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"I can't believe I never thought about all this." I buried my head in my hands. How is this going to work? If anyone asked me these questions six months ago, I might have had an answer but now it was difficult. I've already fallen in love with him. I just haven't told him yet, but my heart was already his.

"I...I don't know..."

"Well, I strongly believe that your parents are going to make you queen, Aeval. Who better to look after and protect Golden Haven than you?" Beth spoke as she paced around my room.

"I'll have to agree with Beth there," India laid down on the bed next to where I sat. "And Prince Phoenix was born to rule Red Kingdom. He's the strongest hybrid on earth for God's sake. Who better to rule than him?"

"I don't mean to sound rude but I'm glad I'm not in your position. Owh!" India threw a pillow at Beth's head.

"I understand that. This is messing up my head you guys. I don't feel so good."

"Whoa, breathe Aeval. Don't throw up," Beth rushed to me and rubbed my back.

"What made you guys think about this?" I asked them curiously. Thinking about it, the timing was quite perfect.

"Hey I've been having these questions for some time now," India casually said while eyeing Beth.

"Well, in case you didn't know, the Dark Prince and you have lately been the center of attention to both our family, and his. On one occasion, maybe two weeks ago, I can't really remember. The alpha king shared his doubts with Prince Phoenix and Alex." I gaped at Beth.

"The alpha king already asked all this to Phoenix?! Alex knew about all this?!" I snapped. Why didn't he tell me? Why didn't my twin brother tell me anything while he had the nerve to call me out when I kept things to myself.

"Please don't murder the love of my life," Bethany squeaked out. "You were bound to be questioned sooner or later. They simply had a conversation about the possibilities." Beth spoke calmly.

She was right. They didn't do anything wrong. I should be the one preparing on how to make wise decisions. This was bigger than us. My relationship with Phoenix does not only concern the two of us. It concerns two powerful kingdoms.

"This is a lot to think about."

"How about you rest first Aeval? Sleep well and think about it tomorrow morning," came India's advice.

"I don't think that's going to work. I need to be alone." I said quietly.

"Are you sure?"

"She'll be alright. Come on Beth." I smiled at India thankfully and wished them both good night. Once they left, I plopped down on my bed again. Looking up at the ceiling, my mind clouded itself with so many unanswered questions.

