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!noveldramaAbril had not yet surrendered. Soleia embraced her wife for what felt like the last time. "You should know that your family is waiting for you. As long as they are here, you can come back as many times as you want." "Mother, King-" Alessandro turned to the door, glancing back at his mother. She smiled broadly at him. "I'm ready, Lessan." As Alessandro opened the door, a brilliant light spilled into the room. He squinted, allowing his eyes to adjust to the brightness. Wrapped in warm arms, he felt Abril's comforting presence. "Lessan, are you alright?" she asked, concern etched on her face."Yes, I'm fine," he replied, though he sensed her worry was deeper than he realized. "I was very worried about you," she admitted, her voice tinged with anxiety. Alessandro thought Abril was exaggerating; after all, a mere mouse had passed by him. "I don't think that much time has passed, Aby." "It's been there all day," she insisted. "What?" Enora interjected, her brow furrowing. "I believe time works differently there," Abril explained. "You experienced only a moment, but for us, hours have passed." "Is it the same as in the land of the fairies?" Enora asked, intrigued. "Not exactly.Inside, it feels as if time flows more slowly, while in the land of the fairies, it can move either quickly or slowly. It's hard to gauge how much time has truly passed." Alessandro felt a sense of urgency. "How do you manage it?" he asked, his curiosity piqued. "No idea. The queen has never shared her secrets. I've already tested your limits, and I don't think you can hold on much longer." "And what about Ril? Will you let her go too?" he pressed. "If I have to, I will," Abril replied, her voice steady."Then nothing can hold us back in this place," he declared, a hint of determination in his tone. "But I promised to show you Arkala," she reminded him gently. "Then let me see it. I want to know the land I was born in and where I grew up with my mother." "Thank you for accepting my request. Now, I need to eat something; it's time for dinner." "Lissana will want to see you," Abril said, her eyes brightening. "I understand. Kiara must speak to her in the palace. Go to the servants' quarters; they will guide you." "Thank you," Alessandro replied, feeling a sense of relief."This is your palace; you're free to wander. Go see Kiara. I believe you will feel more comfortable with her than with me, given your shared history." Enora moved toward the door, leading the way. Once alone, Alessandro embraced Abril, concern etched on his face. "Are you alright?" he asked softly. "Yes, and you?" she replied, her voice steady. "How did you fare inside?" "Better than I expected," he said, a smile breaking through. A servant interrupted their conversation, bowing slightly. "Please follow me to the palace of Princess Kiara." Alessandro and Abril followed, flanked by guards.The servant led them through a beautiful garden adorned with silk ribbons of vibrant colors, tied to ivory columns, the air filled with the scent of blooming white flowers. In the center, near a tranquil fountain, Kiara and Lissana sat together, watching them approach. Abril rushed forward, her heart swelling with joy. "My baby, my baby! You've been weaned." "She has been well," Kiara assured her. Abril gently caressed her daughter's cheek. "Thank you for taking care of my little one." "Of course," Kiara replied with a warm smile. "Have you eaten?" "Not yet," Abril admitted."Then follow me; I'll have something prepared for you," Kiara said, leading them inside. As they entered, a grand feast awaited them, the aroma tantalizing. The food looked delicious, but Abril couldn't shake the question that had lingered in her mind since they had arrived. "Do you know how you helped us?" she asked Kiara, her curiosity bubbling over. "I've asked a thousand times, but I still don't understand." "Ah, yes. You are my husband, though I doubt you are committed to the archaic laws that bind me.I only helped you for my own benefit, that much is true." "So you've only used me?" Alessandro asked, a hint of disbelief in his voice. "Yes, but I care for your daughter because it brings me joy. She is a sweet child." "My mother said I was going to leave. What do you think?" Abril questioned. "I will gladly show you Arkala," Kiara promised. Barto approached Maya, who had been sitting in the garden, lost in thought. He stood behind her, clearing his throat to get her attention. "Finally, I see you! I've been looking for you everywhere," he exclaimed.Maya ignored him, taking another bite of her pie. Barto leaned closer, his tone growing serious. "That's enough, Maya. We need to talk. There's no time for you to be eating pie." "Why not? I'm hungry," she retorted, raising an eyebrow. Barto's frustration was palpable. "You're dying, and the only thing that matters to you is pie?" "Because if I'm going to die, I want to eat everything I can," she shot back defiantly, clutching her plate. Barto slammed his hand on the table, causing the pastry to bounce. "You need to stop this!You're wasting time!" "I'm not saying that," Maya replied, her voice steady. "I'm thinking about how to avoid death, but your shouting isn't helping." Barto took a seat across from her, his expression firm. Maya sighed, exasperated. "What?" she asked, her tone softening. "Are you really thinking about how to avoid dying?" he pressed. "Yes," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.