Royal Palace – Night
(Dining Hall)
The grand dining hall was filled with noise, laughter… and complete chaos.
Nolan and Nayra were still running around the long table, giggling as Talon and Fen followed them like oversized playful shadows.
The wolves carefully avoided bumping into the furniture, but their large tails still managed to knock a cushion off one of the chairs.
Luca and Aranel watched the scene with helpless smiles.
Eva sat gracefully in her seat, Leo beside her, while Mara rested comfortably near Leo's chair, occasionally lifting his head whenever the twins ran past.
Aranel finally sighed, though amusement still lingered in her voice.
"Kids… that's enough playing. Now wash your hands and sit properly."
The twins stopped immediately, though they were clearly reluctant.
"Yes mother…" Nayra said dramatically.
Nolan looked at Talon seriously. "We will continue later."
Talon wagged his tail once, as if agreeing.
A maid approached with a silver bowl, gently helping the twins wash their hands before guiding them back to their seats.
As calm slowly returned to the table, Luca turned his attention toward Eva, curiosity visible in his expression.
"Sister-in-law… I heard what happened today," he said proudly. "You captured the entire human trafficking group?"
Aranel smiled warmly.
"I'm very proud of you, Eva."
Eva gave a modest smile.
"It was something I had to do," she replied calmly. "as a Queen… it is my duty to protect the people of Velmoria."
Luca leaned slightly forward, interested.
"I heard you and Eyan fought them together."
Eva nodded.
"Yes… we did."
Nayra's eyes sparkled.
"Wow… Aunty and uncle fought the bad guys together?"
She leaned excitedly across the table.
"Aunty… was it fun?"
Eva chuckled softly.
"Yes, sweetheart… it was quite exciting."
Nolan looked impressed.
"Aunty is very strong."
Leo immediately straightened proudly.
"My mother is the strongest!" he declared confidently.
Eva gently stroked Leo's hair.
Luca nodded approvingly.
"Everyone in the kingdom is praising you," he added. "They are saying their Queen is brave and powerful."
Eva shook her head slightly.
"Brother… they are exaggerating."
"No," Luca replied sincerely. "You deserve a reward for your bravery."
Before Eva could respond—
The dining hall doors opened.
Eyan walked inside, his expression calm but slightly tired.
Everyone looked toward him.
Luca raised an eyebrow.
"Eyan… what took you so long?"
Eyan walked to the head of the table and took his seat beside Eva.
"I was in the prison," he replied evenly. "Interrogating the criminals we captured."
Luca's expression darkened slightly.
"Did you find anything about them?"
Eyan nodded.
"Yes. They are from different kingdoms. They entered Velmoria to kidnap women and children… and were sending them across the borders."
Luca's jaw tightened.
"Bastards… what are you planning to do with them?"
Eyan calmly picked up his glass.
"That decision belongs to Eva."
Eva blinked in surprise.
"What? Why me?"
Eyan looked at her calmly.
"Because you were the one who caught them..."
Luca leaned forward slightly, clearly interested.
"So, sister… how will you punish them? But please don't be soft… they are criminals."
Eva didn't even hesitate.
"Fifty kicks to their manhood."
Silence.
Luca froze.
Eyan paused mid-motion.
"…Fifty?" Luca repeated slowly.
Eva's expression remained perfectly calm.
"Yes. And twenty years in prison should be sufficient."
Luca blinked several times.
"Sister-in-law… I don't think they will survive twenty years after fifty kicks…"
Aranel calmly took a sip of water.
"Eva… fifty is too merciful."
Everyone looked at her.
She continued casually,
"Make it one hundred."
Luca turned slowly toward his wife.
"…Darling?"
Aranel smiled sweetly.
"If they have enough strength to commit such crimes… they should have enough strength to endure punishment."
Eva nodded thoughtfully.
"You are right… one hundred sounds more balanced."
Luca slowly turned toward Aranel.
"My dear wife… I suddenly feel extremely grateful that I am your husband....not your enemy."
Aranel smiled sweetly.
Eyan looked at Eva with quiet approval.
"Very well. Tomorrow you will pass the judgment in the throne room… in front of everyone."
Eva nodded calmly.
"Alright."
