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!Ethan felt the weight of the truth pressing down on him. The horsemen regarded him with a mix of disdain and curiosity, their gazes heavy with unspoken judgments. "Did you want to reschedule something for me?" he asked, trying to mask his unease. "They're bothered by you; they think they're meant to protect you," Dantriel replied, his tone laced with frustration. "It's my fault I was locked up in the dungeons," Ethan admitted, his voice low. "That's not my problem. You did something unnecessary," Dantriel shot back. "If I save you, you should be grateful." "Nobody asked you to do anything.Now it's your fault," Ethan retorted, his irritation flaring. Dantriel sighed, the tension between them palpable. "The queen soon discovered your existence, and with my help, she will never decide that your sacrifice would have changed anything." "I want to leave Arkala. Help me cross the barrier," Ethan pleaded, desperation creeping into his voice. "The queen has prohibited you from doing so. I don't think you should disobey her," Dantriel warned. "I need to help Abril fulfill her promise to Sophia," Ethan insisted, determination hardening his resolve."I see that you are more than determined, so I will help you. But I warn you, if you are caught, I will flatly deny having helped you." "That seems fair. Any idea on how to do this without anyone noticing?" Ethan asked, his mind racing. "Yes, follow me. She has a lover she visits sometimes, and there's a secret exit that only the royal family knows about." Ethan nodded, his heart pounding with anticipation. --- "Don't deny the truth," Dantriel said, his voice steady. "Is that what makes you think you helped me?" Ethan shot back. "Because she never agrees with the decisions your mother makes.noveldramaI'm sure she's no exception; she's just trying to protect her daughter, Abril." "You believe she will help me return to the girl if she knows?" Ethan asked, skepticism coloring his tone. "I don't think so. Even though she sometimes rebels against the queen's decisions, she won't do anything so drastic. If she did, the queen would disinherit her. She wouldn't risk being the hereditary princess." "The guards didn't let me enter the palace," Ethan said, frustration evident. "Don't worry about that. I'll take care of it.Come in; I'll wait for you at midnight in the west tower of the palace." "Understood," Ethan replied, steeling himself for what lay ahead. As midnight approached, Ethan returned home, anxiety gnawing at him. He was alone with the questions Dantriel had left him with when suddenly, Dantriel emerged from the shadows. "Come, follow me," he urged. Ethan trailed him to a high wall. Dantriel inserted something into a small crevice, and the tiles shifted, revealing an entrance. "How do you know about this passage?" Ethan asked, astonished. "I used it to visit the queen's dormitory at night.Forget it; that's in the past," Dantriel replied, crossing first as the tiles began to move, the door threatening to close. "Get through quickly, or the door will shut!" Dantriel called. Ethan hurried through the secret door, finding himself in the northern garden. Dantriel had said they would be safe here, away from the guards. "Let's go; the princess is in the north wing," Dantriel instructed. "Is your affair with the queen over?" Ethan inquired, a hint of curiosity in his voice. "I don't know," Dantriel replied, his expression unreadable."It seems you're still enjoying it; otherwise, we would be dead." "We've only stopped living because I'm one of her best generals," Dantriel continued, a note of pride in his voice. "Is that true? Do you believe it? You have many generals, but few like you," Ethan remarked. "Shut up. If someone hears you insult the queen, it will be your end," Dantriel warned. "You can decide what you want, but I won't comfort you with her death," Ethan replied defiantly. "My relationship with your majesty is not up for discussion," Dantriel shot back."There will always be something between you and the queen," Ethan insisted. Dantriel halted, casting a glance at Ethan. "You would be silenced if I forgot that you were my friend." "Call me what you want, but don't dismiss me like that," Ethan retorted. Just then, they heard footsteps approaching, and Dantriel whispered, "Someone comes." They both hid behind a column as Enora entered, sensing an unusual presence in the palace. "Who's there?" she called out, her voice steady. "Dantriel, your majesty," he replied smoothly, stepping forward to show he bore no weapons."What are you doing here?" Enora asked, her brow furrowing. "I came to see your majesty," Dantriel said, his tone respectful. "This is not my palace, and I have not summoned you. What are you doing here?" she pressed, her gaze sharp. "I wanted to see your majesty, but I didn't know if you would allow me," Dantriel said, moving closer, his warm breath mingling with the sweet scent of her perfume. Enora paused, captivated by the tension between them. "You remain grateful before my eyes, but I also see that I bother you," she teased.Dantriel stepped closer, wrapping an arm around her waist, closing the distance between them. "Does this mean I can't be near your majesty?" Enora smiled slightly, her eyes sparkling. "Yes, of course!" Dantriel leaned in to kiss her, but Enora pulled back. "We should go somewhere else; I won't settle for just a simple kiss." As she turned to leave, Dantriel hesitated, watching her go. "Why don't you follow me?" she asked, glancing back. "In truth, I can't," he admitted, torn between desire and duty. "Isn't that what you've been looking for?" she pressed, a playful smile on her lips."Yes," he replied, his heart racing. Enora began to remove her tunic slowly, and Dantriel felt himself drawn to her, captivated by her beauty. She had always had that effect on him, igniting his deepest instincts. Their fingers intertwined, and as their lips met, Dantriel lost himself in the moment. In that intimate space, it felt as if the world outside had faded away. He realized, despite his attempts to deny it, he was completely in love with her. Their kisses were slow and deep, filled with a longing that transcended words.