(Four days later — the day of Emperor Eyan’s birthday celebration)
Aranel tightened her grip around Eva’s wrist and tugged, her heels clicking impatiently against the floor.
“Eva, please—come with me,” she pleaded.
Eva resisted instantly, grabbing the arm of the nearest chair as if it were her last anchor.
“No… Aranel, I don’t want to go.”
“I don’t want to force you either,” Aranel said, her voice softening, “but Father can’t attend. He’s tied up with state matters, so I have to go in his place.” She paused, her fingers tightening around Eva’s hand. “I’ll be all alone. Just come with me—keep me company.”
Eva shook her head, knuckles whitening as she clung to the chair.
“No, I can’t… and I won’t. Stop forcing me.”
The words struck harder than Eva intended.
Aranel’s patience snapped. She slapped Eva’s hand away, hurt flashing openly across her face.
“It’s just the Emperor’s birthday celebration,” she said sharply. “That’s all I’m asking you to attend. Why are you refusing like this?”
Eva stayed silent.
Aranel exhaled, her anger melting into desperation.
“Eva… please. Just three—no, two hours. We’ll go, wish him a happy birthday, give him the gift, and leave immediately after. I promise.”
Her voice wavered at the end.
“Please, Eva…”
Eva finally looked at her. Aranel’s eyes were pleading, vulnerable—nothing like the confident noblewoman she usually was. With a tired sigh, Eva loosened her grip on the chair.
“…Fine,” she said quietly. “I’ll go. But only for two hours. I’m not staying there any longer than that.”
Aranel’s face lit up instantly. She threw her arms around Eva, hugging her tightly.
“Thank you,” she whispered, relief evident in her voice.
Eva let out a tired sigh, then slowly wrapped her arms around her in return. “…You’re welcome,” she murmured, surrendering at last.
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(Royal Palace of Velmoria)
Eyan glanced over the documents on his desk before looking up.
“Hans, is everything ready?”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Hans replied. “Everything has been prepared as you ordered. The guests will arrive in three hours.”
“Good.”
Hans hesitated before speaking again. “Your Majesty, there is another matter that needs your attention.”
Eyan frowned slightly. “What is it?”
“It concerns Duke Malric Vane,” Hans said. “Over the past three days, several women have filed reports against him for harassment.”
Eyan sighed, irritation clear on his face. “That old buffoon again. He never learns.”
“I don’t understand him,” Hans said. “He has a wife, yet he still goes around harassing other women.”
“Because he’s an old bastard with no shame or self-control,” Eyan replied coldly.
He paused, then added firmly,
“That’s enough. I won’t let him continue doing whatever he wants. After the celebration, strip him of his title. He doesn’t deserve it.”
Hans bowed. “As you command, Your Majesty.” Then he said, “You should also go and change, Your Majesty. There isn’t much time left.”
Eyan nodded once. “Very well.”
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(Royal Palace of Velmoria — Evening)
The carriage came to a halt before the grand steps of the royal palace. Aranel stepped down first, then reached back to help Eva.
As soon as they entered the banquet hall, Eva stopped walking.
Golden chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, their warm light spilling across marble floors. Silk banners bearing the royal crest draped the walls, while long tables overflowed with crystal goblets, silver trays, and arrangements of white lilies and deep crimson roses. Music floated softly through the air, mingling with the low hum of noble chatter.
Aranel and Eva looked around in awe.
“Wow…” Aranel whispered. “Everything is so beautiful.”
Eva nodded slowly, her eyes following the lights above. “Yes… everything is so beautiful.”
Aranel’s gaze suddenly sharpened.
“Eva, look. There’s the Emperor. Let’s go greet him.”
Eva swallowed, then nodded.
Together, they approached Eyan.
Aranel bowed gracefully.
“Greetings, Your Majesty. Happy birthday.”
Eyan smiled politely. “Thank you for the wishes, Lady Aranel.”
Then his eyes shifted. A faint smile curved his lips as he noticed Eva half-hidden behind Aranel’s shoulder.
He tilted his head slightly, surprised. “Lady Eva… is that you?”
Eva hesitated before stepping forward. She lowered her head in a careful bow. “Greetings, Your Majesty. And… happy birthday."
Eyan’s smile softened.
“Thank you for the wishes, Lady Eva.”
Aranel reached into her pocket and brought out a finely wrapped box.
“Your Majesty, my father sends this gift. He apologizes for being unable to attend.”
“It’s quite all right,” Eyan replied. “Please convey my thanks to your father.”