At that moment, servants began bringing dishes to the table, placing beautifully prepared meals in front of everyone.
The atmosphere slowly relaxed again…
--------------------------------------------------------
Servants finished placing the dishes on the table, and the family finally began eating.
At first, everything seemed perfectly normal.
The soft clinking of utensils echoed gently in the dining hall as everyone focused on their meal.
Leo happily ate beside Eva, occasionally feeding small pieces of food to Mara, who accepted them with calm dignity.
Nolan and Nayra whispered to each other, laughing
Luca was explaining something about border patrol to Aranel.
And Eyan…
Eyan was trying very hard to behave normally. He carefully cut a piece of food and placed it into his mouth.
Calm....Composed.
Then…
His eyes lifted slightly toward Eva.
Eva was already looking at him.
Her expression was perfectly calm.
Slowly… deliberately…she tilted her head just a little.
That small movement alone was enough to remind him of everything she had whispered earlier.
Tonight… you belong only to me.
Eyan immediately looked back down at his plate.
I need to stay calm.
But his mind refused to cooperate. His grip tightened slightly around his fork.
Two more hours…Only two more hours…
He tried to focus on the food.
Then—
Something brushed lightly against his foot.
He froze.
He did not need to look to know who it was. His shoulders stiffened ever so slightly.
She started already…
Her foot slid slowly along his ankle… then lingered.
Eyan kept his expression neutral, though internally he was already panicking.
We are at the dinner table…
Everyone is here…
This woman has no fear…
He shifted his leg slightly, hoping she would stop.
She did not.
Instead, her foot followed calmly… confidently. As if she had all the time in the world.
He took a sip of water.
Stay calm.
Then—
Her hand moved. Slowly disappearing from the table.
Eyan immediately knew this was a bad sign.
Very bad.
Something warm touched his thigh under the table. His hand immediately tightened around the spoon.
Her fingers moved slowly… teasingly… as if testing how much composure he truly possessed.
She is really doing this…
Right now…
Here…
His breathing slowed carefully as he reached down quickly, catching her hand under the table.
A silent warning.
Stop.
Behave.
Eva's inner thoughts were far calmer than his.
Oh? He caught my hand…
So His Majesty wishes to play too…
her fingers slowly moved within his hold.
Then deliberately—
she intertwined their fingers tightly. Locking their hands together.
Firmly.
Securely.
Eyan nearly forgot how to breathe.
She locked our hands…
Why did she lock our hands?!
He tried to gently pull away. She did not allow it. Her grip tightened slightly.
A challenge.
His ears began to warm.
Across the table, conversation continued normally.
No one noticed the silent battle happening beneath the tablecloth.
Then Luca suddenly looked at him.
"Eyan… why did you stop eating?"
Eyan blinked once.
Twice.
How am I supposed to eat…
She is not letting go of my hand…
"I… am eating," he said calmly, picking up his spoon with his left hand.
He attempted to continue normally. But trying to eat with one hand while your other hand is imprisoned under the table… was not an easy task.
Especially when the person holding you hostage occasionally tightens their fingers just to remind you who is winning.
He finally managed to scoop some food—
The spoon slipped.
Clink.
It fell dramatically onto the floor.
Eva almost laughed.
Oh no… he is losing coordination already…
A servant quickly approached to pick up the fallen spoon.
Eyan panicked internally.
No no no no no.
Not now.
He tried pulling his hand free quickly...Eva did not let go.
Instead—
she tightened her grip even more.
The servant bent slightly…and accidentally saw their joined hands.
Time froze.
Eyan made eye contact with the servant.
His soul left his body briefly.
The servant froze too.
They both stared at each other for half a second.
Eyan gave a warning look:
You saw nothing.
The servant immediately looked away, survival instinct activated.
"My apologies, Your Majesty."
A fresh spoon was placed before him.
Eva's shoulders trembled slightly as she suppressed laughter.
He is so easy to tease…
Eyan slowly looked at her.
She finally looked back. Smiling sweetly. Like she had done absolutely nothing wrong.
Eyan's patience finally snapped.
Alright… enough suffering.
You started this war, Eva…
Now face the consequences.