"I have to talk to him." I muttered to myself.

~~~~~~

The moment I was done with breakfast, I left with the need to release my stress. I woke up much earlier that morning so I appreciated not seeing anyone else.

Stepping outside the castle walls, I spread my wings out and took off. It didn't take long for me to land outside the life giving sanctuary. Lord Durin and the other guardians greeted me before I walked in.

Almost immediately, my mind, body and soul was blanketed in the pure serenity that the Core of Life provided. I didn't stop to converse with any of the creatures there. Instead, I walked straight towards the heart of the core.

Sitting on the edge of the golden pool, I gingerly took off my slippers before sinking my feet into the water. I felt a surge of energy flow throughout my body as I lightly moved my feet back and forth.

Once again I had my face buried in my hands as my mind drifted off to what my friends said to me last night.

It was more serious than I thought.

Last night, before sleep took over, I imagined how things would be if we joined the two powerful kingdoms.

Just as the idea came, it was gone in a flash.

It was ridiculous. Just because I liked a prince from the royal pure blood family, there was no way that I would punish so many others.

Golden Haven is Golden Haven and Red Kingdom is Red Kingdom.

Vampires and Fae Creatures are not meant to coexist.

One fae and one vampire together is different.

Hundreds of thousands together? No.

We have separate duties, different lifestyles and different beliefs and purposes. Drastic change cannot be forced upon the two beings.

All the kingdoms have their specific duties to the world. Joining any of the two kingdoms we have is simply out of the question.

Especially, Golden Haven and Red Kingdom. Us creatures couldn't be more contrast with one another.

Of all the beings, fae creatures are somewhat more tender. Vampires, not so much.

On top of everything, we've finally achieved lasting peace. We should not risk any more conflict.

What do I do?

Take my responsibilities more seriously and serve my people?

I should stay, right?

If I choose to stay will he stay with me?

I can't do that to him. This is not his way of life.

Our natures are basically opposites.

Must I give up my feelings for him?

I don't think I'll be able to do that. Not now. I've fallen too deep to climb out now.

I love him.

What if I deny the crown if my parents decide to choose me as queen? Would that be selfish?

Oh God, yes it would.

A single tear fell into the pool creating a circular ripple in the water.

"I don't know what to do. I am so confused. If I give him up, I know my heart will never again taste the satisfaction that comes with true love. If I follow him, I will be abandoning my kingdom and birth right." I felt torn apart by the two choices. As more tears fell into the pool, I wiped them away not wanting to upset my surroundings as well.

They don't need to feel my stress and I bet they have better things to do.

After spending about an hour in the pool, I took my slippers in my hand and got up. It was time I headed back and I did feel a lot better. More energized. It must be the golden water.

Turning around, I placed my foot on the ground. The moment that happened, a powerful, glowing energy spread out from where I stood. It was like an extension of me. The ground looked as if it had veins and they glowed, stretching far and wide. They covered the whole area.

Observing closer, the golden glow of energy looked more like roots beneath the ground and they didn't stop spreading. How far is this energy going to spread?

I ran outside the core and almost collided with Lord Durin.

"Princess Aeval! Thank God you're alright. What happened? The energy of the core is blanketing the land of Golden Haven with all her plants and animals."

"I'm not sure what's happening yet Lord Durin. I just immersed my feet in the pool for some time," I replied and looked around. He was right. The energy source covered every square inch of the ground, as far as our vision could go. This included the trees.

The trees swayed like they were being caught up in a breeze. They liked the energy flow. All of them. Even some of the animals grunted in approval.

"But princess, this glow is coming from you. Not the life giving water," he looked at me, expecting a full explanation.

I must have absorbed a lot of energy.

Choosing not to give him a reply, I ran towards the glowing roots that were still spreading. I ran as fast as I could but it spread too quickly and soon it was a fair distance ahead of me.

This won't work.

Releasing my wings I flew up high to get a wider view. When I couldn't find the endpoint of the glowing energy I flew up higher and higher until I could finally see it. To my astonishment, the gold covered the lands of Golden Haven and now its was spreading beyond the borders.

There was a soft glow that surrounded my wings as well.

I couldn't understand any of it.

Landing on the ground, I ran towards the Core once again. I ran past a very worried Lord Durin but I didn't stop. Once I found myself in the serene sanctuary, I dipped my hands in the pool of gold and looked at the water. Tucking my legs under my thighs, I leaned forward.

