(Eyan's Chamber — Crack of Dawn)
A deep rumble of thunder echoed across the sky, followed by the steady, soothing rhythm of rain tapping against the palace windows. The storm had arrived with the first faint light of dawn, turning the world outside into a soft blur of grey and silver.
Eyan stirred awake, his body reacting instinctively to the low growl of thunder.
He blinked slowly, letting his eyes adjust to the dim morning light.
For a long moment, he simply lay there, savoring the warmth of Eva curled trustingly against his side. Her head rested on his chest, one leg tangled with his, her breathing slow and peaceful.
Memories of the night before flooded his mind in vivid, heated detail. Four long, passionate hours where Eva had been bold, demanding, and utterly insatiable.
She had refused to let him rest even once — pulling him back again and again with teasing whispers, hungry kisses, and breathless pleas, the way she had laughed with such open joy even when exhausted…
A deep, affectionate warmth filled Eyan's chest. After so many years apart, last night had felt like rediscovering each other all over again.
He turned his head and pressed a slow, tender kiss to her bare shoulder, his lips lingering on her soft skin.
"Sleep well, my love," he whispered softly against her ear, voice full of quiet adoration. "You need rest after everything you demanded from your poor husband last night. You were so fierce… I'm still amazed you had that much energy after everything."
Eva made a small, sleepy murmur of contentment but didn't wake, only snuggling closer into his warmth with a tiny sigh.
Eyan watched her for a few heartbeats longer, a soft smile playing on his lips. Then, carefully so as not to disturb her, he slipped out of the bed.
His bare feet met the cool floor, and he immediately noticed the scattered evidence of their intense night — his shirt tossed near the window, Eva's sheer crimson nightgown lying halfway across the room, the long black silk gown draped over a chair, his pants crumpled near the foot of the bed. Everything told the story of passion and urgency.
Eyan cleared his throat awkwardly, a faint flush creeping up his neck.
"By the gods… we really didn't hold back, did we?" he muttered under his breath, half-amused, half-embarrassed.
He quickly gathered all the discarded clothes, folding them neatly and placing them on a nearby chair.
After that, he moved quietly into the bathing chamber for a quick, refreshing bath. The cool water helped clear his mind and ease the pleasant ache in his muscles.
When he returned, freshly bathed and wearing simple, clean clothes, Eva was still deeply asleep. The sheet had slipped down to her waist, leaving the upper half of her body bare and relaxed in the soft morning light.
Eyan's gaze softened with deep love and care. He prepared a basin of warm water and a soft cloth, then sat gently on the edge of the bed. With slow, reverent movements, he began cleaning her skin — wiping away the traces of their long, passionate night.
He carefully cleaned her neck, her shoulders, the gentle curve of her breasts, and her stomach, his touch tender and loving, as if he were worshipping every inch of the woman who had given him so much pleasure and happiness.
"You were incredible last night, Eva," he whispered softly while she slept. "So bold and beautiful. I loved every moment…Thank you for trusting me completely."
Once he finished cleaning her, he dried her skin gently with a fresh towel. From the wardrobe, he selected one of his own tunics — a soft, oversized dark blue one. Carefully, he slipped it over her head and arms, maneuvering her limp body with surprising gentleness until the tunic covered her.
The garment was far too big. The sleeves swallowed her hands completely, and the hem reached almost to her knees, making her look small, adorable, and utterly endearing in his clothes.
Eyan couldn't help but smile warmly at the sight.
"Look at you… drowning in my clothes," he murmured with quiet amusement. "My fierce Queen, now looking so peaceful and tiny."
He pulled the sheets up around her, tucking them tightly and securely to keep her warm against the cool, rainy morning air.
Leaning down one last time, he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.
"Rest as long as you need, my love."
He stood up straight, stretching his slightly sore body, and spoke softly to the quiet room with a fond smile.
"Mother is resting well now. Time to see what our son is up to."
Eyan began walking toward the door, but paused just before opening it. His hand hovered over the handle as a sudden realization hit him.
The guards were standing right outside the entire night…
He remembered Eva's loud, unrestrained moans and happy cries — the way she had boldly said "Let them hear!"
Eyan's face heated with fresh embarrassment.
"No… surely they didn't hear anything," he told himself, trying to sound confident. "The walls are thick. They heard nothing at all."
He took a steadying breath, composed his expression into calm royal dignity, and opened the door.
The two royal guards outside immediately straightened to perfect attention, spears held upright.
But the moment Eyan stepped out, he noticed the faint, barely hidden smiles on both their faces. One guard's lips were twitching suspiciously, as if trying very hard not to grin.
Eyan closed the door behind him with a soft click and spoke in a calm, authoritative voice.
