Velmoria Market – Abandoned Alley
(30 minutes later)
The sounds of battle slowly faded.
One by one, the captured women and children were freed from the carriages. Some were trembling… some crying… some too shocked to even speak.
Eva gently untied the ropes binding a young girl's wrists.
"It's alright… you are safe now," she said softly.
The girl hesitated… then suddenly hugged Eva tightly.
Behind them, the sound of armored footsteps approached.
The Royal Knights had arrived.
Seeing the King standing among fallen criminals, they immediately knelt.
"Your Majesty!"
Eyan gave a short nod, his expression cold as he looked at the unconscious traffickers scattered across the ground.
"Arrest them all," he ordered firmly.
"Lock every one of them in the prison. Interrogate them properly… I want to know who they work for."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
"And make sure the captured women and children receive medical care immediately."
"It will be done, Your Majesty."
As the knights began securing the criminals, Eva moved toward one of the rescued women standing quietly at the side.
It was the woman she had saw getting kidnapped.
Her clothes were simple… her eyes tired… yet she looked at Eva with deep gratitude.
"You are safe now," Eva said gently.
The woman lowered her gaze respectfully.
"Thank you…Your Majesty"
Eyan approached, watching carefully.
"Is she the woman you saw being kidnapped?" he asked.
Eva paused for a brief moment… then nodded calmly.
"Yes."
"Where did you meet her?" Eyan asked.
For a second, Eva hesitated… then answered naturally,
"At a sweet shop."
The woman lowered her gaze, saying nothing.
Eyan did not question it further.
Instead, he gently reached for Eva's hand.
Her fingers were slightly swollen from striking too hard.
"You shouldn't use your bare hands so recklessly," he murmured, slowly massaging her knuckles.
"I am fine," Eva replied calmly.
Still, Eyan continued, his touch careful… attentive...almost intimate despite being in public.
"You could have been hurt."
"I wasn't."
"You still shouldn't take such risks alone."
His thumb brushed slowly over her skin, checking for injuries.
The rescued woman watched quietly.
Warmth appeared in her tired eyes.
It was clear… this man truly cared for his wife.
Whatever doubts she had earlier… now felt confusing.
A man who touched his wife so gently…
could he truly neglect her?
--------------------------------------------------------
Eyan stood slightly away from the others, giving quiet instructions to the knights as the rescued victims were escorted toward safety.
When he finally found a moment alone, he exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair, trying to calm the tension still lingering in his body after the fight.
"Your… Your Majesty…"
The hesitant voice made him turn.
The woman he had asked about earlier stood a few steps away, her hands trembling slightly as she clutched the edge of her shawl.
Her eyes lowered immediately when his gaze met hers.
Eyan's gaze was steady, but not unkind.
"Do you need something lady?"
The woman swallowed nervously.
"I… I beg your forgiveness Your Majesty… I should not interfere… but…"
Her voice shook slightly.
"I believe… Her Majesty lied to you."
Eyan's brows slowly furrowed.
"What do you mean?"
Her voice dropped to a whisper.
"Her Majesty and i…..we did not meet me at a sweet shop."
Eyan stilled.
"If not there..then where did you meet her?"
The woman hesitated, clearly afraid. But she forced herself to continue.
"I met her… at Roseveil Remedies… I work there"
Eyan's expression changed instantly.
"Roseveil Remedies?" His tone sharpened. "What place is that?"
The woman swallowed nervously.
"It is… a private shop… for women who wish to improve their appearance… for their husbands…"
Eyan's heartbeat suddenly felt uneven.
"What kind of improvement?"
His voice was quieter now… but more intense.
The woman lowered her gaze further.
"She was asking about… an oil… meant to enhance a woman's breast… to make it fuller… softer… more pleasing…"
Eyan stared at her, disbelief flashing in his eyes.
"…What?"
His breath became shallow.
"Why would she need something like that?"
The woman quickly continued, afraid she had angered him.
"She asked many questions… very carefully… almost as if she felt ashamed even speaking about it…"
Eyan stepped closer unconsciously.
"What exactly did she say?"
The woman clasped her hands together nervously.
