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Alessandro enjoyed the playful banter, brushing his fingers through her hair as he replied, "This isn't a ghost story; this is our reality, Abril." "You're right," she conceded, her expression softening. "But you still need to rest. You haven't slept well. I'll keep watch." "I'm fine," he insisted, though the weariness in his eyes betrayed him. "You need to rest too. These last few weeks have been exhausting for both of us." Abril felt the weight of her body, heavy with fatigue, but she pushed through. "Close your eyes and sleep.I'll rest later." With a reluctant sigh, she agreed. "Alright, I'll sleep for a couple more hours, but if you're tired, don't hesitate to wake me." "I will," he promised, and she closed her eyes, drifting off almost instantly. Alessandro thought she would sleep for a couple of hours, but Abril found herself restless. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. The sound of Lissana's whimpering pulled her from her slumber. She sat up, her heart racing with concern. "Alessandro," she whispered, glancing at him."I think she's hungry." He nodded, rising to prepare something for their daughter. As he moved toward the table, Abril followed, her mind racing with thoughts of their responsibilities. Suddenly, a knock echoed through the room. "Princess Abril, Your Majesty the Queen requests your presence." Alessandro and Abril exchanged glances, uncertainty flickering between them. They both knew the queen had her reasons for summoning them, and they needed to understand what was at stake. "Lead us to her," Alessandro commanded."Please follow me," the servant replied, guiding them through the corridors of the elven kingdom. As they walked, the guards stationed at the door fell back, allowing them to proceed. The servant led them down a long hall that opened into a grand chamber adorned with golden arches. There, they found the queen, Dantriel, and her daughter, Kiara, waiting for them. "You may withdraw," the queen instructed her attendants, and once they were alone, Abril spoke up. "If everything is arranged, why can't we leave?" she asked, her brow furrowing in confusion."First, I sent for your mother to show you Arkala. She wishes to see the place where you were born. Second, we need to confirm your lineage," the queen explained. "I didn't realize I had to prove anything," Abril replied, her voice tinged with frustration. "It's to ensure that you truly possess guardian blood," Dantriel clarified. "And what if I don't?" Abril shot back, her eyes flashing with indignation. "Then your desire to go was a lie," the queen said calmly, though her tone held a hint of challenge. Abril's anger flared.noveldrama"You think I would lie about my lineage?" "It's not a lie I'm questioning; I simply want to verify the truth," Dantriel replied, her gaze steady. "What do you expect me to do?" Abril asked, her voice strained. Before Alessandro could step forward, he instinctively positioned himself protectively in front of Abril. "What lies behind that door?" he demanded, his tone firm. "I don't know," the queen admitted. "You must open it, and only you can enter. What lies inside is a mystery." "And if there's a monster?" Alessandro pressed. "I doubt there's a monster," Dantriel reassured them."From what I've heard, it's something that only the guardians can consult when needed. But I think you'll find it harmless." Abril felt a sense of calm wash over her. She didn't sense any negative energy emanating from the door, which seemed to pulse with a strange, inviting aura. Alessandro looked at her, silently asking if she felt the same. "No danger?" he inquired. She nodded, a small smile breaking through her earlier tension. Dantriel's expression softened. "I'm pleased to see you've made the right decision." She glanced at the baby in Abril's arms. "It's dangerous, but don't worry.I'll take care of her." Abril hesitated, reluctant to leave Lissana behind. "But if it's dangerous-" "Uncontrolled power can be perilous," Dantriel interjected. "This door contains immense magic that has been sealed for decades. When it opens, its power will surge. It won't harm anyone, but a child-" Abril's heart raced. She knew Lissana's condition was fragile, her powers slipping further from her control. "You can entrust her to Kiara," Dantriel suggested."She has been caring for your daughter and can keep her safe until you return." "I don't think I should leave her with someone I don't know," Abril replied, her voice trembling. Alessandro placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "If you want, you can ask Kiara to stay close. I trust her with our daughter." Seeing the confidence in Alessandro's eyes, Abril made her decision. She handed Lissana over to Kiara, her heart heavy yet hopeful. "Take good care of her," Abril instructed, her voice firm. "Don't worry, I will," Kiara assured her, cradling the baby gently.Once Kiara had taken Lissana from the room, Alessandro turned to the queen. "Can I open this door?" "You just need to touch it and command it to open. It's quite simple," Dantriel explained. "And if I make a mistake?" he asked, concern etched on his face. "Then you will have to face the guardians," she replied, her expression serious. "But they will not deceive you."