Chapter 40

"The stone is a very powerful one, having in the procession of it would give anyone the frenzy for power. It had in it a very powerful ancient magic. It was formed years ago, in the largest clam shell in the ocean, while god send his magic on earth, all the positive magic, from the world. We were given this responsibility because the lord trusted us, he knew we would preserved it without ego getting in our way." She paused. "When Richards betrayed us, I was merely forced to hide away that stone. A place where no one would imagine. Now that heaven and hell is aware of that, they will do whatever in their power to have that stone."

"I don't even know where the stone is. How can I help them in getting it? And that would clearly tell why they let me go."

"It was the destiny stone that saved you. Even in death, they would have got what they wanted."

"But how can I? I don't even know where it is." Maybe the way she found the way of the castle, the map that formed on her skin would have a reason to it.

"Amy, the stone I hide it in a place that no one would ever imagine." She halted again. "in the one that was meant to be the one to end that thirst of revenge inside of me. Inside you, my love. You are the stone."

Another bitter feeling engulfed her this time, her breath stroked into a freezing halt. She opened her mouth but no sound came out. "I know my child it is quite a surprise for you."

"I wouldn't classify it as surprise." She finally finds her voice to protest back. "Why did you do that?" she asked without looking at the latter.

"You are royalty and your duty is to protect the stone over all. You should be thinking a way to keep it safe." There was an authority in her voice as she spoke. "And you must know as well that your duty should be above all."

"What should I understand by that?" At the very moment, two figures entered the room, familiar faces. Yet at this point everyone is a stranger to her. Amy lost her belief in anyone who shared her life. A life made up of lies and betrayal. Only one person she wished she could see right now. Simon. The one who saved her from death. The one who can calm down her stressful nerves. But she had a feeling that she wasn't allowed to exit yet, not until they have fully brained washed her. "Steve, I trusted you." It was the first thing she could think of as soon as she saw their faces. Her uncle and aunt. They looked totally different. Steve, who always fancied have a small beard, appeared to be cleaned shaved and his hair golden brown and at shoulder length. Jasmine, looked younger and her hairs fell as silk and reflected black charcoal color. She had a thin silver crown over her head. And Steve had a golden one.

They both entered the room. With guilty eyes, Amy could spot them. "I've always thought that even though I had no mother or father, you guys were there. No matter what, I can trust you and blindly close my eyes, on anything else."

"I'm sorry, princess." Steve spoke first. "We did what we were told to do."

"We were obliged by the rules and regulation." Jasmine explained. "We had to do that."

"So even the love you gave me till now?" she suddenly felt a heat up to her head. "It was just fake and part of your duty? Seriously, does anyone even know what love is? Or is it just duty that force you to love?"

"Amy, we understand,"

"No, no one understand. Explain me the fact why i lived a fake life all these years. Give me one good reason why I should understand your betrayal and pardon you. Because seriously I don't see any other reason than to hate you." She walked towards the door.

"Amy, where are you going?" Her mother stepped towards her.

"To the only one person who haven't lied to me."

"You are not allowed to meet Alex." Amy paused and was about to tell her that it was Simon she was referring to, but that answer really rose her curiosity. "Why?" A cold glance on her mother face revealed her answer. "Please don't tell me you expect me to fulfil that ludicrous  wish of yours."

"That is your destiny, my child. You can't escape from it." She presumed. Her hands behind her back she paced around the room. It was certain that she was looking for more reason to satisfy her answer. "As the royal choice of this land and the sole protector of its magic. You have to follow the law abided to it."

"It's not like I've wanted it that way." Amy finally bellowed back. "I've always wished my life to be fill with magic and fairy tale. Love and dreams that would bring smile on my face." She paused and sighed. "but clearly everything that happened in the past weeks have changed my mind about that. Now I would give up everything for a normal life."

"Amy, you don't mean that." Jasmine sheepishly added, more like whispered. "You should think of the sacrifice that your mother has endured all these years, just to keep you safe. At least think of your dad. He sacrificed himself to save the kingdom, your mother was trusted to."

"Think of the fact that he wasn't even concerned into the matter. Yet he gave his life so that your mother could save that stone."

"Steve, even if I agree that this is my duty to convey that revenge, how would I be able to cope with my heart from the fact that the one I love would be suffering in front of me?" she unexpectedly added. "I love Alex, and no one can change that fact."