(Royal Palace of Velmoria)
The moment Eva stepped back into the palace… she didn't even get a chance to breathe.
"EVA!"
Aranel's voice echoed through the hall—sharp, trembling, and filled with pent-up fear.
Before Eva could react, Aranel rushed forward and grabbed her shoulders tightly.
"Do you have any idea what you've done?" Aranel's voice shook, her eyes already glossy with tears. "Running away like that… without telling anyone… Do you know how worried we all were?!"
Eva lowered her gaze slightly, guilt flashing across her face.
"I—"
"You what?" Aranel cut her off immediately, her grip tightening. "You thought disappearing was a good idea? You thought leaving your husband, your child, your family behind like that was acceptable?"
Eva bit her lip, unable to answer.
Before the tension could rise further—
"Mother!"
A small figure rushed forward.
Leo.
He crashed into Eva, wrapping his arms tightly around her waist, burying his face into her.
"Mother…" his voice broke, small shoulders trembling. "I thought… I thought you left me…"
Eva's heart clenched painfully.
"Leo…" she whispered, kneeling slightly and pulling him into her arms, holding him close. "I'm here… I'm not going anywhere…"
Leo shook his head against her, clinging tighter.
"Mother…" he sniffed. "You can't leave again… promise me…"
Eva closed her eyes, hugging him gently.
"I promise… I won't leave you again…"
From the side, Luca let out a long breath, running a hand through his hair.
"Honestly, sister-in-law…" he muttered, though relief was clear in his tone, "you nearly gave all of us a heart attack."
Behind him, the royal knights who had been searching across the kingdom returned one by one, bowing deeply.
_________________________________
(Later — Royal Physician's Chamber)
Eyan didn't waste a single moment.
"Check her thoroughly."
His voice was firm. Cold. Uncompromising.
The royal physician immediately bowed.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Eva sat quietly as the examination began, glancing at Eyan once or twice.
He stood there… tense… silent… unmoving.
Every second felt heavy.
Finally—
The physician stepped back, a gentle smile forming on her face.
"Your Majesty…" she said softly, "the Queen is perfectly healthy."
A pause.
"And the child as well… there are no complications."
Silence filled the room.
Then—
Eyan's shoulders dropped ever so slightly. The tension that had been gripping him finally loosened.
"…Are you certain?" he asked, his voice lower now, almost cautious.
"Yes, Your Majesty," the physician nodded. "Both mother and child are completely safe."
Only then…
did Eyan truly breathe.
He closed his eyes for a brief moment—relief washing over him like a storm finally passing.
___________________________________
From that day onward Eyan changed. Completely.
"NO."
His voice left no room for argument.
Eva blinked at him. "Eyan, I was just saying I could attend the meet—"
"No," he repeated, sharper this time. "You will not step into the throne room."
Eva frowned slightly. "But I'm fine—"
"I said no, Eva."
His tone softened—but only slightly.
"You are not attending meetings… you are not handling state matters… and you are definitely not taking any stress."
Eva crossed her arms, a little annoyed.
"Eyan, I am not fragile—"
"And I am not taking any risks."
That stopped her.
For a moment, she just looked at him.
Really looked at him.
The firmness in his voice…
The fear hidden beneath it…
"…You're overreacting," she muttered softly.
Eyan stepped closer.
"No," he said quietly, his eyes locking with hers, "I am protecting you."
His hand moved gently to her stomach.
Eva's expression softened. Her irritation faded… replaced by something warmer.
"…You're impossible," she sighed, though a faint smile touched her lips.
Eyan didn't reply. He simply pulled her slightly closer. And that… was answer enough.
__________________________________
(10 Days Later)
Royal Palace — Inner Garden (Morning)
The garden was quiet… peaceful…
Too peaceful.
Eva peeked from behind a tall marble pillar, her eyes scanning left and right like a fugitive on the run.
"…He's not here… right?" she whispered to herself, clutching her dress.
It had been ten days.
Ten whole days of—
"Eva, don't walk too fast."
"Eva, sit down."
"Eva, don't lift that."
"Eva, eat this."
"Eva, sleep."
"Eva—"
She shuddered.
"…I can't live like this anymore," she muttered dramatically.
Just as she was about to sneak toward the garden exit—
A calm voice came from behind.
"Where are you going?"
Eva froze.
Slowly… very slowly… she turned her head.
Eyan stood there.
Arms crossed. Expression unreadable.
Caught.
