Part II: I haven’t given up yet
Soleia gave her son a final hug and said, “You should go back; your family is waiting for you. While you’re here, you can come as often as you like.”
“Thank you, Mother.” Alessandro headed towards the door, turning back to see his mother. She gave him a
big smile and said, “See you soon, Lessan.”
As Alessandro opened the door, a bright light flooded in at the same time. Before his eyes adjusted, he
felt warm arms wrap around him–it was Abril.
“Lessan, are you okay?!”
“Yes, I’m fine, don’t worry.”
“I was so worried about you, you took so long.”
Alessandro thought Abril was overreacting, as for him, only a short while had passed. “I don’t think it’s been that long, Aby.”
“You’ve been in there for more than half a day.”
“What?”
Enora chimed in, “I believe time works differently in there. That’s why it felt like just a moment for you, but
hours have passed for us.”
“Is it like the fairyland?”
“Not exactly. In there, time seems to slow down. In the fairyland, time flows either faster or slower, it’s hard to say since time in the fairyland is something its queen controls at will.”
“How does she do that?”
“No idea. The fairy queen never shares her secrets. I’ve already confirmed your lineage, and I don’t intend to hold you, or your daughter, here any longer.”
“What about Abril? Will you let her go too?”
“Yes, I promised Sophia.”
“Then there’s nothing keeping us here anymore. We’ll leave immediately.”
“But I also promised to show you Arkala.” Enora looked at Abril. “I’d like for you both to stay a little longer if possible. Your mother truly wishes for you to see the land she loved so much.”
Alessandro noticed Abril hesitating, unsure of whether to leave or stay. He squeezed her hand and said,
“I’ll support you no matter what you decide. We can stay or go, it’s your choice.”
“I want to stay and see the place where my mother was born and grew up.”
“Thank you for agreeing to my request.”
< Part II I haven’t given up yet
“Now, we should eat something; it’s time for lunch.”
“Lissana must miss us; I’d like to see her first.”
“I understand. Kiara probably took her to her palace. I’ll send a servant to take you there.”
“Thank you.”
+25 Points
“This is your palace, feel free to roam around. Since you’re going to see Kiara, ask her to show you Arkala.
I think you’ll feel more comfortable with her than with me since she’s closer to your age.”
Enora walked to the door, and before crossing it, she said, “I’m sorry for all the trouble I’ve caused you.”
With that, she disappeared. Once alone, Alessandro hugged Abril and asked, “Are you okay?”
“Yes, and how about you? How did it go in there?”
“Better than I expected.”
A servant appeared, interrupting their conversation, and said, “I’m here to guide you to Princess Kiara’s palace, please follow me.”
Alessandro and Abril followed him, but unlike that morning, no guards escorted them. The servant led them to a beautiful garden adorned with silk ribbons of vibrant colors tied to ivory columns. Vines with small white flowers climbed the pillars. In the center, beside a small pond, sat Kiara and Lissana, watching
the fish at the edge of the water.
Abril hurried to pick up her baby. “My little one, my baby, did you miss mommy?”
“She’s been fine,” said Kiara.
Abril gently stroked her daughter’s head. “Thank you so much for taking care of my little girl.”
“She’s an angel; I enjoyed looking after her.”
“Even so, thank you.”
“Have you eaten?”
“We haven’t had anything yet.”
“Then follow me. I’ll ask for something to be prepared.”
Kiara walked towards the palace, signaling to a servant as she passed to fulfill her request. By the time they reached the dining room, the servants had already laid out a grand feast. The food was delicious. As they ate, Abril couldn’t help but ask the question that had been on her mind ever since she learned the
princess wanted to help them.
“May I ask why you’ve helped us? I’ve wondered a million times, but I still don’t understand.”
“I’ve already told your husband, though I don’t think he mentioned it. I just want to be happy, but my mother is fixated on old laws that prevent it. I only helped you for my own benefit, that’s the truth.”
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< Part II I haven’t given up yet
“So you just used me.”
“Yes, but I took care of your daughter because I like her. She’s a sweet little girl.”
“She certainly is.”
“My mother said she’d let you go. What are your plans?”
“I’d like to see this place. Your mother told me to ask you to show me Arkala.”
