“Silence, my husband,” interjected Zara, addressing Arthur. “Allow the maiden to speak, for she is a chosen goddess who has found favor in my eyes.”

“Thank you, my queen,” Hellas began apologetically. “My king, I do not wish any harm to befall this kingdom. I offer my assistance as a token of gratitude for sparing my life months ago and appointing me as the queen’s personal mini goddess.”

Arthur nodded, granting permission for Hellas to continue. “You may speak,” he said.

“Send the Princess to an alternate universe, far beyond the reach of your people, where she can live as the goddess she truly is,” Hellas proposed.

“But I know of an alternate universe,” Arthur countered. “My father, Sylas, visited the god of that realm. What guarantee do we have that its inhabitants will not desire her?”

“My king, the curse was directed at your people and not the inhabitants of another universe,” explained Hellas. “The curse will lose its power there, and when she finds true love, only a genuine kiss will break the curse. She cannot obtain this here. Send her away to find her true love’s kiss.”

“How will she know if the curse has been broken?” inquired Zara.

Hellas closed her eyes, suspending herself in the air for a few moments, creating a sense of anticipation. Suddenly, a golden bracelet materialized on her wrist. Descending from the air, she presented it to the king and queen.

“My king and queen, this bracelet in my hand is enchanted,” Hellas proclaimed. “I have placed a curse upon it so that when Princess Lara finds her true love’s kiss, the bracelet will break free from my wrist.”

Arthur hesitated before expressing his doubts. “Hellas, I do not wish to doubt your abilities, but how can we be certain that it will work?”

“Summon the princess,” Hellas suggested. “Instruct her to kiss one of the guards. If she kisses someone who is not her true love, the golden bracelet will turn silver for an hour.”

Acting upon Arthur’s command, Princess Lara was summoned and entered the room, visibly surprised to find Hellas and her parents engaged in conversation.

“Father, you sent for me?” Lara questioned.

“Yes, my dear,” replied Arthur. “Kiss one of the guards, so we may ascertain whether Hellas’s bracelet indeed works.”

Lara, without questioning her father’s command, glanced at her mother, finding reassurance in her eyes. She then shifted her gaze towards Hellas’s eyes, fixating on the bracelet adorning her wrist. Slowly, she approached the guard who had always shown her kindness, often singing to uplift her spirits. She hoped that he truly loved her. She pressed a gentle kiss upon his lips. Arthur and Zara turned their attention to the bracelet, which immediately transformed into silver at the conclusion of Lara’s tender kiss.

“Without a doubt, I believe it works,” Arthur declared. “Lara, my daughter, tomorrow morning, I shall send you to an alternate universe. There, you shall live as a mortal until you find a man who truly loves you.”

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“Dad, an alternate universe? I’ll be so far away from you and our people,” Lara expressed with concern.

“My daughter, it’s only temporary. We will stay in touch with you. You know how the people in our realm desire you. Staying here would make it difficult for you to find love and happiness, especially when you turn twenty,” Zara explained.

“Lara, let me tell you the truth behind your beauty,” Arthur intervened. He proceeded to reveal everything he had shared with Zara, including the potential consequence of her refusal to go—her own father taking her life. Gods alone possess the power to end the lives of their offspring. Arthur emphasized that it was better for Lara to dwell in another universe than to become a fallen princess. Listening intently, Lara acknowledged the weight of his words and agreed to journey to the universe of her father’s choosing. However, she requested that the people there be no different from her own, as she had yet to fully master her powers and needed to ensure her safety.

“I will comply with your command, but promise me you will speak to me as you speak to your people, as their lord,” Lara requested.

“I promise, and I will do even more,” Arthur assured her.

Arthur turned his gaze towards Hellas, offering her a grateful smile. A smile from a god or goddess was a sign of approval. Lara embraced her family for a few moments before returning to her room and where she would spend her last night in the dungeon. As the morning’s bright, glorious light began to shine, Lara exited the dungeon and proceeded to freshen up in her room. Arriving in the throne room, she found her mother and father waiting for her. Once again, they embraced her tightly, and a single tear escaped Zara’s eye, causing rain to pour from the sky.

“Mother, look what you’ve caused. A single tear from your eyes makes the clouds weep upon our people,” Lara observed.

“Forgive me, daughter. I will now watch you through the goddess mirror and in your dreams. I won’t be able to physically touch you anymore,” Zara lamented.

Lara bid farewell to her mortal maidens and the warrior guards who had been like older brothers to her. She then turned to Hellas, her eyes fixated on the bracelet.

“How long do you think I’ll be gone?” Lara inquired.

“Go and live your life until you find true love, my princess. You are immortal, and time should not hinder you,” Hellas responded.

“I’m glad you’re a demi-god. When I return, I won’t see many of my maidens anymore, as old age will have taken them to the universal realm,” Lara remarked.

“Enough with the lengthy talk. My father, Sylas, has secured the approval of the god on Earth to permit your presence among humans there. The portal to that world will be opening any moment now,” Arthur informed her.

Suddenly, the portal opened, and Lara waved goodbye to her mother and father before stepping into it. A powerful force pulled her deep into the alternate universe, causing her to plummet towards the earth. As she descended, she screamed, and upon impact, an explosion ensued. Curiously, a group of young adults who were spending time with their parents on an island witnessed the extraordinary sight—a falling object followed by an explosion. They hurried towards the scene, only to discover a young woman lying on the ground, similar in age to them. Intrigued, they wondered if she was an alien. Their parents followed closely behind and were equally astonished to find a royal-looking young woman in their midst. They cautiously approached her, touching her to check for signs of life. Lara opened her eyes, amazed that her fall had ceased. She stood up and gazed at the bewildered family before her.

“Who are you?” Stella asked.

“I am Lara,” she replied.

“Mom, you should be asking ‘What are you?’” Jane interjected.

“What happened to you? Did you just fall from the sky and survive? Who are you?” Max questioned.

“Once again, Dad, listen to Jane. You should be asking ‘What are you?’” Collins added.

Lara realized she needed to come up with a plausible explanation to avoid alarming them. Revealing herself as a goddess from another universe wouldn’t be the best approach.