He turned slightly.
“Hans, take it.” Hans stepped forward and accepted the gift.
Eyan’s gaze then returned to Eva.
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Aranel glanced at Eva. Eva glanced back at Aranel. Then both looked at Eyan.
Eva frowned slightly.
“…What?”
Aranel leaned closer and whispered,
“Eva. He’s looking at . Your gift.”
“Oh—” Eva quickly reached behind her back and brought out a small box resting in her palm. She extended it hesitantly toward Eyan.
“Your Majesty… this is from me,” she said softly. “I couldn’t find anything special. It’s not expensive, but… I hope you like it.”
Eyan took the box, curiosity brightening his eyes. He opened it slowly. Inside lay a silver brooch set with a deep crimson stone—its color strikingly similar to his eyes.
For a moment, he simply looked at it.
Then he smiled. “It’s beautiful,” Eyan said sincerely. “Thank you, Lady Eva. I’ll make sure to wear it.”
He closed the box and handed it to Hans. “Hans, keep it safe.”
Eva nodded, relief easing her shoulders.
Aranel smiled politely. “Then, Your Majesty, we’ll take our leave.”
Eva and Aranel bowed together before turning away and leaving the hall—Eyan’s gaze followed Eva until she disappeared into the crowd, a faint smile still resting on his lips.
Hans leaned in closer and spoke quietly, “Your Majesty… you should stop smiling while looking at her majesty. You’re making it far too .”
Eyan blinked and quickly straightened his expression.
“…Am I?”
“Yes,” Hans replied without hesitation.
Eyan cleared his throat, his face returning to its usual calm composure.
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(Five hours later)
(Guest Room — Royal Palace)
Eva let out a long sigh. “And is exactly why I didn’t want to come.”
She reached out and gently tapped Aranel’s cheek. “Aranel… wake up. Why did you drink wine when you can’t handle it?”
Aranel lay sprawled on the couch, completely unconscious, her arm hanging off the side.
“Aranel, please wake up,” Eva tried again, glancing toward the door. “The banquet is over. Everyone’s gone. We’re the only ones left.”
Receiving no response, Eva sighed and stood up. “I’ll find help myself.”
Outside the guest room, Hans was stationed near the entrance, overseeing the final guests as they departed.
“Mr. Hans,” Eva called softly.
Hans turned in surprise. “Lady Eva? You’re still here? You haven’t returned home yet?”
“My friend drank too much wine and lost consciousness,” Eva explained. “If it isn’t too much trouble… may I borrow a carriage to take us home?”
Hans nodded immediately.
“Of course, Lady Eva. Please wait here. I’ll have one prepared at once.”
(Thirty minutes later)
(Eyan’s Chamber)
Eyan opened the door, irritation already on his face. “What is it, Hans? Didn’t I tell you not to disturb me?”
“I know, Your Majesty,” Hans said quickly, bowing, “But this concerns Her Majesty. So i thought it's necessary to inform you.”
Eyan paused, fingers undoing the cuff of his shirt. “What about Eva?”
“Her Majesty requested a carriage to return home,” Hans explained. “Her friend, Lady Aranel, was drunk and unconscious, so I prepared one and sent them off.”
“You did well.....How many guards did you send with them?” Eyan asked.
Hans remained silent.
Eyan’s hand stopped at his collar button. He turned slowly. “Hans, I asked you a question. How many guards did you send with them?”
Hans swallowed. “…None, Your Majesty.”
Eyan’s expression darkened instantly. “You sent them back ,” he said sharply, “in the middle of the night—without any guards—and you that was safe?”
His voice rose. “Are you out of your mind?”
“Your Majesty,” Hans said hurriedly, bowing, “the streets are still crowded. There shouldn’t be any danger—”
“They’re crowded ,” Eyan cut in. “But after Lady Aranel is dropped off, it will take another two hours by carriage to reach Eva’s home.”
His jaw clenched. “By then, it will be past midnight. The streets will be empty.....She’ll be alone.”
Hans bowed deeply. “I apologize, Your Majesty. I didn’t think it through. I made a grave mistake.”
Eyan exhaled slowly. “It’s fine. What’s done is done. Don’t apologize.”
He looked back at Hans.
“When did they leave?”
“About thirty minutes ago, Your Majesty.”
Eyan finished buttoning his shirt and grabbed his coat. “Good. They haven’t gone too far.”
He turned sharply. “Hans, prepare a horse for me.”
Hans bowed deeply and hurried out.
