(Dark Alley — Velmoria Streets)
The moment his lips brushed her cheek—
Eva froze.
For a single heartbeat.
Then—
Her eyes burned with anger.
"What do you think you're doing?!"
She spun around sharply—
SLAP!
Her hand struck his face hard, the sound echoing through the narrow alley.
The man's head snapped to the side.
But Eva didn't stop.
"HOW DARE YOU KISS ME!" she shouted, fury blazing in her eyes. "Have you lost your mind?! Do you know who I am?!"
She hit him again—
and again—
her fists landing against his chest and shoulders.
"You shameless man! Do you think you can just grab someone and—!"
He raised his hands, trying to stop her.
"Wait—listen—"
"I won't listen to anything!" Eva snapped, struggling against his grip as he tried to hold her wrists. "You think you can get away with this? I'll have you arrested—!"
"Wait—please—how can you NOT recognise me?"
Her movements stopped...Completely.
"…What…?"
The man slowly lowered his hands… then reached up and pulled back the hood covering his face.
Soft strands of familiar hair fell into view.
A face—
Older.
Sharper.
But unmistakably…
Him.
He looked at her—
and smiled.
"Greetings, Mother," he said warmly, a hint of playfulness in his voice. "How have you been all this time?"
Eva's eyes widened in shock.
"…Leo…?"
Her lips trembled.
Leo tilted his head slightly, smiling.
"Yes, Mother… it's me," he said gently. "So… can you stop hitting me now? I think I've already taken enough damage for one kiss ."
The tension in her body shattered instantly.
"LEO…!"
She rushed forward and threw her arms around him, pulling him into a tight embrace.
He was—
Taller.
Broader.
No longer the small boy she remembered.
"How have you been, Leo?" she asked, her voice filled with emotion as she held him tightly. "I couldn't recognise you… you've grown so much…"
Leo hugged her back just as firmly, a soft smile on his face.
"I've been well, Mother," he replied warmly. "But what about you? When did you regain your memories?"
He pulled back slightly, looking at her carefully.
"Last time I came here… you didn't remember anything at all."
Eva blinked in surprise.
"…Last time?" she repeated, confused. "Leo… you came here before?"
Leo nodded casually, as if it were nothing unusual.
"Yes, Mother," he said. "For the past five years… I've been coming here every six months to see you."
He smiled faintly.
"I just wanted to make sure you were safe… even if you didn't recognize me."
Eva's eyes softened, filling with warmth and emotion.
"…You came all this way… just to check on me…"
She looked at him again—really looked at him.
"You've grown so much…" she murmured, her voice filled with awe.
Leo straightened slightly, a proud grin appearing on his face.
"Of course I have," he said confidently. "I just turned fourteen recently."
Eva blinked, surprised.
"Fourteen already? And you're taller than me now?"
Leo chuckled, clearly pleased with himself.
"That's because I take after Father," he said proudly. "I got his height… and maybe a bit of his charm too."
Eva couldn't help but laugh softly.
Then her gaze shifted to his cheek.
Still slightly red.
Her expression changed instantly.
"Oh no…" she said softly, reaching up to touch his face gently. "Sweetheart… I'm so sorry. I didn't know it was you… does it hurt?"
Leo's expression shifted dramatically. He sniffed, pretending to be on the verge of tears.
"It hurts… a lot, Mother," he said, his voice overly pitiful. "You've become really strong… I think my face is permanently damaged now…"
Eva's face filled with guilt.
"Oh, Leo—"
But before she could say more—
He suddenly smiled. A glow of magic flickered around him. Within seconds the redness on his cheek disappeared completely.
"Mother" he said lightly. "I'm perfectly fine."
He tilted his head, looking at her.
"So please don't make that sad face… it doesn't suit you."
Eva let out a small breath and smiled softly.
Leo's expression turned slightly more serious.
"Mother…" he said gently, "there are so many things I want to ask you… so many things I want to tell you…"
He paused, then looked at her more intently.
"But first… tell me this—"
His voice lowered.
"Why are you here alone?"
