certainly not thrilled when Philon, son of her father's sworn enemy, suddenly shows up, babbling about making her his wife.

This is a short story of 4800 words or approx. 15 print pages.