(Eyan's Chamber — Night)
The palace corridors had finally fallen silent.
Eyan carried Eva in his arms, her head resting against his shoulder, her breath warm against his neck.
The guards standing outside his chamber immediately straightened in alarm at the sight of their Emperor carrying his clearly intoxicated wife.
Eyan's expression was calm, but the faint redness on his ears betrayed his lingering embarrassment.
"Leave... both of you," he ordered quietly.
The knights bowed and disappeared without question.
Only after the corridor was empty did Eyan push the chamber doors open and step inside.
The moment the chamber doors closed behind them, silence wrapped around the room.
Eyan gently laid Eva on the bed, carefully supporting her head so she wouldn't feel dizzy. Her cheeks were still flushed from the wine, her hair slightly messy from the ride, making her look both soft… and dangerously beautiful.
After making sure she was comfortable, Eyan walked to the door and locked it.
Click.
He rested his forehead briefly against the door, taking a deep breath as he tried to recover from everything she had said in front of the knights, Luca and Aranel.
"…She really said those things in front of everyone," he muttered under his breath, rubbing his temple.
When he turned back, his gaze immediately softened.
Eva lay on the bed, her lips slightly parted, her breathing slow but uneven. Even after all these years, just looking at her like this made his chest tighten.
He sat beside her quietly, brushing a strand of hair away from her face.
"You really shouldn't drink from now on…" he said softly, though the faint smile on his lips betrayed how much he adored her like this.
Her eyelashes fluttered.
Slowly… she opened her eyes.
The moment she saw him, she smiled — soft, warm… affectionate.
Then suddenly her arms wrapped around his neck and she pulled him down onto the bed with her.
Her face was very close to his now.
Her warm breath brushed against his lips.
"Eyan...let's do it…" she whispered sleepily.
Eyan froze for a second before letting out a quiet sigh.
"No...Eva you are drunk."
Eva blinked slowly, clearly offended.
"I'm not drunk…"
"You are very drunk."
She frowned slightly, clearly not accepting that answer.
"No… I'm perfectly fine…" she insisted stubbornly, her fingers still loosely tangled in his collar. "If you're worried I won't remember… don't worry… I will remember everything tomorrow…"
Eyan chuckled softly, his thumb brushing gently across her cheek.
"Even if you remember everything… still NO. I won't touch you."
Her brows slowly furrowed.
"Why…?"
His eyes softened, something deep and unreadable passing through them.
"There is something I must take care of first… before we cross that line again after so many years."
His voice was calm… firm… leaving no space for argument.
"Until then…. let's not do it"
Eva, however, did not seem convinced.
Instead, she pushed him lightly until he was lying back against the bed, then sat on his waist, looking down at him with sleepy determination.
Eyan smiled faintly, clearly amused.
" Princess...you are really impatient…"
"What happened to the woman who said she would follow the conditions for twenty-four hours?"
Eva pouted slightly.
"That ended… five minutes ago."
"Oh really?" he smiled.
"Yes…" she said, leaning slightly closer, her voice soft but stubborn. "So don't hold back…"
Eyan laughed quietly.
"No… I will hold back."
That did it.
Her expression changed immediately. Frustration… embarrassment… disappointment…
"It's been so many years…" she muttered quietly, her voice softer now. "I miss my husband…"
Her fingers clenched slightly on his clothes.
"Don't you miss your wife too…?"
The teasing in Eyan's eyes faded.
His hand gently cupped her face, thumb brushing her cheek with deep affection.
"I do…" he admitted quietly. "I missed you more than words can say…"
His gaze softened deeply.
"But my answer is still...NO."
The moment Eyan refused her, the warmth in Eva's eyes disappeared.
Her expression slowly hardened… not loud anger… but the quiet, wounded kind that hurt more.
Without saying anything, she pushed herself away from him and sat up on the bed.
Then she grabbed the nearest pillow… then another… then another… placing them one by one between them with clear determination, building a thick wall as if she truly meant to separate their worlds.
Each pillow was placed with silent accusation.
Each movement saying the same thing:
You rejected me.
Eyan blinked in confusion.
"Eva..what are you doing?"