A beat.
"And why are you hiding from the Royal knights?"
Eva's smile faded. Her gaze dropped. Her hand slowly moved to her belly.
"…That's because…"
__________________________________
(Dark Alley — Moments Later)
For a moment—
Silence.
Then suddenly—
Leo's eyes lit up.
"Wait… hold on—" he said, stepping back and staring at her properly, his gaze dropping to her hand resting over her belly.
His expression changed.
Shock—
Then realization—
Then pure excitement.
"Mother…!" his voice rose, almost disbelieving. "Don't tell me—are you really…?"
Eva hesitated for a second… then slowly nodded.
"…Yes."
Leo froze.
Then—
A wide grin spread across his face.
"Wait—WAIT—!"
He ran a hand through his hair, laughing in disbelief.
"I'm… I'm going to be a big brother?!"
He looked at her again, eyes shining.
"Mother, is that true?! You're not joking, right?!"
Eva couldn't help but smile softly at his reaction.
"Yes, Leo… it's true."
That was all he needed.
Leo let out a breathless laugh, pacing a little in excitement.
"I can't believe this… I'm actually going to have a little sibling…!"
He suddenly turned back to her, practically glowing.
"Do you know how long I've wanted this?! Someone smaller than me, someone I can teach, protect, boss around—"
Eva raised an eyebrow.
"Boss around?"
Leo coughed lightly.
"I mean… guide. Lovingly guide."
He placed a hand over his chest proudly.
"I'll be the best big brother ever. No one will even come close."
Leo grinned again.
"Now I really can't wait to meet them."
Leo's excitement slowly faded as something clicked in his mind.
His brows furrowed.
"…But Mother," he said more seriously, looking at her carefully, "I think there's a misunderstanding here."
Eva looked at him, confused.
Leo continued, his voice calm but firm.
"Father would never do something like that," he said. "No matter what happened before, I know him—he wouldn't make that choice."
Eva shook her head slightly, her expression troubled.
"No, Leo… it's true," she said softly but with certainty. "He said the royal physician would 'take care of everything'… and I know what that means. That's why I had to leave before it was too late."
Leo studied her face for a moment.
Then asked quietly,
"…So where do you plan to go now?"
Eva hesitated… then answered,
"…The Blue Bird Empire."
Leo blinked.
"…Blue Bird?" he repeated, surprised. "You mean… to Aunty Violet?"
Eva nodded.
"Yes… if I go there, I thought I could stay hidden for some time…"
Leo exhaled lightly and shook his head.
"No, Mother… that's not a good idea," he said gently. "Father will think of that place immediately. If you go there, he'll find you faster than you expect."
Eva's expression fell, worry returning.
"…Then what should I do?" she asked quietly. "Where can I go where he won't find me…?"
Leo stepped closer and gently took her hand. His grip was warm. Reassuring.
"Don't worry, Mother," he said with a small, confident smile. "I'll help you."
Eva looked at him, a little surprised.
"…You will?"
Leo nodded.
"Yes," he said firmly. "I'll take you somewhere no one can reach."
His tone carried certainty. As if he already knew everything.
Eva's eyes softened.
"…Alright… I trust you."
Leo's smile widened slightly.
"But before that," he added playfully, "let's go have some fun first."
Eva blinked.
"…Fun?"
Leo nodded eagerly.
"It's been so long since I got to spend time with you like this."
He tilted his head with a grin.
"And I'm starving. So first—we eat."
Eva let out a small laugh.
"…Alright. Let's go."
Leo raised his hand.
A soft glow of magic surrounded Eva's body. Light wrapped around her—and in the next moment, her appearance changed completely.
Different face.
Different clothes.
Unrecognizable.
"There," Leo said, satisfied. "Now no one will recognize you."
Then he lifted his hand again—and his own appearance shifted as well. The older, familiar face disappeared.
Replaced by someone else entirely. He reached out and took her hand again. Smiling.
"Come on, Mother," he said lightly. "Let's go enjoy ourselves for a bit."
Eva smiled back. "…Let's go."
