A woman raised as a boy by her grandfather Zenna who took her to safety after her kingdom was conquered, and she is taught to fight at the age of 6. Once Filena reaches age 16, she enters the battle show to win her freedom. She is assigned a bedmate, Lila who discovers the truth about her gender. Personality-wise Filena is serious and straightforward and honorable as well as a talented and swift swordsman. She rejects Lila's romantic advances but the two do develop a relationship.