"…Nowhere," Eva said instantly, forcing an innocent smile. "I was just… enjoying the fresh air…"
Eyan raised an eyebrow.
"From behind a pillar?"
Eva straightened.
"Yes." A pause. "…Privately."
Eyan stared at her for a long second. Then he walked toward her.
Eva took one step back. Then another.
"Stop right there," she warned, pointing at him. "Don't take another step."
Eyan ignored her completely and stopped right in front of her.
"Did you eat?"
Eva blinked, thrown off. "…What?"
"Your breakfast."
"…Yes."
"What did you eat?"
Eva opened her mouth.
Paused.
"…Food."
Eyan stared at her. Silently. Unblinking.
Eva's shoulders dropped in defeat.
"Oh, come on!" she burst out, throwing her hands up. "Do you have to interrogate me every time I breathe?!"
Eyan's expression remained calm.
"You skipped your breakfast."
"I did not skip it!"
"You don't even know what you ate."
Eva groaned loudly, dragging her hands down her face.
"For ten days, Eyan. Ten days you've been following me everywhere! I can't walk, I can't sit, I can't even think without you appearing out of nowhere!"
Eyan tilted his head slightly.
"That's because you try to do things you shouldn't."
"I do not!"
"You almost tripped yesterday."
"That was because you were hovering behind me like a ghost!"
Eyan's expression didn't change.
"…You still almost fell."
Eva groaned.
"This is torture… I swear you are tormenting me on purpose."
Eyan tilted his head slightly.
"If making sure you and our child are safe is torment," he said calmly, "then yes."
Eva stared at him.
Speechless.
Then she huffed, turned around, and started walking away.
"I'm leaving."
"Where?"
"Anywhere that is not within your sight."
Eyan walked beside her.
"That's not possible."
Eva stopped and turned sharply.
"Why not?!"
Eyan answered without hesitation—
"Because I'll follow you."
Silence.
Eva blinked.
Then glared.
"…You're unbelievable."
Eyan reached out and gently took her hand.
"Come," he said softly, his tone suddenly gentle. "You haven't eaten properly. I told the kitchen to prepare something light."
Eva tried to pull her hand away.
"I'm not hungry."
"You are."
"I'm not!"
"You are."
"…Stop deciding things for me!"
Eyan didn't argue this time.
Instead, he simply leaned closer slightly and said quietly—
"Then eat for me."
Eva froze.
Her face flushed faintly.
"…You fight dirty," she muttered.
Eyan's lips curved just a little.
"Only when necessary."
Eva sighed… defeated.
"…Fine."
But as they walked—
She glanced at him.
"…You're still annoying."
Eyan nodded calmly.
"I know."
And yet—
he didn't let go of her hand.
__________________________________
(Five Days Later)
Royal Palace — Aranel's Chamber (Afternoon)
Sunlight poured softly through the tall windows.
Eva sat slumped against the cushions, one hand on her back, the other resting on her belly—completely exhausted.
"…I finally escaped…" she murmured, eyes half-lidded. " Fifteen days… it took me fifteen days…"
Across from her, Aranel watched with amusement, sipping her tea.
"I used to think Luca was tormenting me with all his 'care,'" she said with a small laugh, "but after watching brother Eyan… I must admit, he's far worse."
Eva let out a long, dramatic sigh.
"You have no idea…" she groaned. "I can't even stand up without him asking where I'm going, why I'm going, how long I'll be gone…"
Aranel chuckled. "Sounds terrifying."
"It is terrifying," Eva shot back weakly.
Aranel leaned forward slightly, curious.
"Tell me something," she said, resting her chin on her hand. "Was brother like this when you were pregnant with Leo?"
Eva blinked… then let out a tired laugh.
"Like this?" she repeated. "No…"
A pause.
"…He was worse."
Aranel's eyes widened. "Worse?"
Eva nodded, remembering.
"It was my first pregnancy… he didn't know anything," she said, a soft smile forming despite herself. "He would panic over everything. If I sneezed, he'd call the physician. If I stood up too fast, he'd look like he was about to faint."
Aranel burst into laughter.
"No way—"
"He once woke up in the middle of the night because he thought I wasn't breathing properly," Eva continued, shaking her head. "I was just sleeping."
"That sounds exactly like him," Aranel laughed harder.
Eva smiled faintly… then suddenly—
A voice echoed from outside.
"Eva."
Both women froze.
"Eva, where are you?"
Eva's face drained of color.
"…He's here." Her eyes widened in panic. "I need to hide!"
