Flashback
(Five and a Half Years Ago)
Riverside
After changing Eva's appearance and sealing her memories, Goddess Liora turned to leave.
She walked a few steps into the forest before suddenly stopping, sensing a presence.
Turning back, she looked at Eva lying alone beside the river.
Liora frowned slightly. "There are many wild animals here… will she be safe alone?"
After a moment of thought, she raised her hand and closed her eyes. Divine power flowed from her, and three wolves appeared before her — Talon, Fen, and Mara. They immediately knelt, lowering their heads in respect.
"Protect her," Liora commanded softly. "You know who she is… even if her appearance has changed."
The wolves nodded.
"You must guard her from the shadows," she continued. "Do not reveal yourselves to her. I grant you the power to heal her if she is harmed."
Her gaze turned serious. "And do not appear before the Emperor… not until the three conditions are fulfilled."
The wolves bowed again in obedience.
With that, Goddess Liora vanished, leaving Talon, Fen, and Mara silently watching over Eva.
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(Present time)
(Night — Riverside)
The sound of the river flowed quietly under the silver glow of the moon.
Eva sat alone on the smooth stone near the water's edge, her arms wrapped tightly around herself.
Her anger had not faded.
Even after hitting Eyan again and again… the tightness in her chest refused to disappear.
Instead…
It had only grown heavier.
The cool night breeze brushed her hair, but it did nothing to calm the storm inside her heart.
His words kept echoing again and again.
"If you had never met me… maybe you would have been happier…"
Her fingers clenched tightly in her dress.
"…Idiot…"
Her voice was barely a whisper.
Behind her, soft footsteps approached slowly.
Carefully.
Eyan stopped a short distance away, watching her silently for a moment.
Even under the dim moonlight, faint bruises were visible on his face again.
Fresh ones.
Given by her.
He walked closer quietly… then sat beside her without saying anything.
For a few moments, only the sound of flowing water filled the silence between them.
Slowly, hesitantly, Eyan lifted his hand… trying to gently touch her shoulder.
Smack
Eva immediately smacked his hand away without even looking at him.
"Don't touch me."
Her voice was cold.
Eyan looked at her, slightly startled.
"Eva…why are you still angry?"
Eva let out a disbelieving laugh.
"Why am I angry?"
She turned to him sharply, eyes already filled with tears.
"You really have the nerve to ask that?"
Her chest rose and fell unevenly.
"You said meeting you was the greatest misfortune of my life."
Her chest rose unevenly.
"You decided… all by yourself… that loving you ruined me."
Her eyes glistened painfully.
"Who gave you the right to decide something like that for me…?"
Eyan froze, unable to answer.
Eva's lips trembled as tears slipped down her cheeks.
"Meeting you…" Her hand pressed tightly against her chest. "Was the greatest fortune of my life."
Her voice broke.
"The happiest moments I have ever lived…" Her eyes softened deeply as she looked at him. "…were the moments I spent with you."
Her voice became softer… more vulnerable.
"As long as you were beside me…"
"I was happy."
She looked straight into his eyes.
"And do not forget something, Your Majesty…"
Her brows furrowed slightly.
"You did not choose me."
Her finger poked against his chest.
"I chose you."
Her lips trembled.
"I was the one who proposed to you."
"I was the one who wanted to marry you… no matter what."
A tear slid down her cheek.
"If that is what you call selfish…"
She let out a soft broken laugh.
"Then I am selfish too."
She hit his shoulder weakly.
"So stop saying such stupid things!"
"You really are an idiot!" Her voice cracked. "A complete idiot!"
Eyan's chest tightened painfully as he listened to every word. Each sentence struck deeper than any blow she had given him.
Before she could say anything more—
He suddenly pulled her into a tight embrace.
Eva froze for a second…Then slowly wrapped her arms around him as well.
"You foolish man…"
Her voice trembled against his shoulder.
"If I did not love you…Why would I suffer so much because of you?"
Her fingers tightened slightly on his back.
"I never regretted meeting you...Not even once."
Her tears soaked into his clothes.
Eyan's hold tightened as if afraid to ever let go again.
"I am sorry…"
His voice was hoarse.
"I was wrong...I will never say that again."
Eva pulled back slightly, her eyes still wet.
"You better not."
Her voice was soft… but threatening.
"Because if you ever start hating yourself again…"
Her gaze turned serious.
"I will leave again."