Their fingers were still tightly intertwined beneath the table, Eva confidently continuing her slow torture as if she had already secured victory.
Without warning, Eyan tightened his grip.
Eva paused mid-bite.
Oh?
His fingers closed firmly around hers… not painfully… but decisively.
Then slowly…
he pulled her hand slightly toward his side of the table.
Eva's brows twitched almost invisibly.
What is he doing…?
Eyan's inner voice sounded far too pleased.
You trapped my hand… now try freeing yours.
He didn't yank or rush. Instead, he applied steady pressure, forcing her wrist to follow the direction of his pull.
Eva tried to resist subtly, maintaining her elegant posture. But the angle became increasingly inconvenient.
This man…
He is using strategy now…
Her fingers loosened slightly.
That was all the opportunity he needed.
Eyan slipped his hand free.
Victory.
A small, almost invisible smirk appeared on his lips as he calmly picked up his spoon again, as if nothing had happened.
Eva narrowed her eyes slightly.
Oh… so the king has learned how to fight…
Under the table, Eyan moved his leg.
Slowly...Carefully.
His foot brushed lightly against hers.
Eva instantly recognized the shift in momentum.
Ah… so now it is my turn…
He moved again, this time more confidently, tracing the side of her foot with slow deliberate movements.
His expression above the table remained perfectly calm.
Luca was still talking about border patrol.
Nolan was asking Leo if wolves could understand human language.
Aranel was reminding the twins to eat properly.
Meanwhile—
war escalated beneath the table.
Eva tried to ignore him at first.
Stay calm Eva… do not react… do not give him satisfaction…
His foot brushed hers again.
Slow...Unhurried...Very intentional.
Her grip on her spoon tightened slightly.
He is enjoying this far too much…
Then suddenly—
his hand moved again.
Resting lightly on her thigh.
Not moving...Just there...Calm...Confident.
A very dangerous move.
Eva's spine straightened instantly. Her thoughts froze for half a second.
He dared…
He actually dared…
Her ears turned slightly pink.
She immediately placed her spoon down.
"I am done eating."
Luca looked confused.
"So soon?"
Eva stood gracefully.
"Yes… I suddenly remembered something important."
Leo quickly climbed down from his chair.
"Mother … sleep time?"
"Yes," Eva replied calmly.
Her gaze flickered toward Eyan for the briefest moment.
Very well, Your Majesty…Tonight you will learn what happens when you provoke me.
She turned and walked toward the exit with perfect composure.
Then she left the dining hall with Leo.
Eyan remained seated.
Calm...Composed...Victorious.
A small satisfied smile appeared on his lips.
So she can retreat too…
He leaned back slightly in his chair, feeling strangely proud of himself.
--------------------------------------------------------
(Aranel and Luca's Chamber – Night)The room was unusually lively for bedtime.
Fen and Talon were already comfortably curled up on the large royal bed, their fluffy tails lazily swaying as if they owned the place.
And apparently… they did.
Nayra and Nolan had firmly claimed their territory beside the wolves, each child wrapped in blankets, happily pressing against the warm fur.
Nolan hugged Fen's neck like a pillow.
Nayra gently stroked Talon's ears, already half asleep.
Aranel stood near the bed, watching the peaceful scene with a soft smile.
Luca, however, crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow.
"So…" he began slowly, "…if the wolves are sleeping on the bed…"
He pointed toward the very occupied mattress.
"…where exactly do your mother and father sleep?"
Nolan opened one eye lazily.
"You can sleep in another room, father."
Nayra nodded seriously.
"The wolves will guard us tonight."
She hugged Talon tighter as if proving her point.
"We will sleep with them."
Fen gave a soft approving huff, clearly supportive of this decision.
Luca looked betrayed.
"Oh really…? I see how it is…"
He looked at Aranel dramatically.
"They have already replaced us."
Aranel covered her smile.
Luca tried once more.
"But this is our bed."
Nolan shook his head firmly.
"No, tonight this is our bed."
Nayra added proudly,
"You two can sleep somewhere else."
Luca opened his mouth to protest—
But suddenly felt a sharp elbow press into his side.
He looked at Aranel. She gave him a very subtle look. Then a small gesture toward the door. Then back at him.
A silent message.