"She asked… if the oil would truly make a noticeable difference… if such changes could make a husband… desire his wife again…"
Eyan's chest tightened painfully.
"…Again?"
His voice sounded strained.
"She… she believed…" the woman hesitated, clearly frightened by the tension in the air.
"She believed… her husband no longer desired her…"
Eyan's breathing faltered.
For a moment, he forgot how to inhale.
"She said… she needed to change herself… so that her husband would look at her again as a woman…"
Eyan's fingers curled tightly at his side.
"No…"
The word escaped him almost unconsciously.
"She… she said that?"
"Yes, Your Majesty…"
The woman spoke softly.
"She spoke very quietly… but I could hear the worry in her voice…"
"She said time changes a woman… that perhaps she was no longer as beautiful as before…"
Eyan's jaw tightened painfully.
"She asked if husbands lose interest when their wives' bodies change…"
The woman looked up briefly, then lowered her gaze again.
"I believed… her husband must be neglecting her…but seeing how Your Majesty looks at her… I became confused…"
Eyan ran a hand slowly over his face.
The air felt too heavy in his lungs.
His chest felt tight… painfully tight.
"Did she… buy it?" he asked, voice strained.
"Yes...three bottles." The woman answered.
Eyan closed his eyes briefly. His chest tightened again. For a moment… he truly could not breathe properly.
"Your Majesty… I apologize… I did not mean to cause trouble between you two…"
The woman's voice was careful… respectful.
Eyan said nothing.
Slowly… he turned his head. His eyes found Eva immediately.
She stood near the carriage, gently adjusting a child's blanket, her expression calm… composed…
as if she carried no burden at all. As if she had not quietly doubted herself. As if she had not believed she needed to change… just to be desired by her own husband.
Pain flickered in Eyan's eyes...He had never imagined…that his refusal could wound her so deeply.
-------------------------------------------------------
The Royal carriage stood waiting outside the market, its polished black surface reflecting the fading light of evening.
Knights formed a protective circle around it as the rescued women and children were escorted into separate carriages.
Eva stepped toward the royal carriage, her movements calm… composed.
A knight opened the carriage door respectfully.
"Your Majesty."
Eva nodded and stepped inside.
She settled onto the velvet seat, adjusting her dress slightly before looking toward the entrance.
Waiting.
Another knight turned to Eyan and opened the carriage door wider.
"Your Majesty."
Eyan stepped forward automatically… but the moment his eyes met Eva's face…
he stopped.
She was smiling at him.
Softly.
Warmly.
As if she had not hidden her pain behind that same gentle smile.
As if she had not stood in a quiet shop… asking how to make herself more desirable…for him.
The woman's words echoed mercilessly in his mind.
"She believed… her husband no longer desired her…"
His chest tightened painfully.
For a moment… he could not move.
Eva tilted her head slightly.
"Eyan... what's wrong?"
Her voice was calm… natural… but now he could hear something he had not noticed before.
A faint uncertainty.
Barely there.
But now impossible to ignore.
Guilt twisted sharply inside him.
Eyan forced a small smile.
"Eva...You ride ahead," he said quietly.
Eva blinked slightly.
"You are not coming?"
"I will ride the horse."
There was a brief pause.
Eva studied his face… as if trying to understand his sudden decision.
But she did not question him.
"Alright."
The carriage door slowly closed between them.
And with that small sound…
a distance formed.
-------------------------------------------------------
The journey back to the palace began.
The carriage rolled forward smoothly, surrounded by knights.
Eyan mounted his horse in silence.
The cool evening wind brushed against his face as the gates of the market slowly disappeared behind them.
The sound of hooves echoed steadily against the stone road.
Eyan's grip on the reins tightened unconsciously.
"Fool…" he muttered under his breath.
His jaw clenched.
"How could I let her think something like that…"
His chest felt unbearably tight.
She had gone alone to such a place.
Covered her identity. Asked those questions in embarrassment. All because she believed…she was no longer enough for him.
His hand tightened further.
"Idiot…"
He exhaled slowly, frustration directed entirely at himself.
After everything they had endured together…after everything she had sacrificed…he had unknowingly made her doubt her place beside him.
Made her think she needed to change her body…just to be desired by him.
The thought made something ache deeply inside his chest.
