Thank you for reading on ! We provide free access to all our stories, but maintaining this platform requires ongoing costs. To keep the site running and continue offering free content, we display advertisements. You can close the ads anytime, or upgrade to premium membership ($5/month) for an ad-free reading experience while supporting our mission. You can also earn premium for free by completing simple tasks. We truly appreciate your understanding and support!Abril stood resolute, her heart heavy with the weight of her responsibilities. "My daughter needs me," she murmured, her voice firm. "I fulfilled my word, but my priority is my child. Let's go; she is waiting for me." As she prepared to march, a gentle knock echoed through her chamber. Sirius, her loyal companion, glanced at her, curiosity etched on his face. "April, may I come in?" Enzo's voice called from the other side of the door. With a deep breath, Abril opened the door, revealing Enzo's concerned expression. "Are you going somewhere?" he asked, his brow furrowing."We must return to Laios. There are many monsters in the city," she replied, her tone urgent. "I can't leave her if she is sick; she needs me." Enzo's eyes softened, recalling the times when Abril's daughter had been frail. "You always put her first," he said, a hint of admiration in his voice. Abril felt a pang of guilt at his words. She remembered the childhood struggles her daughter faced, her magic suppressed just as Abril had once been. "I'm a fool to think they wouldn't betray me," she thought, frustration bubbling within her."The weapons you blessed have finally freed us to face these monsters, but I cannot stay. My daughter is my priority," she insisted, her resolve unwavering. "Here is a kingdom that needs you," Enzo countered gently. "If you wish to help, you can." "I wish I could, but I can't abandon my family," Abril replied, shaking her head. "I have to go back to Laios." "Good luck then, but be careful with Cira," Enzo warned, his tone serious. "Take care of yourself, too. You seek revenge, don't you?" she asked, a knowing look in her eyes. "Yes," he admitted, his gaze steady."Then we shall meet again, Enzo," she said, turning towards the gate. Just before crossing it, Enzo called out to her. "Abril, if you can..." "You've changed," she interrupted, recalling how he had once expressed his loneliness over not having family. "Cira was hostile to me, wanting to kill anyone who stood in her way. But that was never my intention.We both grew up fighting for the throne, proving our worth, yet we ended up forgotten in a corner of the palace." "No one is a loving priest," he replied softly, "we were all neglected by our priest." "I don't believe that's the case," Abril said, her voice firm. "Our priest is being controlled by darkness. I may not show it, but I care for us." "Thank you for saying that," Enzo replied, his expression softening. "You have much to consider.noveldramaYou're taking the shortcut; you'll need it to reach Cosset, even if it means opening the path again." "I will help you whenever you need," she promised, determination in her voice. "Just decide which path to take," he urged. Though Enzo seemed to believe someone evil lurked in the shadows, Abril knew he was clever. "What is the way?" she asked, recalling the route to Cosset. Abril had an excellent memory, and she remembered the details vividly. As she stepped out with Sirius by her side, they encountered Hans, who approached and bowed deeply before her."Princess Abril," he greeted, his tone respectful. "I am no longer a princess; I am the queen of Cosset," she replied, her voice steady. "I know, and I did not call you princess to remind you," Hans said earnestly. "I want to recognize you as the queen of this kingdom." "What do you want?" Abril asked, her patience wearing thin. "I have a request, but I cannot comply," he said, hesitating. "Speak," she urged. "Please don't kill Cira. You'll have to see her again, from before," he pleaded, desperation in his voice. "Why do you care so much for Cira?" Abril asked, narrowing her eyes."Because I..." he hesitated. "I loved her, but my love was never reciprocated. That doesn't change how I feel." Hans bowed deeply, his head lowered in supplication. "Please, don't kill her." "I can promise nothing," Abril replied, her heart heavy. "But I will consider your request." "Thank you for accepting my petition, Your Majesty," he said, relief flooding his features. As Abril contemplated his words, Sirius spoke up. "You and your brother are hypocrites. I understand you want her saved." "If she is in my grasp, I will do what I can," Hans insisted."You shouldn't show so much kindness; it will only lead to problems," Sirius warned. "It's not kindness," Abril replied, her voice steady. "I share a bond with Cira, even if I see no good in her. If I can help, I will." "I hope you don't regret this decision," Sirius cautioned. "I hope I don't either," Abril said, her heart heavy with uncertainty as she prepared to face the challenges ahead.