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!The Marriage Mark Maya felt a pang of regret as she looked at Leo. "I'm sorry about the beautiful worm for you," she said, her voice soft yet teasing. "But that face would be Leo's change." "Are you sick?" Leo asked, concern etched on his features. "I'm fine," Maya replied, forcing a smile. "Then why do you look so pale? You should check your health." "Sometimes I'm surprised by how observant you can be. Just the other day, we should have gone out together, like we used to." "Leo would have been with you, but he followed you when you left the tavern.I took a deep breath; it was a beautiful day to be out." As they walked through the bustling streets, Maya paused at various stalls, buying food and fruit. She waved goodbye to Leo as she left. "I don't think I'm going to carry anything more," she said, glancing back at him. After trying on a sombrero, Maya lost track of where she was and continued on her path. "Don't you think about what you have?" Leo asked, his tone teasing. "You've done nothing but shop." "Am I boring you with this life of luxury?" she replied, a hint of mischief in her voice."Maybe a little." "Then why not go back?" "Not that I don't want to be with Cassian. It's just..." "Are you saying that seriously?" Leo pressed. "You always rejected the idea of marriage." "That was because I hadn't found the right person." "Have you spoken to your priest or your brother about it?" "Not yet. Just tonight. You're the first one I've told." "Why?" he asked, curiosity piqued. "I don't know," Maya admitted, her gaze drifting. She sat at a small stall, watching the children play nearby. "You're embarrassed," Leo observed, a teasing glint in his eyes."Of course not, good sir," she replied, feigning indignation. Maya had been sitting there, contemplating the journey ahead. "Why do you ask?" she inquired. "It's hard for me to believe that you're getting married." "I am getting married. I want to be united with the one I love as soon as possible." Maya looked at him earnestly. "Remember, I'm not alone in this." "You could use a ring; you don't need a marriage for that." "The marks of marriage forge a deep bond. That's what I want." "Do you know that the mark of marriage unites you with that person forever?" "I know.It's a brand that means nothing without her death. That's why it's important." Maya continued walking with Leo through the city. When they returned to the tavern, Leo stopped and took her hand, a serious look on his face. "I hope you're ready," he said. "I wish I could return to the city where I grew up," Maya replied, her voice tinged with nostalgia. Leo released her hand, sensing the sincerity in her words. "Next time, let us repeat this." "I hope you don't stop me from visiting the stores next time.I want to buy a lot more things, and I'll have to carry everything." "I suppose I'll have to help," Leo said, smiling as he watched Maya's small figure move ahead. He had been in love with her since he could remember, and even though it pained him that she wasn't with him, he loved her too much to let her go. "I'm happy when I'm with you," he whispered to himself. "Are you not coming?" Maya called back. "Yes, I'm coming now," he replied, quickening his pace. When Maya returned to the tavern, she said goodbye to Leo and went to find her brother.Barto was in his workshop, speaking in a loud tone, though she couldn't see anyone else in the room. "Barto, can I interrupt your important conversation?" she asked. "Come in; I'm not talking to anyone," he replied, his voice gruff. Maya noticed a small figure lurking nearby, trying to hide. It was contemptuous, and she couldn't help but feel annoyed. "What are you doing here?" she demanded. "I'm just a fairy, and I must follow you everywhere," the pixie said defiantly. "You have a lot of nerve to show up here, considering the trouble you've caused me," Maya retorted."Despite being so small, you have a big mouth. I'd have to force it shut," the pixie shot back. "I just want to help you. If you decide to return, you will die," it warned. "Stop with that nonsense. You keep telling me to come back, and it's becoming a true torture. Sometimes I wonder if it was the queen's intention to send you with me." "You're such a grouch. The queen only cares about you," the pixie said, crossing its arms. "If that's true, your offer wouldn't be so hard to accept," Maya replied, frustration bubbling beneath the surface."It's true I don't understand it, and I didn't even know it was possible. So just disappear. If I catch you today, I'll crush you like a grape," she threatened. The pixie stuck out its tongue before disappearing. "You're bitter. If you want to die, I'll do it for you," it taunted. "That damn pixie," Maya muttered, shaking her head. Barto sat down next to her, a serious expression on his face. "What do you think you'll do now?" he asked. "I suppose I'll return to the land of the fairies if I promised Cassian," she said thoughtfully."Then it's not true what that little thing said about giving you peace?" "Because I don't think I can accept that," Maya replied, her voice heavy with uncertainty. "I'm fine at the moment. Abril helped me with magic, and while I can keep it as it is now, I'm thinking about going back. I'm also preparing for a wedding." "What?! How can you get married?" Barto exclaimed, his eyes wide. "Just like the dark," she said, her tone serious. "I can't believe you're even considering it. I thought you hated the idea of marriage!" "I never thought I would marry, so I dismissed it completely.But if that's the case, I want to get married." "When you try it, you can't see it again if you don't return to the land of the fairies?" "Yes, Cassian seems good," she replied, her heart racing. "We want to unite our lives, to stop being two and become one. You should understand me better than anyone. You know what it feels like to want to tie your life to the person you love, even when you can't have her." "Will you tell the priest?" Barto asked, his voice cautious.noveldrama"Yes, I think I'll decide before I leave." "You might want to ask Dad not to 'sop hacer' after knowing what's wrong with you," he suggested. "I know, but just like he told me, it would be impossible to be with me if I need him. Just like Cassian promised me, and I believe in him."