GERIAN FORT, FERMICH Prince Alexander leaned over the bowl of clear water, then gave a small sigh, his eyes thin. He had sent news that the grooming would take place tonight, but so far, he could not quite bring himself to leave his usual resting place. He was, at best, nervous, and to put it less kindly, he could feel himself slowly losing his mind. Was it anticipation? Desperation? Was it the fact that he was probably going to have his very first woman? Was it the fact that it was Sophia? He swallowed, then dipped his hand inside the water, and splashed it on his face. He closed his eyes for a long while, then sighed before he leaned back, his fingers raking through his hair. It was growing even longer, and he wondered if he could keep it or Sophia... He stopped. His thoughts were

