SPELLBOUND

The men immediately realized that their princess was having a little trouble in deciding whether or not she should listen to the light fae and awaken these creatures.

"What do you want to do, princess?" Zolan asked and Evie just looked at him, unable to respond. She was still undecided.

"Whatever you decide to do, we believe it will be the right choice." The man gave his encouragement and grinned at Evie. "After all, your decisions until now had never been wrong and had brought us to this point," he shrugged, "what I'm saying is, no matter how risky and almost ridiculous your decisions were, like the fact that you had decided to come to this place, was in the end never a mistake. That's why we will support whatever decision you make. We all believe in you, princess. Always remember that."

Evie was touched at the man's words. She was a little worried and afraid that the decisions that she made might cause something she would regret – especially if it were to negatively impact her men directly. She would never allow herself to live it down if that were to happen. That was why she still hesitated. But hearing Zolan's words and seeing her men nodding at her with their eyes filled with faith in her, gave her all the confidence that she needed, and it rose to its height again.

They were right, all she could do now was to continue believing in herself too. And that the decision that she was about to make was the right one.

Squaring her shoulders, she turned and faced Zanya. Zanya had a small smile on her lips and was happy as Evie looked confident and relaxed after her talk with her men.

"I have decided," she told the light fae. "I am not going to awaken everyone yet."

Zanya's eyes widened as her smile fell. Her face showed the shock that she was feeling. But before Zanya could protest or ask why, Evie had already opened her mouth to speak again.

"You said the dark fae is still unaware about the surviving light faes, right?" Evie asked and the shocked light fae nodded.

"I don't want Thundrann to find out that there were still surviving light faeries for now. I want him to think that this land has no more hope, and that the prophecy is never going to be fulfilled. If I bring back the tree of light now and the land starts shining again, he will definitely find out what is happening. Then he would realize that I am indeed the one mentioned in the prophecy. However, if nothing changes in this land, he will think I am not the one or he'll think that the prophecy is not real. Unlike you, Thundrann had not seen all the proofs that I am the daughter of the light in the prophecy." Evie trailed off and her gaze on Zanya became incredibly intense with determination. "I don't think I am ready to defend this land yet from Thundrann. I know you understand what I am saying. That's why I need a little more time to become stronger and… gather allies… We will need allies to defeat Thundrann. Once I'm strong enough… once I find my husband and find enough allies to aid us in our cause… I'll definitely come back here and awaken everyone."

"I understand that this is your decision princess, but… I still think you must awaken the light fairies now. They will be a strong force to protect you!" Zanya tried to persuade Evie one last time.

Evie shook her head. "No… awaking them would be the same as telling Thundrann I'm the daughter of the light in the prophecy. And didn't you say that light faes cannot maintain their powers outside the faeries' realm especially now that the tree of light is dead?" Evie put her point across.

Zanya could not respond as she too realized that the light faeries might not really be able to help once they step out of the Middle Land. They could only go as far away as they liked if the tree of light was brought back to life again.

"I am going to venture out of the Middle Land to find my husband and to look for allies." Evie declared and then smiled at her. "Do not worry Zanya, I will come back again." She turned her gaze towards the number of crystals in the throne hall. "These faeries would serve as my trump cards… because Thundrann has no idea they still exist. Once I return… I promise to bring them all back and at the same time, awaken the tree of light to give them more power."

Zanya's eyes glimmered. She was moved with the determination of the princess and the queen-like confidence she had exuded. Everything she said had made so much sense that she could no longer argue. She was amazed that though young, the princess had the presence of mind and the clarity to see to all angles regarding the awakening of the rest of the light faes and reviving of the tree of light.

"All I need right now is you, Zanya. You alone will be enough for now." Evie then said, "I need you to teach me everything I need to know about the things that I am capable of doing. I want to learn everything I can as soon as possible before setting out and continuing on my journey. Ah… I most especially want to learn about the dragons and how to use my magic in combat." Evie rattled off a list of things she would want Zanya to instruct her on.

The light fae was awed at the will Evie exuded and the light fae smiled again. She could not help but remember the princess and the queen she once served. This princess almost had no difference to them, especially when compared with the queen.

"Very well, princess… I will teach you everything you need to know and learn."

"Thank you. Please let's start now."

"Now?" Zanya was taken aback. Did the princess not want to take a rest first?

"Yes, right now Zanya."

"Your wish is my command princess." And Zanya's awe and respect for Evie only grew.

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A/N: Goal this week: if we reach top 1 in golden ranking at the end of this week, i will give bonus chap. ^^