Eyan's heart dropped instantly.
"And this time…" Her voice trembled faintly. "I will never return."
His arms tightened around her immediately.
"No..Eva don't say that."
His voice was firm… desperate.
"I will never hate myself again...i promise."
His forehead rested gently against hers.
"So please…"
His thumb wiped away her tears carefully.
"Don't cry anymore."
Eva sniffed softly.
"You are really stupid…" She muttered quietly.
Eyan let out a weak smile.
"Yes…But I am your stupid husband."
Eva tried to stay angry…
But a small laugh escaped through her tears.
The river continued to flow quietly beside them. And for the first time in a long while…The tightness in Eva's chest slowly began to ease.
________________________________
After treating Eyan's injuries, the wolves quietly vanished into his shadow.
And Eva and Eyan then began their journey back to the Royal Palace together.
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(Night — Velmoria Market)
The moon had risen high by the time Eva and Eyan entered the quiet streets of Velmoria.
Their horses moved at a steady pace, hooves echoing softly against the stone road. Both riders kept their cloaks drawn low, faces partially hidden beneath dark hoods.
Eyan rode slightly ahead, his eyes scanning the surroundings carefully.
Even at night, a few shops remained open. The scent of roasted meat and spiced wine lingered faintly in the cool air.
Suddenly—
Eva pulled the reins of her horse.
The horse slowed… then stopped completely.
Eyan halted as well, turning slightly to look at her.
"Eva..why did you stop?"
Eva did not answer immediately.
Her gaze was fixed on a wooden sign swinging gently in the night breeze.
A bar.
Soft laughter and music drifted out through the half-open door.
Her eyes softened slightly.
"It has been five and a half years…"
Her voice carried a quiet longing.
"…since I last had a drink."
Eyan blinked.
"…Eva."
She looked at him, her lips curved faintly.
"I want to drink."
Eyan's expression changed instantly.
"No." His tone was firm but gentle. "Not here."
He gently pulled his horse closer to hers.
"You can drink at the palace...There are the finest wines… the best in the kingdom."
His tone softened, trying to persuade her patiently.
"You do not need to drink in a place like this."
But Eva had already stepped down from her horse.
"No..i want to drink here."
Her voice was calm… but stubborn.
Without waiting for his reply, She had already dismounted her horse.
Without even looking back at him, she began walking toward the bar entrance.
Eyan sighed deeply.
"…She did not even pretend to listen."
He quickly dismounted and followed her inside.
The bar was warm and dimly lit, filled with the smell of aged wood and fermented wine. A few customers sat scattered around, too absorbed in their own drinks to pay attention to the cloaked pair.
Eva approached the counter calmly.
"Ten bottles."
Eyan nearly choked.
"Ten?!"
He stepped closer immediately.
"Eva… be reasonable...We cannot possibly drink that much."
Eva calmly placed the coins on the table.
"Who said we are drinking together?"
She lifted one bottle effortlessly.
"I will drink all of this alone."
Then she gave him a small sideways glance.
"If you want some…buy your own."
Eyan stared at her in disbelief.
She opened the first bottle and took a long drink.
"Eva… slowly."
Another sip.
"You have not had alcohol in years."
Another sip.
"You will get drunk quickly."
She lowered the bottle, looking at him with slight annoyance.
"I am not drunk."
Her words were already softer. She continued drinking.
Eyan leaned closer, worry clearly visible on his face.
"Eva… enough."
He gently tried to take the bottle from her hand. She immediately pulled it away protectively.
"I said… I am not drunk."
Her brows furrowed stubbornly.
She drank again.
Eyan watched helplessly.
"That was half the bottle already…"
She opened the second bottle immediately.
"Eva…" He lowered his voice slightly. "Your tolerance is not the same anymore."
"I am not drunk."
Her words came quicker this time… slightly less steady.
She drank again.
Eyan sighed, running his hand through his hair in frustration.
"You are definitely getting drunk."
"I am not."
Another sip.
"You are."
"I am not."
Her eyes narrowed slightly as if offended.
"I can drink more."
"Eva…"
He reached again, trying to gently stop her hand.
She moved the bottle away like a stubborn child refusing to share.
"I said… I am perfectly fine."
She tried to sit straighter, as if proving her point.
"I am not drunk."
Her words slightly slurred at the end.
Eyan pressed his lips together, clearly unconvinced.
