The next day they split into two groups. Lottie took Maeve and Sinbad sightseeing whilst Doubar took Rongar and Firouz seeking information. They were to meet back that evening on the Nomad. Lottie led Maeve and Sinbad into a small forest to the east. They walked into the center of it before coming across a fountain. The water was sparkling, crystal clear and was spilling out of a stone statue of Aphrodite into a pool below.
"Wow" gasped Maeve. "It's beautiful"
"Yes" chirped Lottie. "It's Aphrodite's fountain"
"What's it used for?" asked Sinbad.
"It's said to contain her magic. You have to look into the water and your soul mate will appear as your reflection." smiled Lottie.
"Soul mate?" asked Sinbad.
"A soul mate is said to be the person you're meant to be with" explained Maeve. "They are supposed to contain the ideal partner for your soul"
"It works too." smiled Lottie. "I've tried lots of times"
"You know your soul mate?" asked Maeve.
"Yes. His names Connor. He's a prince." she smiled.
"Does he know you?" asked Sinbad.
"Yes. We met here a long time ago. We've been best friends ever since, even though his evil stepmother doesn't like me."
"The Queen?" asked Maeve
"Yes" replied Lottie. "Now, do you want to see him?"
"Yes please" smiled Maeve. So Lottie walked over to the fountain and looked in. After a few seconds, a boys face appeared.
"He's lovely" smiled Sinbad.
"Your turn now" chirped Lottie.
"Oh, I don't know" started Sinbad.
"Are you afraid sailor?" challenged Maeve.
"I don't think I want to know" came the reply.
"Please?" asked Lottie sweetly. Sinbad cracked, he walked over to the fountain and peered in. Maeve stood next to him and also peered in. After a few seconds Sinbad's reflection changed into a woman. She had long, red hair and brown eyes. Sinbad knew the face instantly, it was Maeve. Maeve's reflection also changed, hers was of a man with medium-length brown hair and sea blue eyes. Her heart did a flip as she saw Sinbad smiling back at her. She looked over to see her reflection smiling back at Sinbad. Sinbad also looked over to see himself looking at Maeve. They jumped back quickly as Lottie laughed.
"If only Uncle Doubar had been here" she laughed. "He'd of enjoyed this"
"Undoubtedly" muttered Sinbad. Maeve tried to change the subject.
"Can you drink out of it?" she asked Lottie.
"No, it is against the law. Only the Queen uses this water to give to the King." she said. 'That's odd' thought Maeve. She looked closer at the water and caught a quick glance at a spell. She walked nearer the water and concentrated.
"It's enchanted" she said to Sinbad.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"Aphrodite has cast a spell on it. Some sort of a love potion." she replied.
"Why would the Queen need a love potion?" he pondered.