Before Aranel could even respond, Eva scrambled off the couch and quickly slipped behind the large curtain near the window, holding her breath.
Aranel straightened herself just in time—
The door opened.
Eyan stepped in.
His gaze swept the room immediately.
" Sister Aranel," he said, voice calm but suspicious, "have you seen Eva?"
Aranel blinked innocently.
"Eva?" she repeated casually. "Yes, she was here a moment ago…"
Eyan's eyes narrowed slightly.
"…Was?"
Aranel nodded, picking up her cup again. "She just left a moment ago."
Eyan studied her for a moment.
Silence.
Then—
"…I see."
He turned, as if to leave.
Behind the curtain, Eva slowly relaxed, placing a hand over her chest.
That was close…
Just as Eyan reached the door—
A faint sound.
rustle—
Eyan stopped.
Slowly…He turned his head.
Aranel froze.
Behind the curtain, Eva clamped her hand over her mouth, eyes wide in horror.
Too late.
Eyan walked back into the room.
Each step slow… deliberate.
"…Eva," he said quietly.
No response.
He stopped right in front of the curtain.
"…Are you coming out yourself…" A pause. "…or should I come in?"
Silence.
Then—
Very slowly—
The curtain shifted.
Eva peeked out… with an awkward, guilty smile.
"…Surprise?"
Eyan stared at her. Unamused.
Aranel covered her mouth, trying not to laugh.
Eva stepped out fully, rubbing the back of her neck.
"I was just… resting here…"
Eyan raised an eyebrow.
"Behind a curtain?"
"…It's comfortable."
A long pause.
Then Eyan reached out, grabbed her wrist gently—but firmly.
"Come."
Eva resisted slightly. "Wait—"
"You've had enough 'escaping' for today."
Eva looked back at Aranel helplessly.
Aranel simply smiled and waved.
"Good luck."
Eva sighed in defeat as she was dragged out.
__________________________________
(Two Months Later)
(Royal Palace of Velmoria — Midnight)
(Eyan's Chamber)
The night was still.
Moonlight slipped through the tall windows, casting a gentle glow across the room.
On the bed, Eva slept quietly… Leo curled beside her, his small hand loosely holding onto her sleeve.
A faint stir.
Eva's lashes fluttered… then slowly opened.
For a moment, she simply lay there, dazed with sleep.
Then her gaze shifted—
The space beside her was empty.
Her hand moved across the sheets… cold.
"…Eyan?" she murmured softly.
No answer.
She pushed herself up, rubbing her eyes, her brows drawing together slightly.
"He didn't come back…" she whispered, glancing toward the door. "Is he still working at this hour…?"
Turning to Leo, she gently adjusted the blanket over him, careful not to wake him.
"Sleep well…" she murmured, brushing his hair back with a tender touch.
Slowly, she slipped off the bed and walked out of the chamber.
__________________________________
(Palace Hallway)
The long corridor stretched endlessly, lit by dim lanterns flickering against the stone walls.
Eva walked quietly, her steps soft against the marble floor.
One hand rested unconsciously over her belly.
"I know the kingdom needs him…" she sighed, her voice low and tired, "but does that mean he has to forget about himself completely…?"
She paused for a moment, looking down the empty hall.
"I told him I would help…" she added softly, a hint of frustration in her tone. "I'm not that fragile… but he won't even let me attend a single meeting…"
A small shake of her head.
"…stubborn man."
Yet there was no real anger in her voice.
Only warmth.
Only concern.
_________________________________
(Emperor's Study)
The door creaked softly as Eva pushed it open.
A warm light greeted her.
She stepped inside quietly.
"Honey… it's late, you shoul—"
Her words faded.
Eyan sat at his desk. His head rested on his arms… asleep.
Papers were scattered across the table, candles burned low, their flames flickering weakly.
It was clear—
He had been working until exhaustion claimed him.
Eva's expression softened instantly.
She walked closer, slow and quiet, as if afraid even her footsteps might disturb him.
Standing beside him, she looked down at his face. Even in sleep, his brows were slightly furrowed. As if his worries refused to let him rest.
Eva's fingers lifted gently, brushing a strand of hair away from his forehead.
A soft smile formed on her lips.
"You really don't know how to take care of yourself…" she whispered.
Her touch lingered.
Gentle.
Affectionate.
"You don't have to carry everything alone…" her voice softened further, almost a whisper meant only for him, "I'm here too, Eyan…"
__________________________________
The room was quiet except for the faint scratch of a quill against parchment.