"You are arguing with me while hugging the bottle…"
"I am not hugging it."
"You are."
"I am protecting it."
"That is worse."
She opened the third bottle.
Eyan immediately placed his hand over the opening.
"No more."
Eva looked at his hand… then at him.
Her expression slowly turned accusing.
"You are bullying me."
"I am saving you."
"I am not drunk."
"You cannot even focus your eyes properly."
"My eyes are perfectly fine."
Her eyes crossed slightly for a second as she tried to prove her point.
Eyan tried very hard not to smile.
"Very convincing."
She pushed his hand away.
"I said… I am not drunk."
She lifted the bottle again—
But before she could take another sip…
Her hand slowed.
Her posture loosened.
Her head gently tilted forward—
Eyan reacted instantly, quickly sliding his hand under her forehead before it could hit the wooden table.
Thud
Silence.
Her head landed softly against his palm instead.
He sighed quietly in relief.
"You see…"
His voice softened as he adjusted his hand carefully to support her comfortably.
"You are drunk."
Eva mumbled faintly against his hand.
"I… am… not…"
Her words faded into sleep.
With his free hand, he gently brushed the loose strands of hair away from her face.
"You have not changed at all…"
Eyan looked at her helplessly… then smiled softly.
"So stubborn…"
His fingers lingered for a moment near her cheek.
"…and still making my heart restless."
His thumb carefully moved near her temple, making sure her head rested comfortably in his hand.
"If you wanted to sleep…"
His eyes softened deeply as he watched her.
"…you could have just said so."
He continued supporting her head patiently, refusing to let it rest on the hard surface.
The bar noise faded into the background.
In that quiet moment…
Eyan simply looked at her. As if nothing else in the world mattered more.
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(Night — Road back to the Royal Palace)
The quiet night road stretched ahead under soft moonlight.
Only one horse moved along the empty path.
Because the other rider…
Was no longer capable of riding.
Eva sat in front of Eyan on the same horse, her back leaning lazily against his chest. One of Eyan's arms securely held the reins, while the other carefully supported her waist to keep her from slipping.
Her head rested against his shoulder… completely at peace.
Or so he thought.
After a few minutes—
Eva suddenly stirred.
Her eyes opened halfway, unfocused.
She tilted her head slightly, looking up at him with sleepy seriousness.
"Honey…"
Eyan's brows lifted slightly.
"Yes?"
Her lips moved slowly, her voice soft and heavy with sleep.
"Have I ever told you…" She blinked slowly. "…how much I love you?"
Eyan did not even hesitate.
"No…" His tone carried false innocence. "You did not tell me."
Eva's brows furrowed in deep concern.
"That is very serious…"
She turned slightly, trying to face him properly but only managing to lean more heavily against him.
"I love you very much, honey…So much that my heart hurts"
Her fingers weakly tightened on his coat.
"You are very important…"
Her eyes closed again before she could continue.
Eyan bit the inside of his cheek, clearly amused. His arm tightened around her waist to steady her as she drifted off once more.
A few minutes later—
She stirred again.
"Honey…"
Eyan was already smiling.
"Yes?"
Her lips moved slowly.
"I feel like… I forgot to tell you something…"
Eyan tilted his head slightly, fully enjoying this now.
"What did you forget?"
She looked troubled by her own mistake.
"I forgot to tell you…"
Her hand slowly moved to his chest.
"…that I love you so so so much…"
Her head dropped back against him again as sleep claimed her once more.
Eyan's shoulders shook slightly with silent laughter.
Yet again—
"Honey…"
Her voice sounded weaker now.
"Yes, My love?"
She blinked slowly, clearly fighting sleep.
"Did I tell you already…how much I love you?"
Eyan's shamelessness showed openly now.
"No…you still have not told me."
Eva looked genuinely upset.
"That is not good…"
She turned slightly, trying to look serious despite barely being able to keep her eyes open.
"Listen carefully then…"
She poked his chest lightly.
"I love you the most…"
"In this world…"
"In every world…"
Her voice softened like a secret.
"You matter the most to me...you are my favourite…"
Her head slowly leaned sideways as she fell asleep again.
Eyan let out a quiet laugh, unable to control the warmth spreading inside him.
But just as he thought she was finally fully asleep—
"Honey…"
Her voice was barely a whisper now.
"Yes?"
She struggled to open her eyes.
"Did I tell you…that I love you?"