He turned his head slightly.
Through the small carriage window, he could see a faint silhouette of her inside.
Calm.
Graceful.
Unaware that he now knew the truth.
Unaware that each passing moment only made the guilt heavier.
The reins creaked softly under his grip.
"You were never lacking…" he whispered under his breath. "Not even once."
The horse continued forward, carrying a king burdened by the quiet pain he had unknowingly placed in the heart of the woman he loves most.
--------------------------------------------------------
Royal Palace — Velmoria
(Eva's Chamber)
The door closed behind Eva with a soft click.
For a moment, she remained still… listening carefully… making sure no one had followed her.
Then slowly, she reached inside her cloak and took out three small glass bottles.
The liquid inside shimmered faintly in the candlelight.
Her fingers trembled slightly as she held them.
A small… hopeful smile appeared on her lips.
"If this works…" she whispered softly, her cheeks warming slightly.
"Then… Eyan won't refuse me again…"
Her expression softened with fragile anticipation.
She quickly moved toward the drawer, intending to hide them safely—
The door suddenly opened.
Eva startled violently.
Her heart skipped as she quickly hid the bottles behind her back.
Eyan stepped inside.
His eyes immediately noticed her tense posture… the way her shoulders stiffened… the way her hands disappeared behind her back.
His gaze sharpened instantly.
"Eva…" he spoke calmly, but there was weight in his tone.
She forced a small smile.
"Honey....do you need something?"
His eyes did not leave her face.
"What are you hiding?...Show me"
Her reply came quickly.
"Nothing."
His brows furrowed slightly.
"Nothing…?"
He took a step closer.
Her fingers tightened around the bottles behind her back.
"It's nothing important."
"Then show me."
Her voice hardened slightly.
"No..."
His jaw tightened.
"Eva."
"I said it's nothing."
His patience thinned.
"Show me."
"No."
The firmness in her voice made the air between them tense.
His expression darkened.
"Why are you hiding it from me?"
"Because it is mine."
"Eva."
His voice dropped lower.
"What is behind your back?"
She lifted her chin stubbornly.
"It does not concern you."
The answer made irritation flicker across his face.
"It concerns me if my wife feels the need to hide things from me."
Her eyes flashed slightly.
"Not everything belongs to you."
The sharpness in her tone surprised even herself.
Eyan's gaze hardened.
"Eva....Give it to me."
"No...i won't."
Before she could react, Eyan stepped forward and caught her wrist firmly.
"Eyan, let go—"
He pulled her hand forward.
The three small bottles became visible between her fingers.
Eyan's eyes darkened the moment he saw the bottles. Without hesitation, he snatched them from her hands.
Eva gasped and quickly reached for them again.
"Eyan, give them back!" she said sharply, trying to grab the bottles from his grip.
His jaw tightened.
"No."
"They are mine!" she insisted, her voice firm, trying again to take them from him.
His grip only hardened.
"Why do you need something like this?" he demanded, anger rising in his voice.
"It does not concern you," Eva replied stubbornly, lifting her chin.
Her resistance only fueled the fire in his chest.
Before she could react—
CRASH
One bottle shattered violently against the marble floor. The sharp sound echoed through the room. Oil spread across the white stone.
Eva's eyes widened in shock.
"Eyan!" she exclaimed, panic in her voice.
She quickly tried to take the remaining bottles from him.
"Stop it!"
But his anger had already ignited.
"You think you need THIS?" he demanded, voice rough with frustration.
She tried to pull his hand down.
"Give them back!"
CRASH
The second bottle shattered. Glass scattered across the floor.
The sweet scent of oil filled the room.
"Eyan, stop!" Eva tried to push his arm away. "It is important!"
His eyes flashed with pain.
"Important?"
CRASH
The third bottle broke in his hand, liquid dripping slowly between his fingers.
The silence that followed felt suffocating.
Eva immediately knelt down, ignoring the sharp glass pieces, trying desperately to gather what little oil remained on the floor.
"You shouldn't have broken them…" she whispered anxiously.
Her fingers trembled as she tried to touch the spilled liquid.
Eyan's heart clenched painfully seeing her like that.
He quickly grabbed her wrist before she could cut herself.
