Adam chuckled happily. So, she was finally going to be queen, was she? About bloody time. He was growing bored waiting for her to finally assume the throne. He had considered pursuing one of the elven Princesses of Welpion, but their city was already ruled by their younger brother.

Of course, that little elf could have an untimely accident, leading to his ascension to power, but it was more work than wooing a love-sick puppy. Ivy was the perfect piece to his game. Adam allowed the servant to show him to his room admiring the castle as he went.

The ball was sure to prove interesting as Ivy tried to get him to propose. Perhaps he would see what else the kingdom had to offer in the way of beautiful women. After all, they were all the same to him.

Adam paused as he looked around the castle, flirting with the female staff. He was eager to fulfill his dream of ruling the world, but dreams like that required patience and careful planning. Soon Kale, his one and only friend, would complete his task and they would move onto the next stage. Adam sighed happily. Tonight, Trayson would be his. Tomorrow, the world.

* * * * * * *

Meredith pouted quietly as she sat on the coral base of the stone fountain. Trayson had had this fountain crafted as a gift for her arrival. She wasn't sure if he meant to comfort her or remind her of everything she had left behind. She dipped her hand into the cool waters as she contemplated Ivy.

She was strong, with a kind heart and had all the makings of becoming queen. If only she would awaken as a true druid.

Meredith had spent many months debating with the council, trying to find some way to convince her. However, it was starting to seem like an impossible task. She couldn't force Ivy to bond with the mother tree.

But at this rate, something, anything would be better than nothing. Meredith sighed standing up and glancing around her private space.

On the largest wall, sat a giant mirror, to reflect the stone fountain in the center of the room. A small balcony allowed for her to get some fresh air, but like most of her people she left behind, she was afraid of heights and rarely ventured out onto the small balcony, hanging over the cliff side of the castle. She paced in circles wondering if Ivy was certain about marrying the dwarven prince. The rumors she had heard surrounding him were not kind.

It was well known that he was a lady's man, never spending a single night alone. The company he kept was not pleasant and some rumors went as far to paint him as an evil man. Meredith growled softly, wondering if there was a way to confirm or deny her suspicions before the princess made him their king.

She hoped she was wrong, and that Ivy had fallen for the sweet gentle man she claimed him to be. But if she was right... Meredith picked up her pace as she muttered softly to herself.

"It has been a while my queen. You seem troubled." A soft voice called to her making Meredith sigh. Turning to face the occupied mirror.

"If I do, it is because I am. I am worried that Ivy is too blinded by love to see the truth. I want her to make the right choices, but I cannot make them for her." Meredith told the women in the mirror.

Framtida nodded her head slowly as she paced inside the mirror. Her skin was a sickly pale color, much like her sisters Meredith had left behind. She wore a tight white vest and a long white skirt. Different from the stories Meredith had read.

"You are right to be worried. The time is drawing near. Darkness is rising in the land, and it has invaded your home. I cannot see the future like I once did, but I have been watching the current events. Adam will serve as an instrument to the darkness, dragging Ivy down with him. There is nothing you can do to stop it." Framtida told her as Meredith growled.

"How can there be nothing we can do? Surely something can be done to spare Ivy from the evil Adam brings." Meredith argued hating how much she had been right. Framtida shook her head frowning.

"The future I have seen is fragmented and unsure. But Ivy must suffer if she is to become stronger. Through her downfall, the true druid king will awaken and take the throne." Framtida said as Meredith paused.

"You said my son would never be king here." Meredith stated as Framtida nodded. "There is another druid, worthy of the throne?" Meredith asked shocked.

"Trayson's oldest child will take up the mantle and restore his birthright. That is his destiny. Ivy's destiny is still unclear but go into the darkness she must for the good of the kingdom." Framtida muttered softly. Meredith began to pace again, more troubled than before. How could she let Ivy fall into enemy hands? She slowed her nervous stride, pausing to frown at the woman in the mirror.

"You said the time was near. Do you mean...?" Meredith stumbled as Framtida nodded solemnly.

"It is time to send the child on her quest. If we delay it, our world will fall into the darkness." Framtida told her softly as Meredith nodded.