The sound of footsteps approached. Both Eyan and Eva froze.

  Eyan’s eyes widened. “Someone is coming.”

  Eva’s fingers tightened against the front of her gown. “Eyan, do something.”

  He turned her around quickly, hands fumbling once more with the loose fabric at her back. His fingers shook—not from hesitation, but from urgency.

  The shadow of someone passing stretched long across the marble floor outside.

  “There’s no time,” he whispered urgently.

  Without thinking, he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her toward a nearby chamber. He pushed the door open just enough for them to slip inside and quickly shut it behind them.

  They stood still.

  Outside, the servant walked past, footsteps fading into the distance.

  Only when the corridor fell silent did they finally breathe again.

  Inside the dim chamber, Eva leaned back against the closed door.

  Her bare back pressed against the cool wood.

  She shivered.

  Eyan noticed immediately.

  “Are you cold?” he asked softly.

  She gave him an incredulous look. “What else? My back is fully open.”

  Guilt flashed across his face.

  Without hesitation, he began shrugging off his coat. Eva’s eyes followed his movements.

  Eva’s eyes widened slightly. “What are you doing?”

  “You said you were cold,” he said, stepping closer. “Wear this.”

  His tone held no teasing now. Only concern.

  She quickly shook her head. “No… I don’t need it. Just fix my dress.”

  He paused, studying her face as if to confirm she meant it.

  Then, silently, he slid his coat back on and stepped closer.

  “Turn around,” he said gently.

  Eva obeyed.

  Eyan gathered the loosened fabric of her gown once more, this time with steady hands.

  “Hold still,” he murmured, his voice calm now, focused.

  “I am,” Eva replied, though her breath was still slightly uneven.

  His fingers worked carefully, drawing the two sides of the dress together at her back. He threaded the ribbon through the loops properly, pulling it snug—but not too tight. His knuckles brushed lightly against her spine as he tied the first knot.

  Then the second.

  He adjusted the bow, making sure it sat neatly, just as it had before he so recklessly pulled it loose. Finally, he stepped back half a pace.

  “It’s done,” he said softly.

  Eva waited a second before turning around. She reached behind her shoulder, fingers checking the knot, then smoothing the fabric down her back. She shifted slightly, testing the fit.

  Her expression eased when she felt it secure.

  “Properly this time?” she asked, lifting a brow.

  Eyan exhaled lightly. “Properly.”

  She gave him a look—measured, assessing.

  Then she nodded once, satisfied.

  “Good,” she said. “Let’s go now.”

  The tension that had filled the chamber slowly faded.

  Eyan moved toward the door first, listening for any sound beyond it. Hearing none, he opened it just slightly and glanced into the corridor.

  Clear.

  He looked back at her and extended his hand.

  Eva placed her hand in his without hesitation.

  Together, composed they stepped out of the chamber and into the corridor—side by side. As if nothing had happened at all.

  __________________________________

  (Royal Palace – Living Hall)

  The vast hall felt unusually tense.

  Luca paced back and forth across the polished marble floor, hands clasped behind his back, boots echoing with every turn. Aranel sat stiffly nearby, fingers nervously twisting the edge of her sleeve. Hans stood by the pillar, silent but watchful.

  Luca exhaled sharply. “What is taking them so long?”

  As if summoned by his impatience, the grand doors opened.

  Eyan and Eva walked inside together—calm, composed, almost suspiciously serene.

  Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  Luca stopped pacing instantly. He and Aranel hurried toward them.

  “What happened?” Luca demanded. “Eyan, where did you take sister-in-law? And where is Leo?”

  Eyan’s lips curved into an easy smile. “I took her to meet Father.”

  Luca blinked. “You did?”

  “And Leo,” Eyan continued casually, “is with his grandfather right now. They’re playing in the garden.”

  Luca stared at him as if he had just spoken nonsense. “Father is playing with Leo? Eyan, he can barely move. You know he’s been ill. And you still let him go to the garden?”