"Eva...Stop! You will hurt yourself!"
Her voice trembled with frustration.
"You broke it…"
She looked at the shattered glass helplessly.
"If you break it… then how will I make myself wanted by you…?"
Those words struck him harder than any blade.
For a moment…Eyan could not breathe.
She truly believed that...She truly believed she needed something like that… just to be desired by him.
Before she could move again—
He pulled her into his arms.
Tightly.
Desperately.
"You foolish woman…" he murmured, his voice strained with emotion.
"Why would you ever think you are not wanted…?"
His arms tightened around her waist possessively.
"You think I need some meaningless oil to desire my own wife?"
His forehead rested against hers, his breath warm… unsteady.
"You truly believed… I do not want you…?" he murmured, pain visible in his eyes.
Eva could not meet his gaze.
Her fingers curled lightly against his chest.
"You refused me…" she whispered softly.
His expression tightened with regret.
"I refused… not because I did not want you…" his voice deepened, filled with restrained intensity.
"I refused because I was afraid… if I touched you last night… I would not be able to stop."
Eva's breath caught slightly.
His hand slowly moved to her waist, pulling her closer.
"Do you know how difficult it was for me to remain calm?" he continued, voice lowering shamelessly.
Her cheeks turned pink.
"I am still a man… Eva…"
His thumb brushed slowly along her arm.
"And when you asked me so softly last night…" His lips curved faintly. "You have no idea what you were doing to me…"
"Eyan…" Eva whispered, embarrassed.
But he did not stop.
"As if that was not enough…" his tone became even more intimate.
"Last night… when I finally fall asleep, holding you in my arms…"
His ears reddened slightly.
"I dreamt of you."
Her eyes widened.
His voice lowered further, shameless despite the faint embarrassment on his face.
"You were not asking politely in that dream…"
Her cheeks turned deep red instantly.
"Eyan!"
"And I was definitely not behaving like a patient husband…"
Her hand immediately lifted, covering his mouth.
"Stop talking!"
Her face burned intensely.
He gently removed her hand, a faint teasing smile on his lips.
"No let me speak...you should know… what kind of effect you have on me."
His gaze softened deeply, voice low, sincere… intense.
"You think I do not desire you?"
He exhaled softly.
"You are far too unaware of how dangerous you are."
Her hand again moved quickly to cover his mouth.
"Enough…!"
Her voice trembled with embarrassment.
But he gently pulled her hand down again.
"You deserve to know."
His forehead touched hers softly.
"You never needed anything to make yourself desirable to me."
His voice softened deeply.
"You already are....You always have been."
Eva slowly lifted her gaze and looked directly into Eyan's eyes.
For a moment, he seemed hesitant… as if the words inside him were heavier than anger.
Eyan let out a long breath, his fingers unconsciously tightening around her waist before loosening again.
"Fine…" he said quietly. "Let me tell you why I rejected you last night."
Eva remained silent, watching him carefully.
Eyan looked away briefly, gathering courage.
"I asked the Royal physician to prepare a tonic for me… a tonic that would prevent you from conceiving… even if we did it..."
Eva's expression softened, but she did not interrupt.
"I'm doing it because I don't want to burden you with another child," he continued, voice low but steady. "I already lost you once… five and a half years ago."
His throat tightened slightly.
"After giving birth to Leo… you…" He stopped for a moment, as if the memory itself still hurt.
"You disappeared from my life. I lived those years believing I had lost you forever."
His gaze returned to her, filled with quiet fear.
"I will not make that mistake again."
He gently touched her cheek.
"I know children are blessings," he said softly. "But…Eva..let's not have another one."
A pause.
"Leo is enough for me… as long as I have you."
Eva looked at him silently for a few seconds.
Then, she cupped his face gently.
Her eyes curved warmly.
"Fine… let's not have another child."
He stared at her in disbelief.
"You… agree? I thought you would refuse."
She smiled gently.
"Why would I refuse? I understand your fear."
Her thumb brushed lightly along his jaw.
"But you really shouldn't worry so much," she added calmly. "Even if I conceive again… our child will be normal this time."
Eyan frowned slightly.
"It was different when Leo was born," she continued softly. "He was never an ordinary child."
