On the other side, in the Kingdom of Asterin, Queen Elizabeth was having lunch with her daughter, Alisha, who had returned home a few days prior after a long journey.
"Mom, are you sure you want to conduct the last rites for Aisha on the anniversary of her disappearance?" Alisha asked, her voice tinged with doubt.
"She's no longer with us, Alisha. We must come to terms with that. Despite our exhaustive efforts, we haven't uncovered any clues indicating she survived that fall," Elizabeth replied, her tone heavy with sorrow.
"But without evidence of her death, without finding her body...," Alisha interjected, her agitation growing.
"This is difficult for me as well, Alisha. Please don't make it harder," Elizabeth pleaded, her voice strained.
"Mom, please! We've waited for her for so long. Why not wait a little longer? I know she's out there somewhere. I can feel it. It's the twin bond," Alisha persisted, her conviction unwavering.
"Alisha, enough," Elizabeth snapped, her frustration evident.
"Are you doing this for the council's sake? First Aisha, and next they'll ask you to let go of Dad, as he's been unresponsive for years. Will you do that too?" Alisha retorted, her words cutting through the tension.
"Alisha!" Elizabeth exclaimed, her patience wearing thin.
"As much as I wish to cling to the hope of Aisha's return, I'm not just a mother; I'm also the Queen of this Kingdom. I have responsibilities," Elizabeth explained, her voice tinged with resignation.
"If I falter, the Kingdom falters," she added solemnly.
"If you're the Queen, Mom, I'm also a Princess. I've sworn to find my sister, dead or alive, and that's what I intend to do," Alisha declared firmly.
"And I'm sorry, Mom, but I won't be joining you for this ritual," Alisha announced, pushing her utensils aside and exiting the room, seeking solace in the solitude of her chambers.
Elizabeth sighed heavily, her gaze lingering on the untouched plate before her, a silent testament to the weight of her responsibilities and the complexities of familial duty.