I APPROACHED MY room with a new found confidence. My feet bounced energetically, my hair swayed from side to side around my slender shoulders, and a wide grin split my face.

The past week has been stressful to say the least. Sie roughly trained us to better sharpen our combat skills and I couldn't count how many times my butt had landed on the ground in defeat. Most times I went to my room sporting a forlorn look. In fact, all the time.

But no, not today. I had just learnt we would pick our special weapon of choice tomorrow and the excitement buzzed within me like electricity although I still hadn't decided which to use.

I stepped into my room and made my way over to the mirror admiring my right eye for the umpteenth time this week. The memory and power unlock was successful. I had both my memories and a heightened control over my abilities now and I couldn't be happier.

Mother was the best person in my life.

A slender girl with curvy hips and firmer breasts stared back at me. Her golden locks were captured in a high bun and reached her mid back. Her face was rounded due to the healthy food she had been consuming and her cheeks were rosy. Her facial features were striking; high cheek bones, feline eyes and a very slanted elf ear. Her right eye was a shocking gold with a zing of silver in the middle. Like lightning. The other eye was a dull honey brown colour.

That girl is me.

I had asked Kadja what she thought about my eye. She released a gasp and fear shook her form. She shook her head a while after, telling me she had no idea of it. I never asked her again.

Mother however waved it off as soon as I asked her about it saying it was normal and nothing could shake the trust I had in her.

Yasmin flew into the room through the little hole we drilled in the door for her. She was dressed in a pale blue top and matching jeans.

I really have to know where Fairies get clothing from.

"The queen awaits your presence in the throne room" she said moving behind me to pat my hair in place. She seemed cold these days; like she was pissed about something but couldn't quite bring herself to tell me.

"Sure" I replied before making my way towards the room door.

When I opened it, a burst of wood pine scent hit me and I smiled warmly at him.

The man who captured my heart.

"My queen, shall I escort you?" He asked humbly and I gave him my dainty hand. There were no sparks nor tingles.

I'd been hoping, no praying that I should be able to feel something remotely romantic for him but all to no avail. I wouldn't dare break his heart by saying this.

Yasmin huffed before looking away and flying ahead of us.

He led me to the throne room regally dressed in a royal blue robe and black shorts. His chin was clean shaven and his hair was brushed back neatly.

A bit too neat might I add.

As we got to the throne room, I left him at the door and went to sit beside mother. Spine straight, chin up, shoulders high. Like the Queen I was meant to be.

Kellyn was sat on the other side looking ahead as if she was in a trance. As I passed her, she winked at me and smirked in the direction of Elvi. This girl was as mischievous as ever!

"Yesterday, there was an attack on the outskirts of Fae." Mother got down to business immediately. She wasn't one waddle away time. "So close to us, too close. We have to speed up your training process and secure the palace with well-trained guards so from now you two will be staying on the highest floor which is the safest-"

"The trolls! What of the trolls and faeries and other creatures that life on this island. Did they not get hurt?" I screeched. Yasmin shot me a look of pride and my courage strengthened. Mother wasn't one that took lightly to interruptions during her speech.

"Those are the least of our concerns now. They will heal."

"Well that's odd" Kellyn muttered "we should secure their safety first"

Mother hissed below her breath casting a scorching look at the both of us.

"Mother you are an excellent Queen and you have ruled well for many, many years. I do not doubt your rule but I will not hide away while my people suffer for my sake. Until preparations to guarantee their safety are made, I will not adhere to your rules." I said softly and Kellyn nodded at me. Subtly agreeing.

"Fine" she gritted out, her fingers pinching into her palms. Something she did when she was trying to contain her anger. It was fleeting but a chill ran down my spine and my fingers recoiled.

Something was off. Why was I the only one that had this feeling?

We discussed the the plans for some time before deciding to go back to our rooms and prepare to move.

"Much to my dismay, Corey will have to stay up there with you two. With the rest of them of course. They will provide strong security"

At the mention of his name, my heart froze over and a burning hatred filled me. That beast! Mother looked to me as if to gauge my reaction and after a beat passed, she smirked softly.

As if on cue, the devil walked into the marbled throne room, the sound of his shoes creating a kind of tension only he could bring. A hush fell over us as his eyes almost desperately sought out mine. I snarled at him and he narrowed his eyes at me, cocking his head to the right as if asking a silent question.

I hate him. So much.

"You called for me?" He directly questioned mother not even bothering to add the formalities but she nodded at him anyway.

"You will protect my daughters at all times. Elvi will also be up there."

"Ah but we both know Kira is always my priority."

I groaned angrily and Kellyn furrowed her eyebrows at him. For as long as I could remember, Corey and I have never gotten along. Elvi growled at Corey but he didn't seem to mind, his eyes were fixed on me.

Why?

He looked down at the silver chain I wore around my neck and I clutched it tightly. Possessively. He smirked at me.

I'd found this chain in my pockets when I came back from the sacred grounds. I had no trace of it in my memories which I found very odd but every time I tried to throw it away, I hesitated.

It glistened in the sunlight and carried with it a light cinnamon scent that I found myself getting addicted to. Like a flash, two words rushed into my mind one afternoon as I stared at it intently.

A promise

A promise of what? I didn't know!

So I donned it on and walked around with it everywhere I went. Mother didn't seem to notice it and I'm sure she wouldn't even mind.

"You are dismissed" mother sighed and we stood up to leave. Even as I passed Corey, my hands still clutched the chain tightly. I wouldn't let him steal it.

"Princess why would I steal what is originally mine?" He asked me, his eyes flashing crimson red. My eyes flickered to mother to see she was having a deep conversation with Elvi. Thank goodness!

Yasmin on the other hand look pleased for the first time since I got my memories back.

"I have no business conversing with you Corey. Whatever you say is of no business of mine" I said stubbornly, turning away from him. This male was too much trouble!

"You promised" he said. His voice dropping to a whisper as if talking to himself. "I'm not angry at you for breaking your promise"

"You're nuts and just because we grew up together, I'll advice you to seek help somewhere"
He smiled at me before walking away.

Elvi came shortly, snatching my hands and leading me to my room. I couldn't help but notice he wasn't gentle at all, I couldn't help but feel a seed of fear germinate in me. His jaw kept ticking and something in me stirred. I don't want to be left alone with him.

So, I pushed him back. Hard. Not with my physical strength, Chirrietta helped of course. His back hit a near by pillar and he slumped to the floor. Weak.

I jogged to my room hastily, thanking heavens for my choice of clothes today. Leather pants.

I met Kellyn halfway, surprised to see her clutching her tummy tightly.

"I'm craving pancakes. Do you mind making some for me?" She rasped.

The last memory of me making pancakes rushed into my mind and I cringed.

"You pancake monster!"