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He felt a surge of desperation and shouted the name of the princess, hoping to catch her attention."Princess Elisha!" As he reached the entrance, he could hear his own voice echoing back to him. Elisha turned, her gaze scanning the crowd until it landed on him. "Why didn't you let me know you were coming?" she asked, a hint of reproach in her tone. "You didn't have to leave." "I wanted to see what you found," he replied, gesturing toward the parade. "But it seems I've arrived at the wrong time." Elisha turned to one of the dancers who had guided them to the palace, her expression softening. "I'll have to go now.See you later." After bidding farewell, she rejoined the parade, knowing it was something she could not postpone. "I don't need you to protect me," she declared firmly as Cassian, Kiara, Barto, and Fay were led inside the palace by one of the dancers. The soldiers lowered their heads in fear, perhaps worried about what Princess Elisha would think of them for not allowing her to enter uninvited. The dancer guiding them introduced herself. "I'm Sai, the princess's assistant. If you need anything, I can help." "I want a change of clothes and some money," Cassian said."I'll bring them to you after I show you to your quarters," Sai replied. "Princess Elisha is ready to return," she added. "If the parade lasts, they'll leave a day before they could have given it as it should be, even though the asylum desires otherwise," Sai continued. They had traversed the desert, enduring the heat, and stood in front of the palace all afternoon, exhausted. Fay, however, seemed eager to assist. "I would like to rest for a moment," she said."When my parties last a week, it's never a dull affair." Cassian had been part of those celebrations, which always felt like madness, with dancers coming and going for seven restless days. "Believe me when I say it's true," he replied, recalling the chaos of the festivities. "Even though my land is at peace now, we are also preparing for what comes next: the celebrations and the days ahead." "I don't need you to protect me," Kiara insisted, her voice firm. "Rest is a luxury we can hardly afford." Cassian couldn't remember the last time he had attended a party in the human world.The realization that he had left that life behind for so long filled him with a sense of loss. "Try to come back after dawn; we won't be here much longer," Kiara urged. "The first time was Fay's, and then we'll leave." "I don't think I want to be at a party at a moment like this," Barto said, his expression serious. "Sometimes, in the worst times, we need laughter and dance to remind us that there is still hope," he added. After leaving Cassian, Fay strolled through the palace, having heard whispers of monsters attacking the kingdom.Yet everyone seemed to agree that monsters were merely relics of the past. The kingdom of Xurt was a peaceful place that had suffered a great epidemic years ago, and this parade was a reminder of their resilience and a tribute to those who had fallen. Fay found no one to share her concerns with, so she decided to return. As she approached the door, a servant knocked gently. When Fay opened it, she found a young man holding a set of clothes. "Princess Elisha is waiting for you to say goodbye," he said. "I don't need your protection," Fay replied, feeling the weight of the situation."That's obvious," the servant said, "but you can't see the princess looking like that." Fay glanced down at her sweaty clothes, caked with dust and grime. The young man continued, "I can help you change." After a quick wash and change, Fay joined the others in the dining hall, where they awaited Princess Elisha's arrival. "Good morning! Do I have to wait?" Elisha asked as she took her seat. "No, but I do want to speak with you about something important," Cassian replied, his tone serious."Now that we're alone, you can speak freely," Elisha said, glancing around to ensure no one else was listening. "I thought you had come to bless my weapons," she continued, "but I suspect there's more to this visit." "There was no mistake; we came to bless your weapons, but we are also here for another reason," Kiara interjected. "What's going on?" Elisha asked, her curiosity piqued. "We believe there are monsters on Vaizel's mounts," Kiara explained."We came because we want to investigate and also to see if you have heard anything about it." "It's the first time I've heard of monsters in my training," Elisha replied, her brow furrowing. "If you want to join us, we would welcome your help," Kiara said. "We need to know if what we suspect is true." "I'll join you," Elisha declared. "If there are indeed monsters, I want to see for myself." "Be careful; it could be dangerous for you to accompany us," Cassian warned."Your life is precious, and you shouldn't take unnecessary risks." "I've been forced to take care of myself," Elisha replied defiantly. "I don't need a prince to protect me; this is my kingdom, and I will defend it."