Her gaze softened with quiet affection.
"So don't worry."
But Eyan shook his head immediately.
"No," he said firmly. "Even if that is true… I don't want you to go through childbirth again."
Eva studied his expression, seeing the genuine fear hidden beneath his calm tone.
Finally, she nodded.
"Fine… let's do that then."
Relief spread across his face.
"I'm happy you agreed."
Eva smiled… then she tilted her head slightly.
"How long will it take the Royal physician to finish making that tonic?"
Eyan thought for a moment.
"Two more days."
Her brows lifted slightly.
"Two more days?"
He nodded.
"Can you wait for two more days?" he asked softly. "Once the tonic is ready… I will love you as much as you want."
Her cheeks warmed slightly at his words.
But instead of answering… she seemed to fall into thought.
Then suddenly, she slipped out of his embrace. Eyan watched curiously as she lifted the edge of her cloak.
With a small flick of her fingers, a faint shimmer of magic spread across the fabric as she activated her disguise spell.
Her appearance changed.
Eyan frowned in confusion.
"Eva… what are you doing?"
She walked toward the window calmly and pushed it open. Cool night air flowed into the room, stirring her hair.
Then she looked back at him… a playful smile touching her lips.
"Honey… wait here," she said lightly. "I'll be back soon."
Before he could ask anything—
She jumped out of the window.
"Eva—!"
Eyan rushed forward instantly, panic flashing across his face as he leaned out.
Below, he saw her figure already moving swiftly through the palace grounds, disappearing into the night with practiced ease.
"Eva! Where are you going?" he called out.
She didn't answer...She simply kept running.
Eyan watched her fading figure… then sighed, rubbing his forehead helplessly.
"Eva…" he murmured under his breath.
"You really need to forget that habit…"
A small smile tugged at his lips despite himself.
"You are not a thief anymore…"
His gaze softened as he added quietly,
"You are a Queen now."
--------------------------------------------------------
(After 30 minutes)
(Eva's Chamber)
Eyan had been pacing the room for the last several minutes, glancing repeatedly toward the window.
He had a feeling… a very strong feeling… that whatever Eva was planning would certainly not be simple.
Just as he exhaled and sat on the couch—
The window suddenly opened.
A soft figure slipped inside with practiced ease.
Eva landed lightly on her feet, adjusting her cloak with a satisfied expression.
Eyan immediately stood.
"Eva… where did you go?"
Instead of answering, she calmly walked toward him and reached inside her cloak.
From it, she pulled out a small glass bottle filled with deep red liquid.
Without explanation, she opened the lid.
Eyan frowned.
"Eva… what is that?"
She stepped closer… very close… then casually pressed the bottle against his lips.
"Drink."
He blinked.
"What?"
"Drink it," she repeated simply.
He leaned back slightly.
"At least tell me what it is first."
"It is not poison," she replied calmly.
"That is not very reassuring."
"Just drink."
Eyan narrowed his eyes suspiciously.
"No."
Eva stared at him for two seconds… then suddenly pushed him.
Eyan fell back onto the couch in surprise.
"Eva—!"
Before he could react, she climbed onto the couch, pinned one hand against his shoulder, and tilted the bottle toward his mouth.
"Drink quietly."
"I refuse— mmph?!"
She covered his protest by firmly pressing the bottle between his lips.
"Eva!"
"Stop talking and swallow!"
He tried to resist… but she tilted the bottle further.
Some of the bitter liquid slid into his mouth.
His expression immediately twisted.
"This tastes terrible—!"
"Good," she replied, forcing the last bit in.
After a brief struggle, the bottle was empty.
Eva finally released him.
Eyan sat up quickly, coughing.
"What was that?!" he asked, clearly offended. "It's so bitter!"
Eva looked extremely satisfied with herself.
"That," she said calmly, "was the tonic."
He blinked.
"The tonic?"
"The same kind you asked the Royal physician to make," she explained.
Realization slowly appeared on his face.
"You mean…"
"Yes," she nodded confidently. "Now you don't have to be afraid to touch me anymore."
She crossed her arms proudly.
"So… let's do it tonight."
Eyan stared at her in disbelief.