"What are you trying to tell me? I know you gave me that energy for a reason. What are you trying to teach me?" I asked breathless. "Whatever happened just now has to mean something. Please." I closed my eyes and relaxed my mind, opening myself to anything that could help.

For a long time, there was nothing. Not a single sound.

"Please, I need to know..." I sighed looked at my lap.

"Princess?" I swiftly turned around, slightly alarmed but slowly eased up when I saw Grendon.

"What are you doing here, Grendon?"

"I came here with Penelope. She lost the white owl and thinks he might have wondered in here." He replied with a laugh.

"Hey princess, what happened? Why are you touching the core? Were you the cause of what happened ten minutes ago? Did you do that?" he shot question after question. Instead of shooing him away, I explained exactly what had happened, not leaving anything out.

"So what do you think?"

"Have you tried asking? Someone here might be able to explain. Help might even come from an animal."

"I did ask but I received no answer."

"If you really think the core is trying to tell you something, you should stay here a little longer. Your answer will come in time," he said thoughtfully.

"How long?"

"In time. Your connection with the heart of Golden Haven is the strongest. You and the core have a special bond. It will reveal whatever you seek I know it," he said confidently.

"Well, you haven't exactly told me what you think."

"Hmmm, maybe it was to show you how powerful you are and how deep your connection with our kingdom truly is." My heart sank at that. More reason why I have to stay.

I sat by the pool and looked up at the great fall. It never failed to keep me spellbound. The way the dazzling gold seemed to fall from the sky, it was soothing in a unique way. I don't know how long I sat there admiring what existed before me but soon after, I found myself getting sleepier by the second. Laying down on my side, I dozed off in the next few minutes.

Aeval.......

Aeval.......

Aeval.......

"Huh?!" I woke up with a jolt.

"Wake up, princess," a soothing voice came. I groggily stood up and stared at a figure touching the golden water from the pool. I tilted my head and walked closer to the stranger. I thought I was the only one here who could touch the core.

"Who are-" before I could finish my sentence the mysterious stranger turned around. I instantly took a small step back in fright. He gave me kind smile while I remained shell-shocked.

"Grandpa?"

"Oh, she remembers," he laughed. I couldn't help but gape at the man. Then I suddenly took a step forward.

"You passed on long before I was born..." He straightened up and tapped his arms and legs.

"Yeah, I'm still dead alright."

"How?...I'm dreaming aren't I?"

"Maybe. Maybe not."

"What do you mean maybe grandpa? You're dead....Oh no!! Did I die?!! This can't be! Not so soon! I haven't even-"

"Shushhh! You're upsetting everyone here. Don't you know your gifts can effect those around you?" the man scolded me. "You're not dead. That is the truth."

"How did I recognize you so fast? And I feel so close to you." I hugged myself at the odd sensation.

"You have been told of me and you have pictures. I still exist in your memories. Keep those memories fresh or I will haunt you in your sleep!" I smiled and nodded at him. He was so relaxed and calm.

"I don't mean to be rude and I do love you but I have to ask. Why are we here? How is it that I can talk to you?"

"Well, you have to tell me that yourself sweet child. What have you done to get yourself into trouble?"

"I'm not exactly in any trouble," I fidgeted with my fingers.

"We are usually needed in difficult times."

"We?"

"We fae guardians who have passed on. In my time I was both king and guardian of the Core."

"I can talk to de...I mean Faes who have passed away?"

"Not exactly. Both must be extremely close to the Core of Life. I was and you are most certainly. So when we have a special bond with the core, we have a special connection with each other as well, sweet child. The unbreakable bond we have with the heart of Golden Haven is deep so if we use that bond for good, it's will always find a way to help us when we feel lost or if we face any trouble."

"I didn't know this." I whispered to myself. "So now it is helping me by leading me to you!" I said excitedly.

"Perhaps," he shrugged. "How are you lost?"

I poured out my heart to him. Every difficult choice I'm faced with, how I feel about Phoenix, my fears and doubts about staying, my uncertainty in leaving and so much more.

"I love him too much to make him stay and I don't know if I can handle being away from him. I know my responsibilities lie here and I have to fulfill them too." I sat on the ground and sighed.

"Young love. Very hard to break it."

"I know."

"I understand the feeling. Your grandmother was my entire world. I think she still is." he chuckled.

"What did it mean grandpa? The energy flow that happened."

"It's easy actually. When you spoke of your troubles, the Core simply showed you your true nature and how powerful you really are as a fae. You are so deeply bonded with the Core that wherever you are in the world, the connection never fades. It will always find you and you will always find her. Which also means, that if anything happens here, you will be able to feel it."