And together—
they stepped out of the shadows and into the street.
__________________________________
(Velmoria Streets — The Search Continues)
Eyan rode through the crowded streets, his sharp eyes scanning every passing carriage, every turn, every shadow.
"Where are you, Eva…" he muttered under his breath, gripping the reins tighter.
Then—
His eyes locked onto something ahead.
A carriage.
Red curtains.
Driven by a middle-aged man.
Eyan's gaze sharpened instantly.
"…That's it."
Without hesitation, he pushed his horse forward and cut directly in front of the carriage, forcing it to halt.
"STOP!"
The coachman pulled the reins in shock.
Eyan jumped down from his horse and rushed forward, his heart pounding.
He grabbed the carriage door and threw it open—
"EVA—!"
But—
He froze.
Inside—
Sat a stranger.
A woman he didn't recognize.
Eyan's expression darkened immediately.
"Where did she go?" he demanded, his voice low and dangerous.
The woman inside shrank back, startled.
Eyan turned sharply to the coachman.
"You," he said, stepping closer, his presence overwhelming. "A lady got into your carriage at the Marquess Calren Delyss estate. Where did she go?"
The coachman stiffened, recognizing him.
"Y-Your Majesty…" he stammered, bowing his head slightly even from his seat. "That lady… she got off not long after we left."
Eyan's eyes narrowed.
"Where."
"Near the old temple, Your Majesty," the man replied quickly. "She paid me and left in a hurry… I saw her go into one of the alleys nearby."
Eyan's breath stilled for a moment.
"…An alley…"
Without another word, he turned, mounted his horse in one swift motion, and pulled the reins sharply.
Then—
He rode off immediately, changing direction toward the old temple.
Faster than before. More desperate than before.
__________________________________
(Velmoria Streets — Evening)
Leo and Eva walked side by side through the lively streets, their disguised appearances blending easily into the crowd.
They stopped at small stalls, tasted sweets, laughed softly.
Eva watched him with warm eyes.
"You've grown up… yet you still eat sweets like a child," she teased gently, handing him another sweet.
Leo grinned.
"And you still treat me like one, Mother," he replied playfully. "At least let me enjoy it when I finally get time with you like this."
For a moment—
She forgot everything.
The fear.
The chase.
Eyan.
The street was lively...Warm.
For a brief moment, it felt like nothing was wrong.
Eva and Leo walked side by side, their disguises flawless, blending into the crowd like ordinary people.
Leo was laughing about something—
Eva watching him with a soft smile—
When voices cut through the air.
Crude.
Ugly.
"Look at her… what a beauty."
"…and she's walking with a boy?"
A laugh followed.
"Lady, why waste your time with a kid like him?"
Another voice, louder.
"Come with us instead… we'll show you what real fun feels like."
Leo stopped...Mid-step.
His smile disappeared.
Slowly—
He turned his head.
His eyes—Cold. Sharp. Dangerous.
Eva felt it immediately.
"Leo…" she said quietly, placing a hand on his arm. "Ignore them. Let's go—"
But he didn't move.
The men noticed...And smirked.
"Oh? The little boy heard us."
One of them stepped forward, grinning shamelessly.
"What, kid? You think you can satisfy her?"
Laughter broke out.
"Why don't you step aside and let men handle her properly?"
Leo's jaw tightened...His hands clenched...Veins faintly visible.
Another man leaned closer, his eyes roaming over Eva without shame.
"Lady, you don't have to settle for this," he said, voice dripping with filth. "Come with us… we'll take good care of yo—."
CRACK!
Leo's fist slammed into the man's face.
The sound echoed...The man dropped instantly.
"What the—?!"
The others barely had time to react—
Leo grabbed another by the collar and yanked him forward.
His voice dropped— Low. Terrifying.
"How dare you," he said slowly, each word heavy with fury, "open your filthy mouths and speak about my mother like that."
BANG!
He slammed the man into the ground.
The rest stumbled back, fear creeping in.
"Hey—wait—!"
Too late.
Leo was already on them.
Punch after punch—
Precise.