This is our chance.
Luca blinked once.
Twice.
Understanding slowly dawned on his face.
"Oh…"
His expression changed completely.
He cleared his throat with royal dignity.
"Yes… of course…"
He nodded seriously.
"Ahem… you two can sleep with the wolves tonight."
Aranel added calmly,
"The wolves are strong guardians."
The twins smiled proudly.
"Good night mother!"
"Good night father!"
Nayra waved sleepily. Nolan was already drifting off, still hugging Fen.
Luca and Aranel exchanged one more look.
Barely suppressing smiles.
"Good night," Aranel said softly.
They quietly left the room.
-------------------------------------------------------
(Aranel and Luca – Corridor → Guest Chamber – Night)After wishing them good night, Luca and Aranel quietly stepped out of the room.
The door closed softly behind them.
For a brief moment, both of them simply stood in the quiet corridor.
Then—
Luca suddenly covered his mouth, trying to hide a smile that refused to disappear.
Aranel raised an eyebrow.
"You look very happy for a father who just got kicked out of his own bed."
Luca leaned slightly closer to her, lowering his voice.
"Do you know how long it has been since I had my wife all to myself… without interruptions… without little voices calling 'mother' every five minutes?"
Aranel tried to maintain composure, but the corner of her lips lifted.
Luca gently took her hand as they walked toward the next chamber.
"I should thank Fen and Talon tomorrow," he added thoughtfully.
Aranel let out a soft laugh.
"You are shameless."
"I am a patient husband," Luca corrected.
He quickly opened the door of the guest chamber and allowed her to enter first, unusually eager.
The moment they stepped inside, Luca closed the door…
…and locked it.
The soft click echoed in the quiet room.
Luca turned toward her immediately, unable to hide the warmth in his eyes.
"You have no idea how long I've been waiting for a peaceful night like this."
Aranel stepped closer, her fingers lightly adjusting his collar.
"You say that as if I keep running away from you."
"You do," Luca said dramatically.
"Every night there is a child needing attention… or someone knocking on the door at the worst possible time."
Aranel smiled knowingly.
"Well… tonight there is no children calling...And no one knocking."
Luca's hands instinctively found her waist, pulling her gently toward him as if afraid the moment might disappear.
"You have no idea how happy that makes me."
Their lips met softly at first.
Slow.
Warm.
Familiar.
The kind of kiss shared between two people who had loved each other for many years… yet still missed each other in small ways.
Aranel's fingers slid lightly into his hair as the kiss deepened.
Luca's arms wrapped securely around her, his excitement evident even in the way he held her closer than usual.
"You seem very eager tonight," Aranel murmured softly against his lips.
"I am simply making use of the opportunity given to me," Luca replied quietly.
Aranel gently pushed him backward toward the bed.
Luca sat down, watching her with a soft smile filled with admiration.
She placed her hands on his shoulders and slowly settled onto his lap.
Close.
Comfortable.
Familiar.
Their foreheads touched briefly.
Luca's hands moved along her back, holding her securely.
"Finally," he whispered softly.
Aranel smiled slightly against his lips.
"Yes… finally."
Outside, the palace remained calm and silent.
Inside the quiet chamber…a long-awaited peaceful night had finally begun.
--------------------------------------------------------
(Eyan's Chamber – Night)
After finishing his bath, Eyan had not been able to stay still for even a moment.
He paced across the chamber again… and again… and again.
Back and forth. Like a caged beast.
His damp hair clung to his neck and forehead, small droplets still sliding down his skin… but he didn't even think about drying it.
Or perhaps… he simply forgot....Because right now…his mind was in complete chaos.
His heart was beating so loudly he was convinced the palace guards outside could probably hear it.
Thump.
Thump.
Thump.
He suddenly stopped walking and pressed his palm against his chest.
"Why do I feel so nervous…"
His heartbeat only grew faster.
"Oh… I am definitely going crazy…"
He inhaled deeply. Then exhaled slowly.
Nothing changed.
"My heart… calm down…"
He pressed his hand harder against his chest as if trying to physically stop it.
"Why are you beating like this… it's embarrassing…"
He began pacing again. Faster this time.
"It's not my first time…"
He nodded to himself firmly.
