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!Of course, the dignitaries continued to refuse to join the battle. However, Abril believed they could change that. With a triumphal entry, her majesty held more extravagant power than those who gathered in the meeting rooms. She needed to demonstrate that they did not require the dignitaries; it was they who needed her. "I will convince you," she declared. Abril returned to her room and instructed the servants to prepare her. She searched her closet, finding elegant clothes, but only one dress suited the occasion-Gabriel's request for the gown gifted to her by the elven queen.They adorned her with makeup and jewelry, preparing her for the meeting. As she walked silently through the halls, she could feel the weight of anticipation. At the meeting, Cassian had joined the others, attempting to persuade the dignitaries to unite their strengths against the encroaching darkness. Yet, they offered only excuses, seeking more time to ponder. The doors swung wide open, revealing a gathering of nobles. When Abril entered, she held her head high, leaving everyone, including Alessandro, momentarily speechless."I will introduce myself to those who seem not to know me," she began, her voice steady. "I am Abril, the queen of Cosset." The dignitaries bowed before her. "Welcome, your majesty," one of them replied. "I apologize for my late arrival," Abril said, her brow furrowed with concern. "I do not understand why this meeting has not yet concluded." Alessandro leaned closer, whispering in her ear, "What do you think I know?" "Help," she replied, her voice low. Prince Jaren interjected, "What does your majesty refer to?" "Soon, a war will break out against the forces of darkness.I do not understand why this meeting is being prolonged. You must respond if you are willing to join this battle and save many kingdoms or perish alongside them." "Your words are compelling," Prince Calum said, breaking the silence. "You leave us no option but to accept and join you." "I speak only the truth. King Laios and the kingdom of Cosset are the only ones prepared to face these monsters. We know how to confront a war without quarter. If we wish to continue living in peace, we must fight, for our struggle is against beings born of darkness, creatures that seek our destruction.So rise, men, and let us forge an alliance to combat this darkness." Abril's words resonated with the assembly. They raised their eyes, smiles breaking across their faces. "I am glad to see reason prevailing," one of them said. The princes bowed before Abril and Alessandro, bidding farewell. Kiara smiled at Abril as she departed, followed by Cassian and Gabriel, who also made excuses to leave, leaving only Abril and Alessandro behind. "Don't do anything foolish," he warned, a hint of arrogance in his tone. "I don't like surprises." "I intimidated them," she replied with a smirk."But it worked, so it's the same," Alessandro said, his expression softening as he stepped closer. "Don't touch my dress," she said, her cheeks flushing. "What part of it is indecent?" he asked, his eyes narrowing. The gown had a daring side slit and a pronounced neckline. He draped his cloak over her shoulders and leaned in closer. "You are my wife; you should know that I dislike other men's eyes on you." As he spoke, he felt a surge of temptation, wanting to kiss her. He traced a finger along her lips, then grasped her chin and kissed her deeply.It was a kiss sweet as honey, soft as silk, filled with longing. Abril pulled away, her eyes closed as she wrapped her arms around him. Alessandro responded eagerly, having longed for this moment. He lifted her effortlessly onto the table, kissing her passionately. In the silence of the room, the only sounds were their breaths mingling in the air. After a long moment, they finally parted, Abril's lips swollen from the intensity of their kiss. "Do you remember me?" he asked, his voice low. "No, but I am your wife," she replied, her strength returning as she pushed him away."That doesn't give you the right to do as you please. If you don't remember, don't touch me." Abril stood from the table, her heart racing as she opened the door. "Until you remember me," she said, pausing before crossing the threshold. "If you want to enjoy your married life, work on recovering your memories," she added, her voice firm. Once alone, Alessandro felt the weight of her absence. He didn't remember her, yet he could still feel the lingering softness of her lips. "She truly does what she wants," he muttered to himself, realizing how much he admired her strength.Abril felt uncomfortable in the dress she wore, recalling her encounter with Tarik. She had almost forgotten about him. "Tarik, are you well?" she asked, concern creeping into her voice. "Yes, I'm fine," he replied. "You chose a poor time to visit the human realm. You should return to the kingdom." "I won't go back," he insisted. "This is dangerous," she warned. "I spoke with my father as well. I cannot return." "What's wrong, Tarik? Why do you want to stay?" "I can't go back. Don't ask me to," he pleaded. "I won't if you tell me the reason." "I want to bridge the gap between Lissana and me.I want her to stop being older than me. I want us to be friends again. If we go back now, this distance will only grow." "But this is not a safe place for you." "If you take care of me, you've seen it. Please don't force me to return. Let me stay a little longer."noveldrama