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!When Abril woke up, she found herself in Alessandro's arms. It hadn't been a hassle. She pressed her ear against his chest and listened. His heart thudded, and she could feel his breath, his warmth. Alive. Stay alive, and I'm by your side. She remained beside him, listening to the rhythm of his heart until Alessandro stirred. He gently caressed her hair and spoke."Good morning, Aby." "Good morning." Alessandro kissed her softly and asked, "How are you?" "I'm good, happy that I'm not lost at sea in a dream, that you're here with me." Alessandro pulled her close against his chest and whispered in her ear, "I'm sorry." "Forgive me for leaving you alone for so long." "It doesn't matter. Just don't leave me alone again; I don't think I can bear it." "I won't. I'll never leave you again." Abril joined him and asked, "How are you?" "I'm fine, just feel a bit stiff." Abril got up from the bed."You should try walking." Alessandro rose as well, his legs feeling a little weak, but they held him steady. "Are you alright?" "Yes, I don't think I'll be up for long." Abril hugged him tightly, feeling small and fragile in his embrace. Alessandro wrapped his arms around her, and for the first time in a long while, she felt that this place was truly her home. "Welcome home," he said. They were sharing a beautiful moment when a loud knock echoed through the door. "Your Majesty, it's urgent. Please come to the drawing room." The voice belonged to Gabriel.Abril knew he wouldn't seek her out directly unless it was something that required her immediate attention. She hurriedly opened her wardrobe and turned to Alessandro. "Go ahead, keep resting." "Is something wrong?" "Nothing you need to worry about. Just rest and recover. I'll be back soon." Abril finished dressing and slipped on a pair of gloves, which caught Alessandro's attention. "Why are you wearing gloves?" "Our marriage mark has faded. If others found out about your death, I couldn't allow it.I knew you would return." Abril took Alessandro's hand and said, "I suppose we'll have to have a second wedding, if you still want to be married to me." Alessandro caressed her cheek. "Of course I want to be married to you. You are the only woman I wish to share my life with." Abril touched his lips with her finger and replied, "I'm glad you feel that way. I hope nothing hurts you anymore." She headed toward the door, turning back with a smile. "I'll see you later." As she stepped out of her room, Abril noticed the worried expression on Gabriel's face."What's going on?" "The nobles are quite restless." "Is that why these elders are so agitated?" "Rumor has it that His Majesty is dead." "Again with this?" "This time it's different. There's a witness who claims to have seen the king's death." Abril let out a long sigh. "It would be better if we arrested ourselves." When Abril entered the meeting room, she was met with the murmur of the nobles, all speaking at once, expressing their concerns. She knew that talking would be futile; they wouldn't be silenced easily.So, she chose to sit in her seat, surrounding herself with her plated wings, watching as they fidgeted, scared and anxious. When silence finally fell, Abril extinguished their chatter and spoke. "What is all this fuss about? Why have I been summoned?" Abril had learned that with the nobles, she always had to present herself as strong and impenetrable; otherwise, they would descend upon her like birds of prey. The nobles fell silent, intimidated by the queen's piercing gaze. "I suppose this was all for nothing, just an excuse to disturb me," she continued.Duke Cardón was the only one brave enough to speak. "Your Majesty, there are rumors that the king is dead." "I suppose the nobles enjoy too much free time, and they only dare to summon me because of a rumor." "There's a testimony that claims his body has been found without life." "The king is not dead; he has returned." Gabriel was taken aback to hear that the king was coming back, as he was one of the few who knew the secret the royal family had been hiding."If the king is on his way, why haven't you joined us?" "After a long journey, should the king have to receive the ill-mannered nobles who impose their presence in the palace?" "You're lying. Is she really reigning there? Are you so bored with your position that you don't want to relinquish it?" Abril was about to respond when the doors swung open, and Alessandro entered, stopping behind her. "Duke Cardón, I'm not sure if you are very valuable or very foolish to insult my queen in this manner." "Your Majesty!" "And as you can see, I'm not dead. I'm more alive than ever.If you doubt my identity, I could demonstrate the full extent of my power, just to ensure there's no doubt in anyone's mind." All the nobles fell to their knees, begging for forgiveness. Abril felt the weight of Alessandro's effort to maintain control, and she stood up, abandoning her seat. Once again, she addressed the nobles still prostrated before her. "If the reason for this absurd meeting was to discuss my husband's death, I consider it finished. Unless you wish to continue arguing and end up facing charges of treason." "Of course not, Your Majesty.noveldramaWe withdraw." All the nobles left the room, but Gabriel lingered, staring at Alessandro in disbelief. "Is it really you, Your Majesty?" "Yes, Gabriel, it's me. I'm back." Gabriel bowed deeply before Alessandro. "Welcome back, Your Majesty. I rejoice for every heart that you have returned home." "Thank you, my friend, for your loyalty and friendship." "I have nothing to thank you for, Your Majesty. I feel honored that you consider me a friend." "You are a faithful servant.I will ensure you are compensated as you deserve." Gabriel noticed that Abril seemed uncomfortable, as if she wanted to say something but didn't want to do so in his presence. "I'll make sure the nobles don't linger." Once they were alone, Abril turned to Alessandro. "Why did you come? I could have handled this alone." "I know, but you're not alone. You have me by your side. I'll fight your battles; I could never stand by and do nothing."