"Wow. I can't believe that I can hold so much power."

"You better believe it. Trust yourself more. I recall one important memory. I was still but a young king and I was carrying out some business all the way in the Great Myrtle Mountains up in the Elven King's castle. While carrying out my duties, I felt a sharp stab in my heart. It hurt so badly that I doubled over and cried out.

Seconds later, I was surrounded by the generals and the king, all panicking as they saw no wound.

When the king yelled at me demanding what had happened, I could only whisper, 'The core. The Core of Life is in danger.'

"And you know what? I was right!!" he yelled suddenly a lot more excited. "Dark witches invaded into this very sanctuary and tried stealing the life giving water. Thank heavens I felt that intense pain. We were able to warn the Faes and the witches were caught before they could do anything."

"That is incredible grandpa. You could feel if the Core was in any danger?"

"Yes. Some years after that incident, I was able to feel threats before anything happened."

"Wow..." I looked up at him and saw that he was staring intently at the pool.

"What is wrong grandpa?"

"My time with you is running short sweet child. Remember, to completely solve this, you will have to talk to that troublesome, hard-headed prince of yours." I chuckled at his choice of words.

"I will. I have to don't I?"

"Yes. I hope you find your happiness. It may not be here but all that depends on you. I trust that my granddaughter has the wisdom to make good choices." I blushed at his words.

"Has the core ever been moved grandpa? Or has it always been with the Faes? What I mean to ask is, will it have the same energy outside of Golden Haven?"

"You witnessed what happened today did you not? The glow spreading outside the boarders?" I nodded after thinking back. "To answer your question, the water can survive out of our kingdom but only in the care of a powerful Fae or in the midst of a group of fae creatures."

"I see. I've always wanted to know this. So we need each other?"

"Yes. This golden goodness will not survive in a place with no Faes or nature. It needs both to maintain its powers but we're here to talk about you," he stared at me.

"I know. I need to know everything about the Core of Life before making any decisions. I learned so much in this short amount of time. This only tells me how little I know of it."

"This place here," he gestured to our surrounding. "Is the best place for meditation. Meditate, ask and answers will come. Don't underestimate this place."

"I won't grandpa."

"You already know you carry a strong bond with the Core. No matter where you go, you're always connected to us. Remember that. Always remind yourself of who you truly are."

"Grandpa?" His voice began to fade and so did he.

"I love you sweet child. Remember that too."

"Grandpa!" I woke up covered in sweat, panting heavily. He was gone. The dream was over.

"What did I say about sleeping on dirt?" I yelped in shock before turning towards a stern looking prince. Phoenix stood over me with his arms crossed. His eyes burned my skin.

"This place soothes my worries away," I tried to explain while attempting to stand up. My legs were a little shaky. Before I could fully stand, Phoenix swiftly moved forward and carried me in his arms.

"I'm alright-"

"You don't look so good. Just let me take you to your chambers. It's already very late," he left no room for arguments.

"Wh...what time is it?"

"Around ten." He casually answered as he walked out of the place. The first thing I saw was the shimmering stars that scattered across the dark sky.

"It's night time?!"

"Yes." He answered stiffly. I knew he wasn't happy with me.

Stop being so scared Aeval! You're stronger now!

"Should I get used to this?!" I jumped a little at his harsh tone.

"To what?" I squeaked out. The second I heard my mousy voice I cleared my throat.

"Finding you asleep out in cold, dark places. You do know that you're not immune to sickness right?" his bitter tone started to annoy me.

"Just take me back Phoenix and you know what? Maybe I am immune to sickness. I don't know everything about myself yet." I sassily spoke. I guess I angered him further because his hold on me tightened.

"Stop playing games. Realising that you just disappeared wasn't funny to me. You could have at least told someone about your whereabouts. I asked everyone and not getting an answer did not have a good effect on me," he gritted out the words angrily.

"Oh." I looked downwards. I didn't mean to make him uneasy. Things just....happened. "I didn't mean to make you worry."

"Just inform someone next time," he grumbled as he walked up the stairs.

He gently sat me on my bed and asked if I was hungry. Once I quickly nodded he told one of the servants to bring me dinner. He then stood before me and simply stared.

"What?" I played with the hem of my blouse.

"Well..? Anything interesting happened to you? Besides the whole passing out part?"

"I didn't pass out Phoenix. I just visited the Core of Life. I can do that." I stared back at him, feeling a little braver than usual. He held my gaze for some time before letting out a sigh.

"I guess you can. Just finish your dinner and do whatever else you plan on doing." He spoke softly and walked towards the door.

"Wait."

"What is it?"