"You have done this many times…"
"She is your wife…"
He stopped again.
"…it's just Eva."
Then suddenly—
her voice echoed clearly in his mind.
Soft.
Slow.
Dangerous.
"Tonight… you belong only to me."
His entire face turned red instantly.
He covered his mouth briefly.
"…why did she say it like that…"
Another memory followed immediately.
"I plan to take my time with you…"
His ears burned.
"…and when I say I am satisfied… only then will you be allowed to rest."
Eyan froze in place...His brain simply stopped working.
"…no…"
He turned and began pacing again.
"No… no… this is not just Eva…"
He ran both hands through his damp hair, making it even messier.
"She has changed…"
"…she has become bold…"
"…far too bold…"
"…dangerously bold…"
He stopped walking again and looked at the door.
Still closed...Still quiet...No footsteps....No sound.
"When will she come…why is she taking so long…"
He sat on the edge of the bed, immediately standing again after only two seconds.
Then sat again...Then stood again.
He looked like a man waiting for judgment day.
"…why am I nervous…"
He frowned at himself.
Her voice echoed again in his mind.
"Make sure you are properly prepared…"
He blinked slowly.
"…prepared?"
He let out a small awkward laugh.
"What preparation…I do not need preparation…"
He paused.
Then suddenly—
his eyes widened.
"…wait."
He stood up straight immediately.
"No."
"I absolutely need preparation."
He looked extremely serious now.
"I cannot embarrass myself."
He moved quickly to the center of the room and dropped onto the carpet.
"If she is this confident…"
"…then I must also be confident."
He placed both hands firmly on the floor.
Straightened his body.
Took a deep breath.
Push-ups.
"One."
Down.
"I am calm."
Up.
"Two."
"I am absolutely calm."
Down.
"Three."
"…why am I not calm…"
Up.
"Four."
"You are experienced…"
Down.
"Five."
"…very experienced…"
Up.
"Six."
"…extremely experienced…"
Down.
"Seven."
"…then why are you nervous…"
Up.
"Eight."
"…stop being nervous…"
Down.
"Nine."
"…she is just your wife…"
Up.
"Ten."
"…a very bold wife…"
He stayed frozen in push-up position, breathing heavily.
"…a very dangerous wife…"
He dropped onto the carpet dramatically and stared at the ceiling.
"…a wife who said she will not let me rest…"
He covered his face with both hands.
"…why does that sound so threatening…"
He suddenly sat up again.
"No… no… I must not show weakness."
He pointed at himself again.
"You must perform well."
"You must survive."
"Yes… survival is important."
He immediately went back into push-up position.
"Extra preparation."
"For safety."
"One…"
"For dignity…"
"Two…"
"For peace…"
"Three…"
"…for survival…"
He paused again and looked at the door.
Still closed.
Still silent.
"…why do I feel like I am preparing for a battle instead of a romantic night…"
He sighed and laid back down on the carpet again.
His heart was still racing uncontrollably.
But now…
his nervousness had mixed with anticipation.
"…why am I both nervous… and looking forward to it…"
He covered his eyes with one arm dramatically.
"…she has completely ruined my peace of mind…"
--------------------------------------------------------
(Eyan's Chamber – Night)
Eyan was still lying on the carpet like a defeated soldier when he heard a faint rustling sound outside the chamber door.
He shot up instantly.
"She's here…"
He crept toward the door on tiptoe, pressed his ear against the wood, and listened with full concentration. His hand hovered over the handle, ready to open it.
Just as his fingers touched the handle—
A soft whisper brushed directly into his ear from behind.
"Honey…"
"—AHHHH!"
Eyan yelped like a startled maiden, clutching his chest with both hands as his soul nearly left his body.
He whipped around so fast he nearly tripped over his own feet.
"Eva—?!"
Eva stood right behind him, wearing a dangerously bold deep crimson nightgown that clung to her curves in all the right places. Over it, she had loosely draped a long, flowing black silk gown that covered her from shoulders to ankles, giving her an elegant yet mysterious look.
Her hair was slightly tousled from the window climb, and her eyes sparkled with pure mischief.
"Eva… you scared the life out of me!" he gasped, still holding his heart. "From where did you come?!"