Brutal.
Unrelenting.
They couldn't fight back.
They couldn't even stand properly.
"Leo, stop!" Eva rushed forward, grabbing his arm. "That's enough! You've already taught them a lesson—leave it!"
But he shook her off—
His eyes burned with a dangerous intensity.
"…No," he said coldly. "They don't get to walk away after saying that."
Another punch.
THUD!
A man collapsed, gasping.
"Leo!" Eva tried again, her voice more urgent now. "Please, stop! This isn't like you—"
But it was.
Too much like someone else.
She froze slightly.
He's exactly like his father she thought, watching him.
That same rage.
That same loss of control when it came to her.
Leo grabbed the last man by the collar and pulled him close.
His voice dropped into a deadly whisper.
"If I ever hear you speak about her again…" he said, eyes cold as steel, "…you won't live to regret it."
He shoved him away. The man stumbled, then ran—The others scrambling after him, barely able to stand.
Silence returned.
Heavy.
Leo stood there, chest rising and falling slowly.
His fists still clenched.
Eva stepped closer, her voice softer now.
"…Are you done?"
He exhaled.
"…Yes."
The anger began to fade. Just a little.
He ran a hand through his hair, looking away.
"…Sorry, Mother," he said quietly. "I couldn't just stand there and listen to that."
Eva looked at him for a moment—Then gently took his hand.
"You didn't do wrong," she said softly. "But you don't have to carry everything with anger either."
Leo didn't reply.
But his grip on her hand tightened slightly.
"…Let's go," she added.
He nodded.
"…Yeah."
And together they walked away.
__________________________________
(Old Temple Alley — Moments Later)
Eyan's horse came to a sharp halt at the entrance of the narrow alley.
He jumped down immediately, not even tying the reins, his eyes scanning every corner, every shadow.
"Eva…" he called out, his voice tight with urgency.
No answer.
Only silence.
His jaw clenched.
He moved deeper into the alley, footsteps quick, restless—checking behind walls, near doors, every possible hiding place.
Nothing.
Eyan turned sharply as a shopkeeper nearby watched him nervously.
"You—" Eyan stepped closer, his voice firm but edged with desperation. "Did you see a woman come into this alley?."
The man blinked, startled by the emperor's presence.
"Y-Yes, Your Majesty… I did see someone," he said quickly. "A lady came running in here some time ago…"
Eyan's eyes sharpened.
"Where did she go?"
The man hesitated, then added,
"But… she wasn't alone when she left."
Eyan stilled.
"…What?"
"I saw her come out of the alley with a young boy," the shopkeeper continued. "They went toward the market together."
Eyan's brows furrowed instantly.
"A boy…?"
His voice lowered.
"No… it's not her."
He shook his head slightly, rejecting it.
"She was alone when she left the estate. There was no one with her."
The shopkeeper looked unsure but insisted,
"I'm certain, Your Majesty. They walked together like they knew each other."
Eyan's expression darkened, confusion flickering through his eyes.
"…It's not her."
He turned away abruptly, scanning the alley again as if refusing to believe it.
"Eva wouldn't just go with someone… especially not a stranger."
His fists clenched slightly.
"…Then where are you, Eva?"
__________________________________
(Velmoria — Nightfall)
The sky had turned dark.
Torches flickered across the streets as shadows stretched long and heavy.
Eyan stood in the middle of the road, his clothes dusted, his breath uneven—hours of searching carved into his face.
One by one—
Royal knights approached him.
Each with the same answer.
"Your Majesty… we searched the western district. There is no sign of the Queen."
Another stepped forward.
"The temples and nearby inns have been checked as well… she is not there."
A third bowed his head.
"We questioned the merchants and travelers… no one has seen her since the afternoon."
Each report—
Struck harder than the last.
Eyan's jaw tightened, his hands clenching at his sides.
"…Keep searching," he ordered, his voice low but unyielding. "Check again. Leave no place untouched."
The knights bowed and scattered once more.
Just then—
Luca approached, his steps quick but controlled.
"Eyan…" he called out.