"Your Queen is still sleeping inside. I am going to check on Leo. Until I return, guard this door well."
Both guards bowed deeply and respectfully.
"Yes, Your Majesty," they replied in perfect unison.
Eyan gave a short nod and began walking down the corridor.
He had only taken a few steps when he heard it — the quiet, muffled sound of the two guards giggling behind him, trying (and failing) to stay silent.
Eyan froze mid-step, ears burning red with embarrassment.
He didn't turn around, but muttered under his breath, voice filled with mortified realization:
"They Heard it...They definitely heard it… Oh, this is so embarrassing."
Shaking his head, he continued walking, trying to maintain his kingly composure.
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(Eva's Chamber)
Eyan walked quietly through the rain-soaked corridors until he reached Eva's chamber, where Leo had been sleeping.
He opened the door gently and stepped inside.
The room was peaceful, filled with the soft sound of steady rain. Leo was sleeping soundly on the large bed, curled up in a small ball.
Beside him, Mara lay protectively, the large wolf's body curved around the boy like a living shield. Mara's golden eyes opened calmly as Eyan approached, but he remained still.
Eyan smiled softly and walked to the bed. He sat down carefully on the edge, reaching out to pat Mara's massive head with affection.
"He didn't trouble you, did he?" Eyan asked in a low whisper.
Mara shook his head slowly from side to side.
Eyan chuckled quietly, his eyes twinkling with knowing amusement.
"You are lying. I know my son. He kicks in his sleep like a little warrior practicing battle moves."
Mara made a soft, reluctant huffing sound — almost like a sigh — as if admitting the truth. He did kick me a little bit… but it's alright.
Eyan's smile widened with warmth.
"Thank you for taking care of him, Mara. I know he can be a handful even when he's asleep."
Mara gave a small, dignified nod, accepting the gratitude.
Eyan then lay down gently on the other side of Leo, careful not to wake the boy.
He reached over and began softly patting Leo's back in slow, rhythmic strokes, his touch full of fatherly love.
"I've got him now," he whispered to Mara. "You can sleep. You've watched over him all night."
Mara looked at Eyan for a moment, then nodded once more. He closed his eyes and settled his large head down, quickly drifting into sleep while still staying close to Leo.
Eyan stayed there for a long time, listening to the rain and the quiet breathing of his son and the loyal wolf. His hand never stopped its gentle patting, a quiet smile lingering on his face as he soaked in the peaceful morning moment.
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After 2 Hours
(Eyan's Chamber)
Eva stirred slowly in the large bed, her body heavy with pleasant exhaustion. She reached out sleepily with one hand, searching for the familiar warmth of her husband beside her.
The bed was empty.
Her eyes fluttered open, still drowsy.
"Eyan…?" she called softly, her voice a little hoarse from sleep.
Outside the door, the royal guards exchanged a quick glance. One of them straightened, then quietly hurried down the corridor to find the King.
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(Eva's Chamber)
A soft knock sounded on the door.
Eyan, who had been lying beside Leo, gently rose from the bed so as not to disturb the sleeping boy.
He opened the door and found the guard standing there, bowing respectfully.
"Your Majesty," the guard said in a low voice, "the Queen is awake and calling for you."
Eyan nodded, glancing back into the room. Leo was still fast asleep, and Mara had woken up, now alert and lying protectively close to the boy once again.
"Mara," Eyan said quietly, "can you look after Leo for a little while longer?"
Mara gave a firm, understanding nod.
With one last affectionate look at his son, Eyan stepped out and closed the door softly behind him.
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(Eyan's Chamber)
Eyan entered his own chamber quietly.
Eva was sitting up in bed, still wearing his oversized dark blue tunic, her hair slightly tousled from sleep. She looked beautiful, if a little tired.
He walked straight to her, sitting on the edge of the bed and gently cupping her face with both hands, his thumbs brushing her cheeks tenderly.
"Eva… you should sleep more," he said softly, voice full of concern and love. "You had a very long night."
Eva leaned into his touch, a small, tired smile on her lips.
"Honey… my back hurts a little. Can you massage it?"
Eyan nodded without hesitation.
"Of course."
He helped her lie back down on her stomach. With warm, careful hands, he began massaging her back — slow, firm strokes working out the knots and soreness from their passionate night. He moved down to her legs as well, kneading the muscles gently.
"Are you in pain?" he asked quietly, worry threading through his voice.
"A little," Eva admitted honestly, though her tone was relaxed. "But it's a good kind of ache."
She turned her head slightly to look at him.
"Where did you go earlier?"
"I went to check on Leo," Eyan replied, continuing the soothing massage.
Eva began to sit up slowly.
"I should go to him… he might be alone—"
Eyan gently guided her back down onto the bed, his hands firm but loving.
