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 Cassian entered Alessandro's workshop, he noticed the king's irritation. "What's wrong with you? You look upset," Cassian asked, arching an eyebrow. "It's not that," Alessandro replied, his voice tight. "It's just that I don't want Maya to get too close to me. She keeps interrupting us with those piercing glances every time she thinks I'm not looking." "In that case, she'll be gone soon," Cassian said, trying to lighten the mood. "I tried to hate him, but I can't help it. He seems so imposing, and I find him... unpleasant," Alessandro admitted, frustration creeping into his tone."Technically, Maya is not family yet," Cassian pointed out. "But she soon will be," Alessandro countered, his protective instincts flaring. Cassian's concern shifted as he recalled the time he spent at sea. "Now you need to focus on your work. There's a lot to be done." "I'm expressing my concern for you, so please show a little gratitude. If you were in my shoes..." Cassian trailed off, shaking his head. "I don't know how to help you with this. My future wife wants to kill me, and frankly, I don't care about that anymore," Alessandro said, his voice laced with exasperation."Maybe you asked the wrong person," Cassian suggested, glancing at Gabriel, who was also married. "You should talk to someone more experienced." "Gabriel, are you happy with your wife?" Alessandro asked, shifting the conversation. "Yes," Gabriel replied, though uncertainty flickered in his eyes. "Don't they resent you for taking you away from them?" Alessandro pressed. "Hmm... I believe they do, but they've never shown any discontent with me, at least not openly. I help them, after all." "I suppose I tend to bother you because of my situation," Alessandro said, his tone softening.Just then, someone knocked on the door. Gabriel opened it to reveal the steward, who held a covered cage in his hands. "Your Majesty, I bring what you requested," the steward announced, placing the cage on the desk. The steward retreated, leaving the covered cage behind. Alessandro approached it, lifting the cloth to reveal a falcon. "What do you think of Zer?" he asked Cassian, his eyes gleaming with purpose. "Please send the collar to Zer," Cassian replied, recognizing the bird as the one Alessandro used to send messages to his friends."Carrying letters is one thing, but delivering a collar is another matter entirely." "I don't know Taren, but I hope you can find him without any trouble," Alessandro said, fastening one of the collars Maya had given him to the bird's leg. With a gentle toss, he released the falcon into the sky, watching it soar away. Meanwhile, Maya sat on a bench in the garden, lost in thought. Barto, her brother, observed her closely before asking, "Do you like your new life?" "Why do you ask?" Maya replied, a hint of defensiveness in her tone. "It's just that I don't quite understand you.You've always been a free spirit. This place is beautiful, but it feels like a cage. Did you want to return to Ras sooner?" Barto pressed. Maya caressed her brother's cheek and said softly, "I'm fine." "Are you really?" Barto challenged. "Maya, we grew up together. No matter how much we try to convince ourselves otherwise, deep down, you know you're not truly happy." With a long sigh, Maya tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "I hate that part of you." "Is it the part that cares for you?" Barto shot back, sitting beside her. "Maya, let's go home.Forget about this arrogant prince and start anew," he urged. Maya knew that freedom was not just about physical constraints but also about the burdens she carried-the whispers of her fairy lineage reminding her daily of the life that held her back from happiness. But that was something Barto could never understand, so she chose to share her undeniable truth. "Barto, there are many things that bother me, making it impossible to be completely happy. But Cassian is not one of them. In fact, he is the only one who brings me joy, filling me with the strength to fight against my destiny.So please, stop asking me about it." "I know you're hiding something that torments you, but remember that I care for you and will always be there for you," Barto said, concern etched on his face. "Thank you, brother," Maya replied, her heart warming at his words. "If you ever need me, just say the word," he added, determination in his voice. "I need to start defending myself. I don't believe Cassian would ever hurt me; he loves me too much," Maya insisted. "Even so, if he were to break an arm or a leg..." Barto began, his protective instincts flaring."Do you dislike Cassian?" Maya asked, her brow furrowing. "Um... if I saw you completely happy, I would be pleased. But since you're not, I can't help but feel a certain contempt for him," Barto confessed. "Barto, Cassian makes me happy. It doesn't matter what the future holds; don't hate him." "I can't promise I won't hate him. If anything were to happen to you because of him, I would make him pay," Barto warned. "Maya, you are my precious sister. Your happiness is one of the reasons I intend to protect you," he said, his voice firm."I hope you keep that promise," Maya replied, looking at him earnestly. "Just step back and love him. I don't want you to regret anything," Barto urged, his expression softening. "Don't worry. There will be nothing to regret. But I insist that you visit home and see Father. He misses you dearly," Maya said, her tone lightening. "I'll go visit them soon. Tell Dad I love him and that I miss him," Barto promised. "I will," Maya replied, a smile breaking through her earlier melancholy. "Are you ready to eat? I'll prepare your favorite dishes," Barto said, eager to change the subject."Yes," Maya replied, her heart feeling a little lighter as they moved toward the kitchen together.noveldrama