  Eyan’s smile only widened.

  “Relax. Father is not sick anymore.”

  The room went quiet.

  Luca frowned. “What do you mean?”

  “Leo cured him,” Eyan said, pride unmistakable in his voice. “With his magic. Father is… young again.”

  Luca stared at him for a long second—then his face slowly broke into disbelief and relief all at once.

  “That’s… that’s good to hear,” he said, breath finally leaving him.

  Eyan nodded once, satisfied.

  Luca then turned toward Eva, curiosity replacing shock. “Sister-in-law, how was your official meeting with Father?”

  Eva’s smile softened, warm and respectful. “It was great, Brother.”

  Something about the way she said it carried both relief and happiness.

  Luca glanced at Aranel, then gathered a bit of courage. “I also want to introduce Lady Aranel to Father… and ask for his permission.”

  Eva’s eyes sparkled instantly. “Permission for what?”

  Luca’s ears turned red. “…For our marriage.”

  Aranel’s face flushed just as quickly, her gaze dropping shyly to the floor.

  Eva let out a bright, delighted laugh. “That’s wonderful, Brother! I’m positive Father will like Aranel too.”

  She clasped her hands together excitedly. “Then when will you two get married? This month? Next month? But do it before I give birth to Leo—I want to dance too!”

  Her excitement took over her completely. She began to bounce lightly on her feet. “I’m already so excited!”

  Eyan’s expression shifted from amusement to alarm in an instant. He stepped forward quickly and gently caught her by the arms.

  “Eva, stop jumping,” he said, worried. “Can you think about your condition before you start celebrating like this?”

  She blinked, then touched her belly, a sheepish smile forming on her lips. “Sorry… I’ll be careful next time. I’m just too excited for their marriage.”

  Before anyone could respond—

  A deep, familiar voice echoed from behind them.

  “What are you all talking about?”

  The entire hall fell silent.

  Everyone turned toward the entrance.

  King Thalor stood at the doorway, regal and composed—Leo perched comfortably on his shoulder, tiny hands tangled in his grandfather’s hair.

  Hans bowed immediately. “Greetings, Your Majesty.”

  Aranel followed at once. “Greetings, Your Majesty.”

  Eva instinctively began to bow as well. “Greetin—”

  Eyan’s hand gently but firmly rested against her stomach, stopping her midway.

  “Don’t bend too much,” he said quietly.

  Eva looked at him. “It’s just a simple bow. I’m not that fragile.”

  King Thalor stepped forward, his expression softening as he looked at her. “Eyan is right, my child. You shouldn’t bend in this condition.”

  His tone shifted into one that allowed no argument. “You are not allowed to bow from now on.”

  Eva opened her mouth. “But, Father—”

  “No arguments,” he said firmly, though his eyes held warmth.

  She sighed in surrender, smiling. “Fine, Father.”

  Leo suddenly leaped down from the king’s shoulder and ran straight toward her.

  “Mother!” he called happily.

  Eva’s face lit up instantly. She knelt only slightly—careful this time—and brushed her fingers through his hair. “Leo, did you have fun with your grandfather?”

  Leo beamed. “Yes, Mother! We had so much fun!”

  King Thalor let out a deep, satisfied laugh.

  Then his gaze shifted. It settled on Aranel. His expression grew curious, thoughtful.

  “And who might this young lady be?” he asked. “I do not believe I have seen her before.”

  Aranel stiffened slightly.

  Eva immediately moved toward Luca and tugged on his arm.

  “Brother,” she whispered urgently, “what are you waiting for? Introduce Aranel to Father.”

  Luca stepped forward, standing tall despite the nervous tension in his shoulders.

  “Father,” he began respectfully, bowing his head slightly, “allow me to introduce Lady Aranel Delyss… daughter of Marquess Calren Delyss.”