Eva pointed lazily toward the open window with her thumb, a sweet smile on her lips.
"From the window, of course."
Eyan stared at the window, then back at her.
"Princess… can't you use the door like a normal person?! Why must you always come from the window?!"
"I like it," she replied simply, stepping closer with slow, deliberate grace. "It makes me feel like I'm still a little bit of a thief."
She tilted her head, eyes narrowing playfully.
"But that's not important right now."
Her voice dropped into a low, dangerous purr.
"What's important is… are you ready for me, Your Majesty?"
Before Eyan could even form a reply, Eva's hand shot out lightning-fast.
She grabbed his ankle.
"Eva—?!"
With one smooth, surprisingly strong tug, she yanked his leg and pulled him straight toward the bed.
Eyan's eyes widened in pure terror as he was dragged across the floor like a sack of potatoes.
"W-wait— Eva— slow down—!"
He flailed dramatically, trying to grab onto the carpet, but it was useless.
In one fluid motion, Eva flung him onto the large bed.Thud!
Eyan bounced once on the mattress, looking thoroughly traumatized.
Eva climbed onto the bed immediately, crawling toward him like a predator stalking her favorite prey.
Eyan panicked and started crawling backward on the bed, eyes wide.
"Eva… Eva, wait—"
She followed him slowly, a wicked smile playing on her lips, her nightgown shifting teasingly with every movement.
He crawled faster. She followed, graceful and unstoppable.
When his back finally hit the headboard, he had nowhere left to go.
Eva stopped right in front of him, still on all fours, looking down at him with dangerous amusement.
Eyan looked like a cornered rabbit.
Eva raised an elegant eyebrow.
"Why are you looking so scared, my king?" she asked sweetly, though her tone was pure trouble. "If you keep behaving like this, it will really look like I'm forcing you."
Eyan, still breathing heavily from being dragged across the room, blurted out:
"Aren't you?!"
The words escaped before he could stop them.
Silence.
Eva's eyes narrowed into dangerous slits.
She grabbed the nearest pillow and whacked him right in the face with it.
Thump!
"What did you just say?!" she exclaimed, half-angry, half-laughing. "I'm forcing you?!"
She hit him again for good measure.
"Fine! If you think I'm such a terrible bully, then I'm going back to my room right now!"
Eva turned dramatically, pretending to climb off the bed, her long gown swirling around her.
"Eva— no, wait!"
Eyan panicked for real this time.
He lunged forward, grabbing her wrist and pulling her back with too much force.
She lost her balance and fell forward — landing directly on top of him with a soft oof.
Their bodies pressed together as they tumbled back onto the bed.
Eyan's arms immediately wrapped around her waist tightly, holding her in place.
He looked up at her with wide, apologetic eyes.
"I'm sorry…" he whispered, voice soft and sincere. "don't be angry."
Eva narrowed her eyes at him, still pretending to be offended.
"You called me a bully and a forcer."
"I didn't—"
"You implied your poor innocent wife is attacking you."
Eyan let out a helpless, embarrassed laugh, one hand gently rubbing her back.
"My bold, window-climbing, leg-dragging, terrifyingly beautiful wife…" he corrected, voice warm with affection. "I'm really sorry. Please don't leave."
He leaned up and pressed soft, apologetic kisses to her forehead, her nose, then the corner of her lips.
"Stay with me…" he murmured against her skin. "I want you here. Very, very much."
Eva's fake anger melted away. She huffed softly, but her body relaxed against his, the long black gown pooling around them like dark silk.
"You're lucky you're adorable when you're scared," she muttered, though her eyes were sparkling again.
Eyan smiled up at her, relief and anticipation mixing in his gaze.
"Does that mean I'm forgiven?"
Eva sat up slowly, still straddling his waist. She looked down at him with a bold, dangerous smile that made his heart skip.
"Only if you make it up to me properly tonight," she whispered, voice low and full of promise.
She leaned down until her lips brushed his ear.
"And this time… I won't let you escape."
Eyan swallowed hard, his hands instinctively tightening on her waist.
"…Yes, My love."
Eva's smile turned positively wicked as she traced a finger down his chest.
"Good boy."
---
To be continued—