Eyan's smile widened shamelessly.
"No…You have not told me."
Eva made a small sleepy sound of complaint.
"You are not listening properly…"
She leaned further into him, her voice softer than the wind.
"I love you the most…"
"You are everything to me…"
"My husband…"
"My happiness…"
"My home…"
Her forehead lightly pressed against his jaw as sleep finally completely took over.
Her breathing became slow and steady.
Eyan looked down at her quietly, his smile softer now. His thumb gently brushed her arm as he held her closer.
Then he whispered near her hair—
"Princess…"
His voice carried quiet affection… mixed with helpless amusement.
"You should drink more often…if you are going to become this cute…"
His hold around her waist tightened slightly.
"…and make my heart lose control like this."
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(Night — Royal Palace Entrance)
The palace gates stood tall beneath the quiet moonlight, silver banners swaying gently in the cold night breeze.
The sound of approaching hooves immediately alerted the guards.
Knights stationed at the entrance straightened at once, hands resting on their swords as the cloaked rider approached. But the moment they recognised the horse… their eyes widened.
The Emperor and The Empress had returned.
Eyan slowed the horse carefully before bringing it to a stop.
Before any knight could even step forward—
Eva swayed dangerously.
Eyan reacted instantly, jumping down from the horse before carefully lifting her into his arms.
Her head rested lazily against his shoulder, her breath warm against his neck.
Just as he began walking toward the palace—
Eva suddenly stirred.
Her eyes slowly opened, unfocused and soft with sleep.
Her gaze landed on the group of armored knights standing nearby.
She frowned slightly… then raised her hand.
"You… come here…"
Two knights froze in confusion but stepped closer respectfully.
Eva pointed very seriously at Eyan's face.
"Do you know… who he is?"
The knights immediately lowered their heads.
"Our Emperor, Your Majesty."
Eva's expression changed instantly. Her eyes widened as if she had just heard shocking news. Slowly… very slowly… she looked up at Eyan's face.
Her posture straightened in his arms.
"Oh…"
Her voice suddenly became extremely polite.
"Your Majesty…"
She bowed her head slightly… while still being held in his arms.
"I deeply apologise…I did not realise you were the Emperor…"
She shook her head in dramatic regret.
"I thought…you were my husband…"
Before Eyan could even respond—
She suddenly slipped out of his arms.
She attempted to walk forward with dignity…
Only to nearly fall after two unstable steps.
Eyan caught her immediately, pulling her back securely against him.
"I am your husband."
He spoke patiently, though the corners of his lips twitched.
"Did you not recognise me?"
Eva blinked slowly.
Then suddenly smiled beautifully.
Her arms lifted and wrapped loosely around his neck, pulling him slightly closer.
"How could I not recognise…"
Her finger slowly traced along his jawline.
"…my handsome husband?"
She suddenly turned dramatically toward the knights, pulling Eyan slightly down so they could clearly see his face.
"All of you look properly."
She pointed proudly at him.
"My husband is very handsome… right?"
The knights froze for a moment before answering quickly.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"His Majesty is very handsome."
Eva smiled proudly, completely satisfied.
"I know."
She nodded proudly before turning back toward Eyan with obvious delight.
Just then—
Luca and Aranel arrived at the entrance, alerted by the commotion.
Luca's eyes widened slightly seeing the situation.
"What happened to sister-in-law?"
Eyan sighed quietly.
"She is drunk."
Eva immediately frowned.
"I am not drunk."
She gently pushed away from Eyan and began walking toward Aranel.
Her steps were unsteady but determined.
"Aranel…I am hungry…"
Aranel blinked in surprise.
"You are hungry? What would you like to eat?"
Eva paused very seriously… as if thinking deeply.
Then she slowly turned her head toward Eyan.
A mischievous smile appeared on her lips.
She walked back toward him, stopping extremely close.
Her fingers pressed lightly against his chest.
"I want to eat him."
Silence.
Complete.
Absolute.
Luca choked slightly.
Aranel covered her mouth in shock.
Several knights suddenly discovered great interest in the palace floor.
Eyan's entire face turned red instantly.
He quickly covered Eva's mouth with his hand.
"Eva...don't say embarrassing things."
Eva immediately pulled his hand away, clearly offended.
"Why?...What is so embarrassing about wanting to eat my own husband?"
Her voice lowered softly.
"It has been so long…since I last tasted you properly…"
Eyan froze.