  Aranel lowered herself into a graceful curtsy, her movements elegant despite the faint tremble in her hands. “It is an honor to stand before you, Your Majesty.”

  King Thalor studied her carefully—not coldly, but with the quiet assessment of a ruler and a father.

  “The House of Delyss,” he murmured thoughtfully. “Marquess Calren Delyss has served the crown faithfully for many years.”

  “Yes, Father,” Luca replied. “And his daughter carries the same grace and integrity.”

  There was a brief pause.

  Luca drew in a steady breath.

  “I have brought Lady Aranel before you today… because I wish to ask for your permission.”

  The hall seemed to grow still again.

  “I wish to marry her.”

  Aranel’s cheeks warmed, but she lifted her gaze with quiet courage.

  Before the silence could stretch too long, Eva stepped forward with a bright smile.

  “Father, Aranel is also my childhood friend,” she added warmly. “We grew up together. I know her heart better than anyone. She is kind, loyal, and strong. If she becomes part of this family, I cannot think of anyone more worthy.”

  Her eyes sparkled with sincerity.

  King Thalor’s gaze shifted from Luca… to Aranel… then briefly to Eva.

  “And you support this union?” he asked his daughter-in-law.

  “With all my heart,” Eva answered immediately.

  Leo, still holding onto Eva’s hand, looked up curiously. “Will there be a wedding feast?”

  A soft chuckle passed through the room.

  King Thalor’s stern expression eased, the corners of his lips lifting slightly.

  “Marriage is not a light matter,” he said slowly, returning his attention to Luca. “It binds not only two hearts, but two families… and responsibilities.”

  Luca met his father’s eyes without hesitation. “I understand, Father. I have thought about this carefully. I do not ask on impulse.”

  The king held his gaze for a long moment—measuring him not as a son, but as a man.

  Then, finally—

  “If Lady Aranel herself consents,” King Thalor said calmly, “and if Marquess Calren Delyss raises no objection… then you have my blessing.”

  Aranel’s breath caught softly.

  Luca blinked once, as if making sure he heard correctly.

  “Thank you, Father,” he said, relief and gratitude filling his voice.

  Eva clasped her hands together in delight. “I told you!” she whispered excitedly to Aranel.

  King Thalor’s stern expression softened faintly. “It seems,” he said, glancing around the hall, “this palace will soon prepare for another celebration.”

  The hall buzzed softly with lingering joy, the air still warm from laughter and congratulations.

  King Thalor allowed the moment to settle before his expression shifted—subtle, but commanding.

  He turned toward his sons.

  “Eyan. Luca. Come to my chamber,” he said calmly. “There is something I wish to discuss.”

  The tone was not harsh, but it carried weight.

  Then his gaze moved slightly. “Leo. Hans. You two will come as well.”

  Leo blinked but nodded obediently, slipping his small hand into Eyan’s. Hans bowed at once.

  “Yes, Your Majesty.”

  Eyan inclined his head. “Yes, Father.”

  As they began walking toward the grand exit, Eyan’s eyes instinctively searched for Eva. She stood a few steps away, still glowing with excitement from moments before.

  King Thalor noticed. His gaze followed his son’s line of sight, and a knowing look passed over his face.

  “Eva,” he said gently, “Lady Aranel—you two remain here. It will not take long.” He paused before adding, “I will instruct the servants to bring tea and some dessert.”

  Eva immediately began to lower herself. “Than—”

  Eyan shot her a sharp, warning glance. A very clear one.

  She froze mid-motion. Then straightened at once.

  “Thank you, Father,” she corrected smoothly, offering only a polite smile.

  King Thalor gave Eyan a brief, approving look before turning away.

  Without further delay, the king walked out of the hall. Eyan followed, Leo trotting beside him. Luca cast one last glance at Aranel before stepping after them. Hans moved silently at the rear.

  The grand doors closed behind them.

  And just like that, the hall grew quieter—

  __________________________________