"Barrier," she answered seriously.
"Sleep on your side," she added, pointing firmly. "Don't you dare cross it."
"Eva…" Eyan's voice softened. "Don't do this…."
She did not even look at him.
"You said NO."
Her tone was calm, but the stiffness in her shoulders betrayed how deeply that single word had affected her.
"So don't touch me."
Eyan exhaled slowly, guilt and affection mixing in his gaze.
"I said no to something else," he said gently. "I never said I wouldn't hold you while we sleep."
"So let me just hold you tonight..."
Her fingers tightened slightly on the blanket.
But instead of softening, she pulled the sheet up and covered her face completely, as if even letting him see her expression felt unfair.
"NO."
"Eva…please!"
"No means no."
She turned her back toward him, creating even more distance, her body language making it very clear she did not intend to forgive him easily.
Even the space between them now felt cold.
Eyan looked at the pillow wall separating them… then at the stubborn figure hiding under the blanket.
A helpless smile touched his lips.
Slowly, he lay down on his side, facing her back.
After a moment, his hand reached toward her instinctively…
But before his fingers could even brush the fabric covering her arm, Eva shifted farther away without turning, increasing the distance between them.
The message was clear.
Punishment.
Eyan almost laughed softly.
"…Fine, Be angry." he whispered.
His eyes softened as he watched her small, stubborn form.
"Let's see how long you can stay away from me."
She did not respond.
But her grip on the blanket tightened slightly.
Minutes passed.
The anger that kept her awake slowly began losing its strength as the wine pulled her deeper into sleep.
Her breathing became softer… slower…Yet even in sleep, she remained turned away from him.
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One hour later
(Eyan's Chamber)
The quiet of the night wrapped gently around them.
Eyan was still awake.
Waiting.
Patient.
Watching her.
He knew her too well.
Even if her pride resisted…
Her heart never did.
Just as he expected…
Eva began to move.
Her brows furrowed slightly in her sleep, her body instinctively searching for something familiar… something comforting.
Her hand stretched across the bed… touching only the cold pillow barrier she had created herself.
Her sleepy expression showed faint dissatisfaction.
Slowly, clumsily, she pushed one pillow away.
Then another.
Then another.
Until the entire barrier collapsed.
Eyan's lips curved upward, his eyes glimmering with quiet triumph.
"I knew it…" he whispered softly.
Half asleep, Eva rolled toward him without opening her eyes, her body naturally seeking the warmth she had missed for years.
Her arm slid around his waist.
Her head rested against his shoulder.
Just like before.
Just like it had always been.
The moment she touched him, Eyan's eyes lit up with quiet, unmistakable joy.
"Princess, you lost" he whispered faintly, unable to hide the happiness blooming across his face.
Carefully… slowly… he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer as though afraid even the smallest distance might take her away again.
She did not wake. The wine kept her in deep sleep.
Which made Eyan just a little braver… a little more shameless… a little more honest.
He gently took her hand in his.
Their fingers instinctively intertwined, fitting perfectly together — familiar, natural… right.
For a moment, he simply stared at their joined hands… as if reassuring himself this was real.
That she was truly here. That he could finally hold her again.
Slowly, he lifted her hand and pressed a tender kiss to her knuckles.
His thumb traced small circles over her skin, memorizing every little detail he had missed for so long.
"I missed holding your hand…" he murmured quietly.
His gaze moved to her peaceful face, her slightly flushed cheeks making her look softer than usual.
Carefully, he leaned forward and brushed his lips lightly against the tip of her nose.
A gentle kiss.
A faint, almost boyish giggle escaped him — the kind of quiet happiness he never showed anyone else.
He slowly buried his face against the curve of her shoulder, breathing her in deeply… as if trying to fill the emptiness those long years had carved inside him.
Her scent… warm… familiar… comforting…
Home.
His arms tightened around her instinctively.
"You have no idea…" he whispered softly against her skin, his voice almost trembling with relief.
"How much I missed this…"
He stayed like that for a long moment, simply breathing her in… letting the warmth of her presence calm every restless corner of his heart.
Another quiet giggle escaped him, softer this time… almost shy.