Luca immediately looked away.
Aranel covered her mouth trying not to laugh.
The knights looked as if they wished the ground would swallow them.
Eyan's face turned completely red.
Without another word—
He immediately lifted her into his arms again without another second of delay.
"You have drunk far too much."
Eyan spoke through quiet embarrassment, trying to maintain what little dignity he had left.
"You are going to sleep immediately."
Eva only hummed softly.
Eyan turned toward Aranel, trying to regain some composure.
"Sister Aranel… where is Leo?"
Aranel answered calmly.
"He is sleeping with Nayra and Nolan…"
Eyan nodded once, relieved.
"Good."
He looked down at the woman currently clinging to him like she had no intention of ever letting go.
"Then let him sleep there…"
He sighed.
"Because his mother is completely out of control tonight."
Aranel's lips curved slightly as she observed Eva's peaceful but suspiciously smug expression.
Do not worry about Leo, brother…"
She paused.
Then added innocently—
"Just make sure Eva is… fully satisfied tonight."
Eyan froze.
Luca froze.
Even the nearby knight almost stopped breathing.
Eyan slowly turned toward Aranel.
"…What?"
Aranel immediately coughed softly.
"I mean…" She smiled far too politely. "Make sure Eva is… comfortable tonight."
Eyan narrowed his eyes slightly.
"Oh…" His voice carried suspicion. "For a moment… I thought you said something inappropriate."
Aranel shook her head quickly.
"No, brother… you must have misheard…"
Luca looked away immediately, clearly fighting a losing battle against laughter.
Just then—
Eva stirred in Eyan's arms. Her lashes fluttered open slowly. She looked up at him dreamily.
Then smiled.
"Honey…"
Her voice was soft… slow… dangerously sweet.
"What are you waiting for…"
She leaned slightly closer, her breath warm against his neck.
"Let's go to the bedroom and have dinner."
Eyan's entire face turned deep red in an instant.
"Eva… enough…"
His voice lowered urgently as he immediately began walking much faster, clearly trying to escape before she said anything even more humiliating.
Behind them—
Aranel spoke in an overly thoughtful tone.
"Eva… make sure not to choke on it…" She paused dramatically. "…I choke sometimes."
Luca's head snapped toward her instantly.
"What are you saying?!"
Eyan stopped walking. Very slowly… painfully slowly… he turned his head toward Aranel.
"Sister… Aranel…"
His voice carried pure embarrassment.
Eva looked at Aranel seriously, as if receiving important advice.
Then she nodded obediently.
"Do not worry…" She smiled lazily. "I will eat slowly."
Eyan turned sharply and began walking even faster, completely humiliated now.
His ears burned crimson.
"Eva…"
His voice carried a dangerous warning.
"Tomorrow…Make sure you remember every single word you said after getting drunk…"
He tightened his hold on her slightly.
"If you forget…" His tone lowered. "…then I will personally remind you."
Eva only smiled comfortably against his shoulder, clearly fearless.
Behind them—
Aranel finally burst into laughter, quickly covering her mouth.
Luca leaned slightly closer to her, clearly entertained.
"Aranel…This is the first time I have ever seen you tease Eyan like that…"
Aranel smiled, clearly pleased with herself.
"Yes…And I enjoyed it very much."
She glanced down the corridor where Eyan had disappeared.
"I did not know brother is this shy… and get embarrassed so easily."
Luca looked around carefully before leaning closer, whispering mischievously.
"Darling…do you really choke sometimes…?"
Aranel looked at him with calm confidence.
"Yes…" She smiled slightly. "Because you are… quite big, darling."
Luca froze for a second… then looked extremely proud of himself.
His posture straightened immediately.
Then she spoke quietly but firmly.
"Now enough flirting."
Her tone became serious.
"We have three children sleeping in our room."
Luca instantly straightened.
Right.
Leo.
Nayra.
Nolan.
Responsibility returned immediately to his face.
Aranel continued calmly.
"If we wake them… none of us will sleep tonight."
Luca nodded seriously.
"You are right."
He exhaled.
"Tonight… our priority is survival."
Aranel almost smiled again.
"Exactly."
They both quietly returned toward their chamber, carefully lowering their voices and footsteps before opening the door gently.
Inside—
Three children slept peacefully, completely unaware of the chaos happening in the palace corridors tonight.
.
.
.
To be continued—