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 had lived several years in the kingdom, and now it was flooded with memories. Some were good, but many were tainted by the shadows of the past, the very shadows that had once been his home. He had seen the news arrive and left to receive it. "What are you doing here? You should be resting," Abril said, her voice laced with concern. "It's not enough," he replied, his tone heavy with frustration. "I need to go home." The best strategy, he thought, was to face the truth head-on. The shadows, the personal guardians of the king, appeared suddenly.Abril ordered them to withdraw, her authority clear. "But, Your Majesty-" "The soils will be fine," she assured him, her voice steady. Once alone, Ethan turned to her, his expression serious. "What do you want to talk about?" "It's about the elven kingdom. I want to know what happened to my daughter," he said, his voice trembling with urgency. "Why was she taken?" "You know that half-breeds are taboo for us," Abril replied, her gaze unwavering. "That includes royal elven bloodlines. Even if you are her uncle, she is seen as an aberration-something that shouldn't exist.noveldramaImagine what they think of your daughter." "Don't they care about my daughter?" he pressed. "She is locked away in the mauve tower until the end of her days," Abril said, her voice heavy with sorrow. "Is my daughter in that place?" he demanded. "No, she is in the baby wing, and she is being cared for," Abril explained. "She has always been with us." "I hope you find a way to get her back," he said, desperation creeping into his voice. "Then why don't you return her to me?" he asked, frustration boiling over. "Because you are a princess, even if you don't agree with the queen's decisions.There is a limit to what I can do. To return your daughter without her authorization would be to rebel against her. That could lead to accusations of betrayal, and you know the price of that." "How do you plan to help my daughter?" he asked, his brow furrowing with concern. "If you want to get your daughter back, you must ask for the favor of the elven kingdom. She will not rest until she brings them back with her," Abril advised. "That's easy for you to say. How am I supposed to do that?" he replied, frustration evident in his voice."Enora loved her sister Sophia very much; she always loved me," Abril said, her voice softening. "You should use that to gain her favor." "Do you really think I look like my mother? Will that be enough? I don't believe the elven kingdom is so easily swayed," he said, doubt creeping into his heart. "No, the queen is cold and cruel. Very few things can be done, but I can ensure you resemble your mother. Despite the years that have passed, she still seeks her. She tortures herself when she is refused to speak of her.I can assure you that your mother is gone, and the only hope you have of seeing your daughter again lies in this," Abril said, her voice firm. "Then what do you suggest?" he asked, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on him. "Present yourself before her and ask to leave without more. No, if you do that and she refuses, you will only confuse her heart. Remember how you once changed the color of your hair? You should change it again to match your mother's. You will see yourself as she did," Abril advised. "Could you really help me?" he asked, a glimmer of hope igniting within him."Play your cards right, and you will gain an ally instead of an enemy. I can ensure you don't want her as an enemy," she replied, her eyes piercing. Abril turned away, but not before she added, "I don't know what you're plotting, but if you try to deceive the kingdom, you will pay dearly." "I assure you there is no scam. I promised to protect you, and that is what I am trying to do," he insisted, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. As Abril walked through the palace, she encountered Sirius, who was wandering through the mountains. "What are you doing here?You should be resting," she said, concern etched on her face. Ethan had spoken to her again, his voice filled with determination. "I want to get my daughter back." "No, but I have many options," Sirius replied, surprised by Abril's calm demeanor. "I believed you would be distraught since Lissa was kidnapped," he said, his brow furrowed. "I am, but it doesn't matter if I have a broken heart," she replied, her voice steady. "I'm sorry. If I hadn't delayed our return, maybe..." he started, but she cut him off. "You have nothing to argue about.If it weren't for you, I would still be in Laios," she said, her tone sharp. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask," he offered. "Thank you," she replied, appreciating his support. "And Your Majesty?" he asked, concern creeping back into his voice. "During the days you were unconscious, I felt guilty for not being able to protect her," she confessed. "I'm sorry. I was in very bad condition. I had to use magic to make it rest," he said, his voice filled with regret. "I'm fine," she insisted. "And what do you think about now?" he asked."Not recovering my daughter," she replied, determination hardening her features. "And the barriers?" he pressed. "Yes, magic has recovered completely. It will leave tomorrow morning," she said. "Do you want me to come to you?" he asked. "No, I want you to reinforce the barriers of the kingdom. I'm busy as I'm in Laios, so please take care of the kingdom while we are away. I'm worried that Cira might attack while we are not here," she warned. "Now that you mention it, I'm surprised you're so calm," he said, raising an eyebrow. "I worry. I worry all the time," she admitted."I will do everything in my power to protect the kingdom." "Thank you. I feel more at ease knowing you're here," he said, relief washing over him. As the sun dipped below the horizon, Abril left Sirius and returned home. Alessandro was still sleeping soundly. She lay beside him, seeking comfort in his warmth, needing his support to hold herself together and stave off the encroaching sadness.