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!Maya stood at the edge of the tavern, her heart heavy with the weight of impending farewells. She wanted to say goodbye to her friends, unsure if she would ever see them again. The warmth of their embraces surrounded her, laughter echoing in the air, but one figure remained distant. Leo lingered in a corner, his expression unreadable. Maya approached him, her voice soft. "I wish you well." Leo fixed his gaze on her, and after a long silence, he finally replied, "You're not a good man." Meanwhile, in the palace, Alessandro paced restlessly.He had just left his room, where he had been waiting for Abril. Dantriel leaned against the wall, his posture relaxed despite the tension in the air. "Is he staying there for a long time?" Alessandro asked, concern etched on his face. "Do you know where Abril is?" he pressed, his voice rising slightly. "She's not in the palace," Dantriel replied, his tone calm but serious. Alessandro's worry deepened. "Where is my wife?!" "The queen has taken her somewhere, but don't worry, she's fine. You'll see her before dusk," Dantriel assured him. Without Abril by his side, Alessandro felt lost.noveldrama"What am I supposed to do?" he muttered, frustration creeping into his voice. "Do you want to eat something?" Dantriel suggested, trying to lighten the mood. "Yes," Alessandro replied, still distracted. Dantriel began to walk, glancing back to ensure Alessandro followed. "Come on, I know a good place to eat. You can't spend all day staring at the wall waiting for her to return." "I suppose you're right," Alessandro conceded, reluctantly falling into step behind Dantriel. As they exited the palace, the air felt fresher, and for a moment, Alessandro's spirits lifted.Just then, Ethan appeared before them, his expression revealing his disappointment. "Is Abril with the queen?" Ethan asked, hope flickering in his eyes. "Yes," Alessandro confirmed, but the disappointment was palpable. Ethan's face fell. "I was hoping to see her today." "Let's go get something to eat," Alessandro suggested, trying to shift the mood. "Do you want to join us?" "Of course," Ethan replied, his voice flat as he followed them through the streets until they reached a restaurant. Upon entering, they were greeted with respect.Everyone stood and bowed their heads until they were led to a table on the second floor, where they could see everything below. Several young servers approached, offering drinks in delicate cups, and a steaming teapot sat in the center of the table. Dantriel remained silent, sipping his drink, while Alessandro felt the weight of the conversation hanging in the air. "Is Abril coming back soon?" Ethan broke the silence, his tone anxious. "I don't think it will be possible tonight," Alessandro replied, his brow furrowing."I thought she would be back in a few days!" Ethan exclaimed, frustration creeping into his voice. "I'm worried about my kingdom and what Cira might do in my absence," Alessandro admitted, his gaze distant. Ethan nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I just want to talk to Abril's mother again." Alessandro sensed the tension in Ethan's silence. He knew how it felt to love someone so deeply that the thought of losing them was unbearable. After a few drinks, the food arrived-an array of eggs, chicken, meat, and vegetables, all beautifully presented.Alessandro savored a piece of meat, its flavor rich and satisfying. "I still don't have the answers I was hoping to find at the guardians' home," he confessed, his voice low. Dantriel looked at him, concern etched on his face. "You can't prevent what's coming, Alessandro. If you know you can't avoid it, you shouldn't martyr yourself. Live now and stop worrying about tomorrow." Alessandro clenched his fists, the tension palpable. "Maya is my sister.I can't just ignore what's happening." Meanwhile, Maya stood in the tavern, surrounded by her friends, each one offering warm hugs and playful banter. But Leo remained distant, his expression unyielding. "Goodbye, Leo," she said softly, hoping for a connection. He met her gaze, and after a long pause, he finally spoke. "You're not a good man."