"No."
Her smile froze.
"No?"
"I don't trust it," he said honestly. "Last time I trusted one of these… it failed."
Eva frowned immediately.
"This one will not fail."
"How are you so sure?"
She lifted her chin slightly.
"When I went to buy the oil earlier… there was a woman in the shop buying the same tonic for her husband."
Eyan raised an eyebrow.
"She told the shop owner that their product is very effective… apparently they did not have a child for one whole year."
Silence.
Eyan slowly processed her words.
Then realization struck again.
"You went back to that shop?"
"Yes."
"Again?"
"Yes."
"But why?"
She looked at him as if the answer was obvious.
"Because I cannot wait two more days."
For a moment… Eyan was completely speechless.
Then suddenly—
He started laughing. Softly at first. Then harder.
Eva's eyes widened.
"You are laughing?!"
He tried to stop… but failed.
"Princess...I cannot believe… you forced a tonic into my mouth because you are impatient…"
Eva lightly hit his arm.
"Stop laughing!"
He tried to compose himself but the amusement remained in his eyes.
"You truly did not even hesitate…"
"I already waited long enough," she replied firmly.
Then she added calmly,
"The tonic will show its full effect after four hours."
Eyan froze slightly.
"So… after dinner… and after I make Leo fall asleep…" she continued casually.
She stepped closer.
"I will come to your chamber tonight."
Eyan's heartbeat quickened.
"You… You will come?"
"Yes."
Eva stepped closer again. Too close. The playful softness from earlier was gone.
This time… there was something far more dangerous in her eyes.
She slowly reached for his collar, her fingers curling into the fabric as she pulled him slightly forward.
Her voice dropped into a low whisper.
"Tonight… you belong only to me."
Eyan's breath hitched.
Eva tilted her head slightly, studying his reaction like a hunter observing her prey.
"And this time… you will not dare push me away again."
Her thumb brushed slowly along his jawline.
"Do you understand?"
"…Yes," he answered quietly.
His obedience made her smile faintly.
"Good."
Her fingers slid from his collar to his shoulder, pressing just enough to make him lean back into the couch.
"Tonight, I don't want restraint… I don't want hesitation… and I definitely don't want excuses."
Eyan swallowed.
"…Alright."
She leaned closer, her lips near his ear, voice soft but commanding.
"You made me wait long enough."
Her breath was warm against his skin.
"So tonight… you will make it up to me properly."
"…I will," he murmured.
Eva's smile deepened slightly.
"And don't think you can escape early."
Her finger traced slowly down the center of his chest.
"I plan to take my time with you."
Eyan's face turned a deeper shade of red.
"…Okay."
She paused… then added even more boldly,
"And when I say I am satisfied… only then will you be allowed to rest."
Eyan bit his lower lip unconsciously.
"…Understood."
Her eyes sparkled with dangerous amusement.
"I want your full attention… your full energy… and your full cooperation."
Her gaze held his firmly.
"No holding back."
"…I won't hold back."
"No pretending to be tired."
"…I won't pretend."
"No trying to escape midway."
"…I won't escape."
Now she smiled openly, clearly pleased with how easily he obeyed.
"Very good."
She gently tapped his cheek.
"Make sure you are properly prepared…"
A small pause.
"Because tonight… I fully intend to be very selfish."
Eyan visibly shivered.
"…Alright."
Eva finally stepped back, satisfied with the effect she had on him.
At the door, she stopped and looked at him once more, her eyes filled with bold promise.
"Rest well while you can…" Her lips curved slightly. "You will need your strength."
And then she left.
Silence filled the room.
Eyan remained frozen on the couch for a few seconds.
Then suddenly—
A quiet, helpless giggle escaped him.
He covered his face with one hand, still blushing intensely.
"She is really…"
Another small laugh slipped out.
He leaned back fully onto the couch, staring at the ceiling, smile refusing to leave his lips.
Then, unable to contain the strange excitement bubbling inside him…
he lightly kicked his feet against the couch cushions like an overly happy boy.
"…I am definitely not sleeping tonight."
For the first time that evening… Eyan realized…He might actually be the one in danger tonight.
And strangely…
He did not mind at all.
.
.
To be continued—