Before leaving, Alessandro asked Sirius to take care of Abril, to protect her, and bring her back safe and sound. He told the same thing to Taren; he was leaving his most precious treasure in their hands.
Alessandro gave his wife a long kiss. He would have wanted to accompany her to the door, say goodbye to her until the very last moment, but that would only attract attention—something they didn't want, since Abril's trip was a secret.
The last words before Abril left Alessandro's office were, "Take care of Lissana and keep her close. We don't know what might lurk in the shadows."
***
Upon leaving, they headed to the entrance. Abril had the hood of her cloak on even though it was hot—she didn't want anyone to see her leaving or realize that she wouldn’t be in the palace.
At the entran