Eyan turned sharply.
"Did you find her?" he asked immediately, hope flickering in his tired eyes.
Luca hesitated—
then shook his head.
"…No."
The word landed heavy.
Luca exhaled and added,
"I even asked Leo to track sister's location using magic… but he couldn't find her either."
Eyan froze for a second.
"…Leo couldn't find her?" he repeated quietly.
Luca nodded, his expression serious.
"Yes… it's like her presence is completely hidden."
Silence fell.
The weight of it suffocating.
Luca stepped closer, his tone softer now.
"Eyan… it's already night. You've been searching the entire day without rest," he said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Let's go back to the palace for now. We'll organize a wider search at dawn."
Eyan didn't move. Didn't respond.
Then—
Slowly, he shook his head.
"…No."
Luca frowned slightly.
"Eyan—"
"I'm not going back," Eyan cut him off, his voice firm, almost hoarse. "Not without her."
His eyes burned with determination.
"I will search through the night if I have to… I won't stop until I find Eva."
His fists clenched tighter.
"I want her back… at any cost."
Luca studied him for a moment—
then sighed quietly.
"…Fine." A faint, resigned smile touched his lips. "Then I'm not leaving you to do this alone."
He stepped back and looked around.
"You take this area," Luca said, gesturing ahead. "I'll search the other side."
Then he turned sharply to the remaining knights.
"Listen carefully," Luca commanded, his voice carrying authority. "Continue the search. No one rests until the Queen is found."
The knights straightened immediately.
"Yes, Master Luca!"
And just like that—
The search continued.
__________________________________
(Velmoria Streets — Night)
The city had quieted, lanterns glowing softly as Leo and Eva continued their walk.
Eva looked calmer now, the earlier chaos fading into a strange, peaceful moment.
Leo glanced at her, smiling.
"Mother… I think it's time," he said gently. "You asked me to take you somewhere safe, remember?"
Eva nodded, her fingers unconsciously resting over her belly.
"…Yes," she said softly. "Tell me honestly, Leo… that place… will I really be safe there?"
Leo's smile widened—almost too confidently.
"Safe?" he said lightly. "Mother, it's the safest place in the entire world. No one will be able to touch you there."
Eva let out a small relieved breath and smiled.
"…Then I trust you."
Leo nodded.
"Good."
He raised his hand—and the magic around Eva shimmered, her disguise dissolving.
Her true appearance returned.
Before she could say anything—
Leo suddenly leaned forward and planted a quick kiss on her cheek.
Eva blinked in surprise.
"L-Leo—?"
He stepped back, grinning.
"Take care there, Mother," he said softly. "It might be a little… surprising, but don't worry—you'll be fine."
Eva frowned slightly.
"…Surprising?"
But before she could question further—
A glowing teleportation circle appeared beneath her feet.
"Leo, wait—what do you mean by—"
WHOOSH
She vanished.
Leo stood alone.
Silence.
Then—
He smiled.
A little guilty.
A little mischievous.
"…Mother," he whispered softly, scratching his cheek, "please forgive me for doing this…"
(Elsewhere — Night)
A teleportation circle flared open—
And Eva dropped right out of it.
"Ah—!"
She stumbled slightly, catching her balance.
Eva looked around, confused.
"…Where am I?"
This didn't look like a hiding place.
It felt… familiar...Too familiar.
Her brows furrowed.
"…Leo, where did you send me?"
Then—
A voice.
Right behind her.
Low.
Sharp.
Filled with disbelief.
"Eva…?"
Her entire body froze.
Slowly—
Very slowly—
She turned around.
Eva's eyes widened in absolute shock.
"…EYAN?!"
__________________________________
(Back in the street— Leo)
Leo burst into quiet laughter, covering his mouth.
"…Safest place in the world," he muttered to himself. "Right in front of father… no one can protect you better than him."
He shook his head, still smiling.
"…You're welcome, Mother."
__________________________________
(Back To Eva And Eyan)
Eva's eye twitched.
"…That traitor…" she muttered under her breath.
.
.
.
To be continued—