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(After Sometime)
After dropping Aranel safely at her residence, Eva’s carriage continued on toward her own home. The road was quiet, lanterns casting long shadows as the carriage rolled through the night. Suddenly, the carriage came to an abrupt stop.
Eva frowned. “What happened? Why did the carriage stop—?”
Before she could finish, the door swung open.
Startled, Eva looked up— “Y-Your Majesty?”
Eyan stood outside, his cloak drawn tightly around him. “Lady Eva,” he said calmly, “I apologize. Did I frighten you?”
“No—no,” Eva replied quickly, shaking her head. “But… Your Majesty, what are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be at the palace?”
Eyan gave a light smile. “I was out attending to some urgent business,” he said smoothly. “Unfortunately, my horse ran off, and I was unable to return to the palace.”
He glanced at the carriage. “When I saw this passing by, I thought I might ask for a ride back. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Oh… of course, Your Majesty,” Eva said quickly, stepping aside. “Please come inside. This carriage is yours anyway.”
“Thank you, Lady Eva.”
Eyan stepped into the carriage and took the seat across from her.
Eva hesitated, then spoke again, her voice a little uncertain.
“But, Your Majesty… this carriage will return to the palace only dropping me at my house. I hope you don’t mind.”
Eyan nodded calmly. “Oh, it’s fine. I don’t mind at all. I’ll return after that.”
Eva gave a small, awkward smile.
The carriage door closed once more, and the wheels began to roll forward again.
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(One hour later)
Eva sat stiffly inside the carriage, her hands folded tightly in her lap. After a moment, she slowly lifted her gaze.
Eyan sat across from her, eyes closed, his head resting slightly against the cushioned wall—fast asleep.
Eva let out a small breath.
She turned her attention to the window. Outside, the road was silent. No lanterns. No passing carriages. Just darkness stretching endlessly ahead.
, she thought. A faint shiver ran through her.
Her fingers tightened slightly.
Her gaze drifted back to Eyan., she reminded herself.
She swallowed.
Eva sighed softly, leaning back against the seat.
(One hour later — In front of Eva’s house)
The carriage slowed and finally came to a stop before a quiet, modest house. Inside, Eyan was still asleep.
Eva hesitated for a moment, then leaned forward slightly. “Your Majesty...”
Eyan’s eyes opened at once. “Yes?”
“We’ve arrived,” she said softly. “This is my house. I’ll be getting off now.”
“Oh—” Eyan straightened a little. “I apologize. I must have fallen asleep.”
“It’s all right,” Eva replied, offering a polite smile. “Good night, Your Majesty.”
Eyan returned the smile gently. “Good night, Lady Eva.”
Eva stepped down from the carriage. The door closed, and moments later, the carriage rolled away into the quiet night.
(Inside the carriage)
Eyan let out a slow, steady breath and leaned back against the seat.
“I pretended to sleep the entire ride,” he murmured quietly, a faint, almost helpless smile touching his lips. “So she wouldn’t feel uncomfortable… so she wouldn’t feel watched.”
His hand rose to his chest, pressing lightly over his heart. “But every time she looked at me,” he whispered, “I could feel it. Her gaze lingered… and wouldn’t listen to me....It was beating so fast, I was afraid she might it.”
He closed his eyes for a moment. “…Now I can finally breathe.”
Turning his head, Eyan looked out through the carriage window, the moonlight brushing his features as a soft smile appeared.
“One more day,” he whispered.
“Just one more day, princess… then I can finally hold against
Eva reached for the door handle—only to find it already open. “The door is open…” she murmured.
A small smile curved her lips. “Did Kyel return early?”
With quiet excitement, Eva stepped inside, closing the door behind her. The house was dark.
She looked around, confused. “Honey? Are you home…?”
No answer.
“…He must be sleeping,” she said softly. “I should go check.”
Eva hurried up the stairs. “Honey, are you asleep? Why aren’t you answering? Look, I’m back.”
She pushed open the bedroom door. The room was pitch-black.
Then—
a silhouette by the window.
Relief flickered across her face as she took a step forward. “Kye—”
She froze.
Slowly, she stepped back.
“W-Who are you…?” Eva whispered.
Moonlight cut across his face, revealing a twisted smile—sharp, hungry. He stepped closer, his shadow stretching toward her.
“I’ve been waiting,” he said softly, almost lovingly. “
Eva’s breath caught painfully in her throat. Her back slammed against the wall as she trembled, trapped.
“Why are here…?” she asked, voice shaking.
she choked.