Eva sat beside the desk, carefully going through the scattered documents Eyan had left unfinished. Her brows were slightly furrowed in concentration as she read, corrected, and neatly arranged the papers.
"…How does he manage all of this alone every day…" she murmured softly.
Beside her—
A slight movement.
Eyan stirred. His eyes slowly opened, still heavy with sleep… and for a moment, his gaze fell on her.
He didn't move. Didn't speak. Just… watched.
"…Eva?" he whispered under his breath, voice hoarse.
She didn't respond—too focused on her work.
Eyan blinked once.
Twice.
"…I'm dreaming…" he muttered faintly, letting his head fall back against the desk.
But the sound of paper shifting reached him again.
Real.
His eyes snapped open.
"…Eva?"
This time she turned.
"Oh! honey—you're awake," she said calmly, as if nothing was unusual. "Good, I was just finishing—"
"Eva."
His tone changed. Sharp.
She froze.
Eyan straightened, his expression tightening as he looked at the papers in her hands.
"…What are you doing?" he asked slowly.
Eva blinked. "Helping you."
"I told you not to involve yourself in this."
"I'm not 'involving,' I'm just—"
"You shouldn't be here this late," he cut in, voice firm. "And you definitely shouldn't be working."
Eva frowned, setting the papers down.
"And you shouldn't be sleeping on your desk like this," she shot back. "But here we are."
A brief silence.
They stared at each other.
Then suddenly—
Eyan reached out, grabbed her wrist gently, and pulled her closer.
Before she could react—
She found herself sitting on his lap.
"Eyan—!"
"If you want to help," he said calmly, one arm around her waist to keep her steady, "then stay like this."
Eva blinked at him, slightly stunned.
"…Like this?"
"Yes."
"While you work?"
"Yes."
She stared at him for a second… then shrugged lightly.
"…Fine."
She settled in his lap, leaning slightly against him as he reached for the documents again.
For a while—
There was silence.
The soft rustle of paper.
The slow rhythm of breathing.
But then—
Eyan's hand paused. His eyes drifted. Not to the papers.
To her.
To the way she shifted slightly. To the way her hair brushed against his shoulder. To the warmth of her body so close to his.
His grip on the quill tightened.
Eyan exhaled slowly, trying to steady himself as he forced his gaze back to the documents.
"…Eva," he said, voice tight, controlled. "You should go back to the room and rest."
Eva tilted her head slightly, studying him.
"…Why?" she asked softly.
"…Just go," he replied, not looking at her.
"That's not an answer," she murmured.
He stayed silent.
That was when she noticed it—The faint redness creeping up his ears.
Eva's lips curved slowly. A spark of mischief lit her eyes.
"…Oh…" she whispered.
She leaned in. Her lips brushed against his neck. Soft. Warm. Intentional.
Eyan froze.
His breath caught sharply, his entire body going still as if struck by lightning.
"…Eva," his voice dropped, rough and unsteady now.
She pulled back just enough to look at him, her gaze teasing yet strangely sincere.
"If you want something…" she said quietly, her fingers resting lightly against his chest, "you shouldn't hold yourself back."
A small smile.
"Just like me… I wanted to kiss you… so I did."
Eyan's eyes searched her face. His hand tightened at her waist. His jaw clenched. But he didn't move. Didn't act.
Still holding himself back.
Eva watched him for a moment… then let out a soft sigh.
"…You really are stubborn."
Suddenly—
She grabbed his collar and pulled him forward.
Their lips met.
For a heartbeat—
Eyan stayed still. Hesitating. Fighting something within himself.
Then—
His arm wrapped around her tightly, pulling her closer as he kissed her back—deeper, more intense, all the emotions he had been suppressing pouring into that single moment.
His hand slid into her hair, holding her gently but firmly.
The world around them faded.
Only the warmth between them remained.
His lips trailed away from hers—
Down to her cheek…Then slowly, to her neck.
Eva's breath hitched softly, her fingers clutching his shoulder.
Eyan paused for just a second—
Then pressed a lingering kiss there, softer this time… but no less filled with feeling.
Eva's cheeks flushed, her body leaning closer into him without realizing.
Their lips were still close… breaths mingling… the world around them quiet.
Eyan's hand, almost unconsciously, slid down—
Resting gently on Eva's slightly rounded belly.
For a moment… nothing.
Then—
A faint movement. A small kick.
Eyan froze. Completely.
