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"Thanks, but I don't think I'll have much time," Kiara said, her tone serious."As I mentioned before, I have something I need to attend to." "Ask for your room to be prepared if you need it. Don't hesitate to ask," Alessandro suggested, his voice steady. "We're deciding to go back, so we'll also ask that they prepare the scene for our return," he added, leaning in to kiss Abril before leaving the room. "I'm glad to see you back," Kiara said, her expression brightening. "I believe this change has come about so I can alter my mother's opinion, if not my own." "Maybe you're right. My mother has always felt guilty for exiling Aunt Sophia.I think she's trying to make amends through you. Please don't hate me for saying this." Abril remained soft, her heart still heavy with the burdens of her past. She had been the one to bring her daughter into the elven kingdom, and now she felt the weight of that decision. "I don't hate her," Abril replied, though she couldn't deny the lingering discomfort. "What I hide still bothers me, especially because of the darkness that lurks in my past." "I understand. It's not easy to forget, especially when desperation drives one to harm their own," Kiara said, her voice low."Indeed, there's nothing worse than losing someone you love," Abril murmured, the memory of her struggles weighing heavily on her. Lissana, touching the collar Abril wore, seemed to sense her mother's turmoil. The child appeared fine, which eased some of the heaviness in Abril's heart. "You have a lot of power, my dear," Lissana said, her innocent voice breaking through the tension. "Too much, I would say. At your age, when magic awakens, you can decide how to harness it.Teach it to be used wisely, so you can control it." "Yes, that's why I'm cautious with your magic," Abril replied, her brow furrowing. "If it's not handled properly, it could lead to disaster." "Exactly. She could die if her powers are unleashed recklessly," Kiara added, her tone serious. "So I think it's wise to be careful." Alessandro returned to the room, accompanied by Cassian. "Thank the heavens you're safe and back home," Cassian said, relief washing over him as he spotted Lissana.Abril noticed a beautiful red-haired girl with golden eyes in the room and couldn't help but ask, "Who is she?" "I am Kiara Babette, elven princess of the kingdom of Arkala," she introduced herself, her voice confident. "What is the elven princess doing here?" Cassian asked, bewildered. "I have business in the human kingdom," Kiara replied, her expression serious. "And I'm here because of Alessandro." "Alessandro? You mean he's not just a prince but also a guardian?" Cassian questioned, his confusion deepening. "Call him a guardian, not just a prince.I suppose your brother will explain everything to you," Kiara said, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "What does Alessandro say?" Cassian pressed. "I'll explain later. For now, just know that she's here to help me," Alessandro interjected, placing a reassuring hand on Cassian's shoulder. "Take care of her, and she'll guide you." "Thank you for your help," Cassian said, still trying to process the situation. "But why did she betray you?" "Because she asked us to. She helped us immensely while we were in the elven kingdom, and we couldn't refuse her," Alessandro replied, his voice firm.Abril watched as Cassian's shoulders relaxed slightly, though the tension in his face remained. "How are you?" Cassian asked, concern etched across his features. "I'm well," Abril replied, though she could see the weariness in his eyes. "Maya isn't in the palace right now; she went to visit her priest," Cassian informed her. Hearing that Maya was with her priest eased Abril's worries. It meant her daughter was well, even if she was alone for the moment. Yet, she couldn't shake the concern reflected in Cassian's pale face. "You might be tired. It's best if you let me rest now.We can all be together tomorrow," Cassian suggested, gently stroking Lissana's hair. "Thank you for taking care of the palace in my absence," Abril said, her gratitude sincere. "You don't need to thank me. It's part of my duty, even if I'm not flaunting my title as prince right now," Cassian replied, a hint of a smile crossing his lips. "Still, thank you for always being there when I need you," Abril said, her heart swelling with appreciation. Cassian gave her a light smile before leaving the room, and Alessandro approached Abril, concern etched on his face as he cradled Lissana in his arms."Cassian was acting strangely, don't you think?" he asked, his brow furrowed. Though Abril had promised to share everything with Alessandro and not withhold information, she hesitated regarding Cassian. Instead, she simply replied, "Don't worry. He's safe and just tired."