"My stubborn wife…" he murmured lovingly.
"You push me away when you are awake… but come looking for me the moment you fall asleep…"
His embrace tightened slightly, protective… unwilling to risk even an inch of distance again.
"You have no idea how many nights I waited for this…"
His lips brushed her cheek once more.
"Just sleep…in my arms…"
Holding her close, Eyan finally closed his eyes… the warmth of her presence chasing away the lingering loneliness of the past five and a half years.
Tonight…
He could finally rest with her in his arms again.
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(Next Day — Eyan's Chamber)
Soft sunlight filtered through the tall windows, spreading warm golden light across the quiet chamber.
Eyan's brows furrowed slightly as consciousness slowly returned to him.
For a brief moment… he did not move.
His arm was still resting where Eva had been curled against him the night before.
The warmth he had fallen asleep holding… was gone.
His eyes opened fully.
The space beside him was empty.
Eyan immediately sat up, his gaze searching the bed, the room… the quiet air that still carried the faint trace of her presence.
"…Eva?"
No answer.
The blanket beside him was slightly wrinkled, proof she had been there… proof that last night had not been a dream.
His fingers brushed lightly over the place where her head had rested on his shoulder.
Still warm… but fading.
His chest tightened slightly.
Then his eyes shifted toward the window.
Bright sunlight streamed inside.
Too bright.
Too high.
Too late.
Eyan froze.
"…Afternoon?"
His expression filled with disbelief.
For five and a half years… he had not slept peacefully for even a single night.
Restless sleep… short sleep… nights filled with memories… regret… fear…
But last night…
He had slept without waking even once.
Because she was beside him.
Because she was finally back in his arms.
A faint smile slowly appeared on his lips, soft and helpless.
"…So this is what it feels like… to sleep peacefully again," he murmured softly.
He ran a hand through his slightly messy hair before letting out a slow breath.
Then he got out of bed.
His body felt lighter… calmer… almost unfamiliar after years of tension.
After washing and bathing, he changed into fresh clothes, his usual composed Emperor aura returning… though the softness in his eyes remained.
Before leaving the room, his gaze briefly moved back to the bed.
"…You left early, i wanted to see your face after waking up" he muttered softly.
Then, straightening his posture, Eyan opened the chamber doors and stepped out —
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(Royal Palace — Grand Hall)
The usually dignified grand hall was filled with cheerful noise that afternoon.
Luca was sitting comfortably on the carpet while Nolan and Nayra climbed all over him as if he were their personal playground. Leo sat beside them, trying very seriously to build a perfect tower, only for Nolan to destroy it again with great enthusiasm.
"Nolan… you are supposed to guard the castle, not destroy it," Leo said with deep disappointment.
"But falling castle is more fun!" Nolan declared proudly.
Nayra clapped happily in full support of the destruction.
Just then—
Eyan entered the hall.
The children immediately noticed him.
Their faces lit up at once.
"Father!" Leo called out.
"Uncle!" Nolan and Nayra followed excitedly.
All three rushed toward him together, their small feet echoing through the hall.
Eyan bent slightly and lifted all three into his arms effortlessly, used to their combined attack.
A rare warmth appeared on his face.
"You all seem very happy today," he observed calmly.
Leo nodded seriously.
"Father, you were sleeping for so long… you missed it."
Eyan raised an eyebrow slightly.
"Missed what?"
Nayra answered quickly, unable to hide her excitement.
"Uncle! Aunty Eva made breakfast today! It was very delicious!"
Leo nodded in strong agreement.
"Yes father, very delicious."
Nolan added proudly,
"Uncle, I ate two plates."
Eyan looked surprised.
"She made breakfast?"
For a brief moment, something soft passed through his eyes.
"Then I should go taste it as well," he said quietly. "It has been a long time since I last ate food made by my wife."
Luca spoke calmly.
"There is nothing left for you, Eyan."
Eyan blinked.
"…Nothing left?"
"But..why?"
Luca crossed his arms lightly.
"Well… sister-in-law didn't exactly make breakfast for you…"
Eyan sighed quietly, already understanding the reason without needing further explanation.
"Still angry…" he muttered softly.