His breath hitched as his eyes widened.
Slowly… he pulled back, staring down at her stomach.
"…Eva…" his voice came out in a whisper, filled with disbelief. "Did… did you feel that too?"
Eva blinked, confused. "Feel what?"
Eyan swallowed, his hand still pressed there, trembling slightly.
"The baby…" he said softly. "It just moved…"
Eva's expression softened, but she shook her head gently. "No… I didn't feel anything—"
Before she could finish—
Another movement.
Stronger this time.
Eva gasped softly, her hand instinctively covering his.
"…I felt it," she whispered, eyes widening with wonder.
Eyan's face lit up instantly—like a child seeing something magical for the first time.
A smile broke across his face, raw and unguarded.
Without hesitation, he lowered himself—Pressing his ear carefully against her belly.
"…Hey…" he murmured softly, voice full of warmth. "Can you hear me…? It's your father…"
Eva looked down at him, her eyes soft, her fingers brushing through his hair.
Eyan continued, quieter now, almost like a secret between him and the little life inside her—
"…Don't trouble your mother too much, alright? And… grow well… I'm waiting for you…"
For a few seconds—
Nothing. No movement.
Eyan waited… hopeful.
Then—
Silence.
Eva smiled gently, resting her hand over his.
"…Looks like the baby fell asleep."
Eyan stayed still for a second longer… then slowly lifted his head, disappointment clear on his face.
"…Already?" he muttered.
Eva chuckled softly.
She rested her hand gently over her belly, a soft smile lingering on her lips as she looked at Eyan.
"honey…Tell me something," she said quietly, her voice warm. "What do you want this time… a boy or a girl?"
Eyan paused.
For a moment, he didn't answer.
His gaze softened as he looked at her… then slowly shifted to her belly.
"…It doesn't matter to me," he said honestly, his voice calm but deep with feeling. "Boy or girl… I'll love them the same."
He lifted his eyes back to hers.
"…But if I had to choose…" a faint smile appeared, almost shy, "I want a daughter."
Eva raised an eyebrow slightly. "A daughter?"
"…Yes," Eyan nodded, his expression gentle. "A sweet little girl… like Nayra… and…" his voice softened further, "someone who looks like you."
Eva let out a small huff, shaking her head with a teasing smile.
"I don't know about that," she said lightly. "In Leo's case, you clearly won. That boy got nothing from me."
Eyan gave a quiet scoff, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes.
"Oh, he got something from you."
Eva narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "And what exactly is that supposed to mean?"
Eyan leaned slightly closer, his tone calm but teasing.
"Your temper."
Eva blinked once. Then pointed at herself in disbelief. "My temper?"
"Yes," Eyan said calmly, as if stating an obvious fact. "Stubborn, fiery, impossible to argue with—very much like you."
Eva stared at him for a second—
Then burst into laughter.
"No, no, no," she waved her hand dismissively. "You've got it completely wrong. That anger? That's entirely yours."
Eyan frowned. "Mine?"
"
Yes, yours," she said confidently. "Do you even know what your son did the that day?...That day, Leo and I were walking together… and some men said a few things to me…"
"But your son…" she smiled faintly, almost proud, "he got so angry… he beat them so badly I almost felt sorry for them."
Eyan's expression shifted instantly.
The amusement disappeared.
His eyes sharpened.
"…What men?" he asked slowly.
Eva froze. "…Ah."
Realizing too late what she had said.
"…It's nothing," she replied quickly, avoiding his gaze.
"What men, Eva?" he repeated. "And what did they say to you? Tell me."
Eva pressed her lips together, shaking her head.
"They were already punished," she said, trying to brush it off. "Your son made sure of that… so there's no need for you to get angry now."
But Eyan didn't move. Didn't relax. The tension in his expression remained.
Sharp. Controlled. Dangerous
Eva sighed, realizing she had made things worse.
"…Honey," she said, reaching for his arm, "you don't need to look like you're about to start a war. It's nothing."
Still no response.
She shook her head, muttering under her breath, "Father and son… exactly the same."
Then she looked up at him again, softer this time.
"Come on… let's go back and sleep. Leo is alone."
A long pause.
Then finally—
Eyan exhaled.
"…Fine."
Without another word, he lifted her into his arms.
Eva blinked, startled. "Eyan, I can walk—"
"I know," he interrupted quietly. "But I'll carry you."
His hold tightened slightly, protective. Possessive.
And without looking back, he carried her out of the room.