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!The wait was finally over. Tarik felt overwhelmed, sensing the turmoil in the land of the fairies. He could feel it all around him. "How are you?" he asked, struggling against the noise that seemed to echo in his mind. "It's too loud," he continued, clutching his head. "Just take your time to adjust. Everything will be fine," came the soothing voice of the queen. "Silence, I want silence," he pleaded. "You must try to concentrate on one thing. Learn to listen to what you want to hear," she advised gently. "I can't.No matter how hard I try, I feel like my head is going to snap," he confessed, frustration evident in his tone. "You weren't ready yet, but you will succeed," she reassured him, though her own heart was heavy with doubt. Despite the queen's encouragement, the land of the fairies began to destabilize, mirroring Tarik's inner turmoil. Leriana looked deeply worried. Cassiel approached her, concern etched on his face. "What's wrong, Leriana?" he asked softly. "The land of the fairies is suffering. I fear it's too soon for Tarik to become king.noveldramaHe's not bringing the stability we need." "Is there nothing we can do to help him?" Cassiel pressed. "I think I should put him to sleep until he can control himself," she replied, her voice tinged with worry. "Will this affect the land of the fairies?" he asked. "No, unless time begins to pass slowly, as if it were reversed," she explained. Cassiel placed a hand on Leriana's belly and asked, "Will it affect our baby?" "No, but I think it will be a long wait. You should go awaken the human," she urged. "I don't want to leave you alone," he replied, his voice filled with reluctance."Our baby will follow me next time. Just not this afternoon; it's too much," she assured him. Cassiel pressed a kiss to her forehead. "I hate the idea of leaving." "You will be fine. You need to go before Tarik falls asleep. Once that happens, you won't be able to leave," she instructed. "But can I come back?" he asked. "Yes, but it will be a solo trip. You won't return until you finish what you need to do." "Understood," he said, determination settling in. Leriana handed him a small, red bead. "Break the pearl whenever you want to return." "I will," he promised.With that, Cassiel departed, heading into the woods where the guardians dwelled. Years ago, they had been surprised to see him return, having once slept in a sacred tree. One of the guardians rushed to find the village leader. He ran quickly to where she was and bowed before her. "Welcome back to the forest," she greeted. "I have returned to seek the man who was lost," he replied. "We are very cautious with him," she warned. Cassiel approached the tree, touching its trunk. The tree responded to his brother's touch, revealing Alessandro.Cassiel caught him, contemplating how to carry Alessandro's body back to the kingdom of Cosset. The guardian seemed to realize his predicament as Cassiel struggled to support Alessandro's weight. "My lord, do you want us to help you?" the guardian offered. "I must return to the kingdom of Cosset. Do you have any teleportation parchment?" Cassiel asked. "Yes, I still have a few. I hope they serve you well," the guardian replied. "Thank you very much," Cassiel said gratefully. He broke away from them, disappearing in an instant. Abril had just stepped out into the garden when she met them."Lessan!" she called, spotting Cassiel. "This is just your body; you haven't woken up yet," Cassiel explained, urgency in his voice. "Why did it take so long to get involved?" she asked, worry creeping into her tone. "I'm sorry, I couldn't return sooner," he replied, guilt lacing his words. "Will you bring him back?" she pressed. "Yes, your body has been completely regenerated," Cassiel assured her. Abril touched her husband's face, which had remained unchanged through the ordeal. "Bring my husband back," she demanded. "I must take him to the guardians' chamber.I need Cassian's help," Cassiel explained. Abril called for one of the guardians to assist in carrying Alessandro's body inside. The guard was taken aback to see the king unconscious in the queen's arms. Though he felt the king's cold body and noticed he wasn't breathing, he didn't dare question the situation. After placing Alessandro in one of the chambers, Abril instructed, "I don't want you to make a sound until the king returns. Remain silent." "As you command, Your Majesty," the guard replied. "You may leave," she added, dismissing him.He exited and sought out Terran, who was surprised to be called by Abril so late at night. Maya accompanied him. When they reached the room, Abril ordered the servant to retire and rest. Cassian began to ask what was happening when he saw Cassiel and then noticed his brother lying in bed. "I thought you would never return. Where have you been all this time, Cassiel?" he questioned. "I've been somewhat busy, but I'm here now, and I haven't forgotten you, brother," Cassiel reassured him. Abril interjected, "We must take Alessandro to the guardians' chamber.It's ready, despite the rumors circulating in the palace." Cassian was aware of the many whispers about Alessandro's death, and seeing his lifeless body only fueled the rumors. "Of course," he agreed. Cassian and Cassiel carried Alessandro to the guardians' chamber, while Maya and Abril waited anxiously at the door. Abril was visibly anxious. Maya placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Everything will be fine," she said softly. "I can't help but feel scared, scared that he won't return, that time is running out," Abril confessed. "That won't happen.Let's trust that when that door opens, your husband will come back. Soon, you'll be free from this wait," Maya encouraged. Abril clung to Maya's words, even as the hours stretched endlessly while they stood before the door. Time seemed to stand still until it finally opened again. Abril remained fixated on the door, even as the light hurt her eyes. She needed to see with her own eyes that Alessandro had returned. Cassian and Cassiel supported Alessandro as he emerged from the room. It wasn't until their eyes met that the tension in Abril's body melted away.She rushed forward to embrace Alessandro, exclaiming, "You fool, you made me wait too long." Alessandro wrapped his arms around her and replied, "I'm sorry for making you wait so long."