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!Two years later, Abril sat at a meeting with the high nobles, who were insistent on knowing the king's whereabouts. "If you tell them, you're on a mission," one noble cautioned. "I've told you for three years," another noble interjected. "We've seen His Majesty only once. Many people are starting to rumor that the king died during the battle against the dark forces, and that he is hiding away." Cassian leapt to his feet. "Since when do rumors equate to reality?" "If we could see His Majesty the King, all these rumors would cease. But all we hear is that he is on a mission.What could possibly be so important that a king would abandon his kingdom?" "Duke Cardón!" Abril's voice cut through the murmurs, and all the nobles turned their attention to her, sensing her fury. "I understand your doubts, but I believe it has been demonstrated that I am someone worthy of trust. My husband may not be here, but I am in charge, just as he asked me to be. So, I expect you to respect that." "It was never our intention to offend His Majesty," one noble replied. "It's just that a kingdom also needs a king.We are all worried for His Majesty." "There is no reason for you to be worried. My husband is well and will return soon. I don't want to hear any more of this. I doubt he will enjoy these dizzy spells when he returns." Abril rose from her seat, her voice firm. "I have more urgent matters to attend to. If there is nothing of importance to decide, this meeting is adjourned." As she left the room, Cassian hurried after her. "Abril, before you said that Alessandro would be back soon.Did Cassiel say anything?" "No, that fool hasn't returned, and with the land of the fairies closed off, it will be impossible to see him until he chooses to appear." "You seemed so confident before; that's why I thought..." He hesitated, unsure of how to finish. "I've been dreaming about Alessandro, about his return. I believe he will come back soon." Cassian knew that some of Abril's dreams were prophetic, glimpses of the future, but he wondered if this was one of those visions or merely her deep desire to see Alessandro again. She could see the incredulity on his face."I'm not the only one who wants him back. I'm sure these are prophetic dreams; we just need to distinguish them." "That's the only thing I can't believe. I don't understand why Cassiel hasn't returned and is hiding in the land of the fairies, leaving us in the dark." "I don't understand it either, but I trust what I've seen. If it's true, he will return." "I hope that's the case. I believe we can't hide for much longer from your death." "Lissana has many years ahead of her.Many nobles are eager to join the royal family through marriage alliances, but I won't allow that to happen." "And knowing Lissana, she would destroy the kingdom if it meant being used by those nobles." "I won't let that happen. I will never force my daughter into marriage; I want her to be free to choose." "But what if she doesn't like the person she chooses?" "Are you talking about Tarik?" "Lissana doesn't seem to have forgotten about him.Every day, she goes to the garden where the entrance to the land of the fairies is located." "Don't oppose me if he's the one she chooses, but I hope it doesn't come to that. If it does, she would be choosing a thorny path. You know that better than anyone." *** In the garden, Lissana stood waiting when Uzziel approached her. "You should stop waiting. If Tarik hasn't communicated with you during all this time, it's because he has forgotten about you." Lissana turned away, and Uzziel followed. "Time flows differently in the land of the fairies.For us, it's only been a few years, but for him, it must have been decades. He likely has a family by now." "You don't really believe that." "If you know, why do you continue to come to this garden every day?" "That's something I'd like to know as well." "Are you still extracting earth from the fairies?" Lissana didn't respond to Uzziel's question about what had happened to Tarik, knowing her silence only worried him more. "Don't you have anything better to do than follow me?" "I'm working on my training with my mother.After the disaster when they attacked the capital, my mother won't give me a moment's rest; her training grows stricter every day. At this rate, I might end up dead." "Aunt Maya knows you can handle it; she would never do anything that could harm you." "My father says otherwise. No one should have to endure his infernal training." "Stop running away all the time. With this attitude, you'll only make Aunt Maya increase your training hours." Uzziel was still speaking when Lionel Cardón, Duke Cardón's son, approached them. "Good morning, Princess Lissana, Prince Uzziel." "Good morning.What brings you here, Sir Lionel?" Lissana asked, trying to keep her distance. "I came to accompany my father. I had a meeting, and if I rushed through the last dance, I wanted to see it." Lionel was a year older than Lissana, tall and handsome with dark ruby hair and hazel eyes. Among the eligible bachelors, he and Uzziel stood out the most, but Lissana had no interest in him, which was why she tried to maintain her distance. "That's why I didn't find myself feeling very well." "Is it better now?" "Yes, although I'd prefer to rest.noveldramaThe weather has turned cold again, and I wouldn't want to relapse. So, until next time, Sir Lionel." Uzziel bid farewell to Lionel and followed Lissana, remaining close enough to speak without being overheard. "Why do you keep rejecting him?" "I have someone in my heart. I don't want Sir Lionel to have any illusions. I don't think I can ever see him the same way again."