“I’d be happy to.”
+25 Points)
Barto went to look for Maya. The day before, she had refused to talk to him, but he was done delaying their conversation. The little fairy that followed Maya everywhere had started to follow Barto too. She was
sitting on his shoulder, repeating the same thing over and over.
“You must convince her to go to the fairyland before it’s too late.”
“You’re a damn headache. If you don’t stop talking, I’ll squash you like a mosquito.”
“It’s clear you two are siblings; you’re just as violent.”
Barto was about to swat the fairy when she disappeared. He muttered to himself, “I don’t understand how Maya’s put up with her; she’s insufferable.”
Maya was in the garden, stuffing herself with cake when Barto found her. He stood behind her and cleared his throat to get her attention. “I finally found you; I’ve been looking for you everywhere.”
Maya ignored her brother and shoved another piece of cake into her mouth. Barto circled around to face her, took the cake away, and said, “Enough, Maya. We need to talk. This is not the time for cake.”
“Why not? I’m hungry.”
Barto raised an eyebrow. He only did that when he was angry, but Maya didn’t care. She retrieved her plate
and said, “I’m hungry, so let me eat in peace.”
“Maya!”
“If you’re going to try and make me return to the fairyland, you can leave the way you came.”
“You’re dying, and all you care about is eating cake!”
“Since I’m going to die, I want to eat everything I like. And I like this cake, so don’t you dare take my plate again, or I won’t be responsible for what happens.”
Barto slammed his palms down hard on the table, spilling tea everywhere. The only thing that remained intact was the cake, which Maya had lifted before he hit the table.
“Are you done with your tantrum?”
“Do you really not care about dying?!”
3/4
< Part A Real Kiss
+25 Points
Part II: A Real Kiss
After having a long conversation with Barto, Maya went to find Cassian. He was in the king’s office,
reading some documents when she entered. She approached the desk and sat on his lap. He asked her,
“How are you feeling?”
“Good.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, I don’t feel tired or fatigued. I feel wonderful.”
Cassian stroked Maya’s cheek and said, “I’ve asked Sirius to come to the palace. Maybe he can help us
with your illness.”
“Actually, I came to talk to you about that. I’ve been thinking about it a lot, and I believe my father might know how to help me. He knows a lot about fairies, so I’ve been considering going to talk to him.”
“You’re going to Farell?”
“Yes, I’ll go with Barto and return in a few days.”
“Can’t you ask your father to come to the palace? You shouldn’t be traveling in your condition.”
“My father won’t agree to come unless I tell him the truth, and I don’t want to do that in a letter. I’d rather tell him in person. Right now, I’m fine because Abril filled me with her magic. If I don’t go now, it’ll be too
late later.”
Cassian couldn’t leave the palace because his brother was away, and he had promised to take care of everything while he was gone. But at that moment, Cassian regretted his words. He just wanted to drop everything and go wherever Maya went. Maya gave him a soft kiss on the lips and said, “I know you can’t come with me since you have to stay and look after the palace until Abril and your brother return, but you don’t have to worry so much. I’ll be with Barto, so I’ll be fine.”
Cassian hugged Maya tightly.
“I hate the idea of us being apart.”
“I don’t like it either, but there’s nothing we can do. You’re my little prince, and I know you have duties to
fulfill.”
“Will you really be okay?”
“Yes, so don’t worry. It’ll only be a few days.”
“When do you plan to leave?”
“I was thinking of leaving tomorrow morning. Is that okay with you?”
Cassian wanted to say no, to ask her to wait a little longer because he wasn’t ready to let her go, but he
1/3
< Part II A Real Kiss
+25 Points
knew Maya didn’t have much time. Her life was slipping away day by day. As hard as it was to part from her, he couldn’t keep clinging to her.
“Yes, that’s fine.”
“We haven’t gone on a date in a while, so invite me somewhere nice. Do something romantic for me.”
“What would you like me to do?”
“Surprise me.”
Cassian thought for a moment as he hugged Maya, enjoying the warmth of her body and the sweet floral scent she gave off. Impatient, Maya said, “If you can’t think of a place, we could go into the city and eat something delicious.”
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