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!noveldramaAlessandro returned shortly after Abril, crossing the threshold to find Cassian and the first guard waiting. It was easy to see how similar they were-like two drops of water. Cassian had short hair, while Cassiel's cascaded down his back, yet their resemblance was undeniable. "You two are so alike that anyone who saw you would think you were twins," Cassiel remarked. Abril thought the first guard was arrogant. She quickly took his hand, infusing him with her magic. Cassiel felt a rush of warmth, but he still sensed the lingering effects of his illness."I recognize those golden eyes and that red hair," she said. "You're both human and fairy." "Do you feel better?" she asked. "Just a little. I think I need more time to recover," he replied, his voice still weak. "In these moments, I can't use all my power on you, so I have to keep going with what I have left." "Don't worry," Cassiel said with a faint smile. "I understand. When you've been dead for so long, you learn to be patient." Abril had many questions for the first guard, but nothing seemed appropriate, so she decided it was best to let him rest.His questions could wait a little longer. "I'll leave you to rest," she said softly. "Take care." "Thank you," he replied, closing his eyes. As Abril stepped out, she found Alessandro waiting. "What's the last thing I should tell Cassiel before I leave?" she asked. "I'll be gone for a few days. If you need anything, ask your servants," he said, his tone serious. "Where are you going?" Cassian inquired, curiosity evident in his eyes. Alessandro hesitated, unsure of how Cassiel would react to his journey to the kingdom of Xurt. It was a delicate matter."There's something I need," he finally said. "I hope you can find what you're looking for." "I hope so too," Cassian replied, his expression solemn. As the next day dawned, Alessandro prepared to depart. "Be very careful. Don't do anything reckless," Abril warned, concern etched on her face. "My sister's life is linked to hers. We cannot afford any mistakes," Alessandro replied, his voice firm. He turned to Kiara. "Make sure to bless the air of the kingdom of Xurt." "I will," she promised, determination in her eyes. "Take care and return soon," Abril added, her heart heavy with worry.The journey to the kingdom of Xurt stretched long before them. They could only use one piece of parchment a day, and much of Xurt's territory was desert. With no towns nearby, they were forced to camp in the arid landscape. As they sat by the fire, Kiara leaned her head against Alessandro's shoulder, feeling the warmth of his arm around her. "Is the king here?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity. Kiara shot him a sharp look. "No, and if you say so, I'll kill you." "Why would there be anything that would only cause me trouble?I was just curious about the elven realm," he replied, his tone light but cautious. "Many die out of curiosity. You should be careful," she warned, her voice steady. "That's enough. Stop fighting," Cassian interjected as he settled down on the ground beside them. "We owe it to them. If we don't protect them, who will?" he added, glancing at the flickering flames. Fay rekindled the fire, nodding in agreement. "Cassian has a point. We're not here for you; we should focus on getting better." "Now that you mention it, why are you in the human world? What is your child doing here?He is the heir, and I'm surprised he was allowed to come out," Kiara pressed. "He hasn't contested why he has betrayed his safety for a place where his life could be in danger. The kingdom of Cosset could be attacked at any moment," Cassian replied, his expression serious. "I just wanted to know what he desires. That's all," Kiara said, her tone softer. "You just want to get your friend back and have him the same age as you," Cassian teased. "I imagine you must be speaking of Princess Lissana. You're not hoping that your child will like a human, are you?" Kiara shot back."She's just a friend. It's nothing like what you're thinking," he insisted. "You're entering the human world, knowing it's such a dangerous place, even if you don't realize it! You can't ignore the feelings you have for her." "That can't be true..." he protested. "I'm only telling you the truth. When you return, your eyes will reveal what you truly feel," Kiara said, her voice firm. In reality, it was something he had tried to dismiss, but he couldn't shake the feeling that it wasn't just his imagination.It would break his heart to see his daughter destined to separate from him, living in worlds so different from one another. That night, Fay found himself pondering Kiara's words. The next day, Cassian was the first to wake. "Hey, wake up," he said, nudging Barto. "What's going on?" Barto mumbled, rubbing his eyes. "We need to leave before the sun is high. Help me wake the others," Cassian replied. He approached Kiara, who was sleeping peacefully between Barto's arms. He was grateful not to have to wake her himself, knowing her sharp tongue could cut like a sword."Is it time?" she asked, blinking awake. "Yes, wake up Kiara. We need to move now if we want to leave before midday," Cassian urged. Barto gently shook Kiara awake, and she groaned, clearly reluctant to rise. "How are you so sure?" she asked, yawning. "Today is the winter site festival. The royal family will parade through the streets when the sun sets," Barto explained. "And we've been standing on our feet all this time for that?" Kiara asked incredulously. "We didn't have a choice," Cassian replied, a hint of frustration in his voice.They finally reached the heart of the royal capital of the kingdom of Xurt, where life bustled around them. Despite the desert terrain, water flowed freely through the city's canals, nourished by a central spring. Palm trees provided shade, their fronds swaying gently in the warm breeze. Kiara admired the vibrant colors of the dresses on display. "Everything is so beautiful," she said, her eyes sparkling with wonder. "Don't get too emotional; this is just the entrance," Cassian teased as they walked together. "But it's still difficult not to be amazed.Everything is so wonderful; it's worth it," she replied, her enthusiasm infectious. As they approached the palace doors, they were met with laughter from the guards, who barred their entry upon seeing their humble, dusty clothes. "What now?" Kiara asked, frustration creeping into her voice. "We'll have to wait," Cassian said, crossing his arms. "I'm tired of being on the floor, but we don't know when the princess will come out." "Don't worry. It will happen soon," Barto reassured them. "How can you be so sure?" Kiara pressed."Because today is the winter site festival, and it's customary for the royal family to parade through the streets at sunset," Barto explained. "And we've been standing here waiting for the sun to set this whole time?" Kiara asked incredulously. "We didn't have a choice," Cassian replied, his patience wearing thin.