Luca gave him a knowing look but wisely chose not to comment.
Instead, Eyan adjusted Nolan slightly in his arm before asking calmly,
"Where is Eva now?"
"She went to House Altas," Luca answered. "She said she wanted to meet Lady Rose."
Eyan immediately frowned.
"She cannot go there carelessly. It would be troublesome if Lady Rose discovers that the Queen of Velmoria is the 'thief woman' I told her about."
Leo quickly spoke up, clearly proud of his mother.
"Don't worry, father. Mother wore her ring. She used disguise magic so no one will recognise her."
Eyan visibly relaxed at that.
"I see…"
Then another thought crossed his mind.
"She went alone?"
Luca nodded.
"Yes. Sister-in-law went alone."
A small trace of worry still remained in Eyan's eyes, but he did not let it show too clearly.
"It's alright," he said calmly. "She will be fine. It won't take long."
After a brief pause, his expression shifted slightly… something thoughtful appearing in his gaze.
"Luca."
"Yes?"
"Come help me."
"With what?"
Eyan looked at the children in his arms, then back at Luca.
"Eva's birthday is in three days."
All three children immediately gasped.
"Mother's birthday?!" Leo asked excitedly.
Eyan nodded.
"This year… I will hold the biggest Royal banquet for her."
Nayra clapped happily.
"Party!"
Nolan jumped slightly in Eyan's arms.
"Cake!"
Leo looked extremely serious again.
"We must make it the best birthday for mother."
Luca smiled, already interested.
"Well… looks like we have a lot to prepare."
Eyan placed the children down gently, a small determined warmth in his eyes.
"Yes… everything must be perfect."
The hall soon filled with excited chatter as the children began suggesting impossible ideas for decorations, cakes, gifts, and surprises.
And for the first time in years…
The palace began preparing for something joyful again.
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(Emperor's Study)
Important documents and elegant invitation scrolls covered the large desk as Eyan and Luca carefully reviewed the final guest list for Eva's birthday banquet.
"The invitations will be ready by tomorrow," Luca said confidently. "All major noble families are included."
Eyan nodded slightly, then added,
"Ask sister Aranel as well… if there is anyone else she wishes to invite."
Luca shook his head.
"There is no one left. She already gave every name she wanted included."
Eyan gave a small approving nod.
Just then, a knock sounded at the door.
"Enter."
The Royal Physician stepped inside respectfully and bowed.
Eyan looked at him immediately.
"Is it ready?"
The physician hesitated slightly before answering honestly,
"Your Majesty… it will require two more days to complete."
For a brief moment, irritation flickered across Eyan's face, followed by quiet disappointment.
"…Two more days," he repeated under his breath.
But he did not question further.
"Very well," he said calmly. "Bring it to me the moment it is finished."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The physician bowed and left the room.
After the Royal Physician left, Luca leaned back slightly and looked at Eyan with curiosity.
"What did you ask the Royal Physician to make?"
Eyan answered calmly,
"A tonic… for me."
Luca frowned slightly.
"You took that tonic before as well," he said thoughtfully. "Why are you taking it again?"
Eyan remained quiet for a brief moment, as if choosing his words carefully.
"I do not want another child."
Eyan's gaze lowered slightly, his expression turning serious… distant.
"I do not want Eva to go through childbirth again."
The room fell quiet.
"I lost her once because of that," he continued, his voice steady but carrying unmistakable weight. "Her return to me… is already a miracle."
His gaze lowered slightly, his jaw tightening faintly.
"I will not make the same mistake again… not even by chance."
After a brief pause, he added calmly,
"We do not need more children. We already have Leo, Nolan, and Nayra."
For a moment, Luca simply watched him, understanding the depth of fear hidden beneath Eyan's composed exterior.
"…I understand," Luca said quietly.
After a short pause, he asked,
"Will you tell sister-in-law about the tonic?"
Eyan nodded without hesitation.
"Yes. I will tell her."
A faint smile appeared on Luca's face.
"That is good. I'm glad you are not hiding something important from her this time."
A small, thoughtful smile touched Eyan's lips.
"I will not lie to her about anything…"
His voice softened slightly as he finished,
"…anymore."
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