"Don't worry. Leo is still asleep, and Mara is taking excellent care of him. You need to rest."
Eva let herself be eased back against the pillows, a soft sigh escaping her.
"Honey… can you look after Leo for me? I'm feeling really tired. I want to sleep a little more."
Eyan smiled tenderly and leaned down to press a kiss to her temple.
"Don't worry at all. I'll take care of him. You can sleep as long as you want. I'll stay right here until you fall asleep again."
Eva's eyes fluttered closed, a contented smile on her face.
"Thank you..."
Within moments, her breathing evened out as she drifted back into peaceful sleep.
Eyan continued massaging her back in slow, gentle circles, his touch never stopping.
He watched over her with quiet love, the sound of rain still falling softly outside.
---------------------------------------------------
Today Leo was supposed to use his power that day to heal King Thalor Therald and awaken him from his long, deep slumber.
But Eyan postponed it.
Eva had spent the entire day asleep, her body completely worn out after the night before.
And for Eyan—
her rest mattered more than anything else.
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(Next Day)
(King Thalor Therald's Chamber)
The royal chamber was filled with a quiet, hopeful tension. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, illuminating the grand bed where King Thalor Therald had lain in deep sleep for years. Today was the day his grandson would attempt to heal him.
Eyan, Eva, Luca, Aranel, the twins Nolan and Nayra, and young Leo were all present. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation and love.
Eyan carefully adjusted the positions of the twins, gently guiding Nolan and Nayra to stand right in front of the bed so that the first thing King Thalor would see upon waking would be his beloved grandchildren.
He stepped back, observing the arrangement with a satisfied nod.
"Now it's perfect," Eyan murmured, a small smile on his lips.
His gaze then shifted to Eva.
"Eva, go and stand behind Nayra."
Eva nodded softly and moved into position, placing herself protectively behind her niece.
Eyan turned to Aranel next.
"Sister Aranel, you too — go and stand behind Nolan."
Aranel gave a graceful nod and stepped beside Eva, resting her hand gently on Nolan's small shoulders for reassurance.
Eyan looked over the family one final time, making sure everything was perfectly arranged. Only then did he turn to Leo, who was sitting calmly on the edge of the bed beside his grandfather.
"Leo," Eyan said, his voice steady and encouraging, "now… begin."
Leo nodded with quiet confidence.
"Okay, Father."
The little boy placed his tiny hand on King Thalor's chest. The air in the room instantly began to vibrate with powerful magic. The heavy curtains fluttered violently as if caught in an invisible wind. Leo's small body glowed with radiant energy, his red eyes shining brightly with the immense power he carried.
A large wave of magical energy surged from Leo's palm, flowing into King Thalor's body and enveloping him completely in a brilliant, warm light.
Everyone held their breath.
After several long moments, the glowing energy slowly faded from King Thalor's form. Leo's eyes returned to their normal color, and he carefully withdrew his hand from his grandfather's chest.
He looked up at Eyan.
"Father… it's done."
Eyan stepped closer, concern evident in his eyes.
"What about you, son? Do you feel anything? Are you alright?"
Leo smiled brightly and shook his head.
"No, Father. I'm perfectly fine."
Eyan's expression softened with deep pride.
"Well done, my boy. Father is very proud of you."
Leo beamed at the praise.
Just then, King Thalor's hand twitched. In a sudden movement, he grabbed Leo's small arm — not roughly, but with surprising strength.
Everyone in the room froze.
King Thalor's eyes slowly opened. His gaze landed immediately on the child sitting right in front of him.
Leo smiled warmly at his grandfather.
"Grandfa—"
"Eyan…" King Thalor whispered hoarsely, his voice weak but clear.
Luca and Eyan were standing near the headboard. Luca leaned toward Eyan with a confused frown.
"What are you doing? Father is calling for you."
Eyan smiled gently and shook his head.
"No… it's not me. Look."
King Thalor's hand moved from Leo's arm to gently cup the boy's face, stroking it with pure, fatherly love.
"My son… what are you doing here?" he murmured softly. "Did your mother scold you again?"
Leo blinked, then let out a soft, affectionate laugh.
"Grandfather… I'm not Father. I'm your grandson. My name is Leo Alen Therald."
King Thalor's eyes widened at the name, realization slowly dawning.
"Leo…"
His gaze then drifted past the boy and landed on Eva, who stood behind Nayra near the foot of the bed.
With surprising speed for someone who had been unconscious for so long, King Thalor sat up straight in the bed.
"Eva… my child… is that really you?"
Eva bowed her head respectfully, tears already glistening in her eyes.
"Greetings, Father. It is good to meet you again."
Tears spilled down King Thalor's cheeks as he stared at her in disbelief and overwhelming joy.
"I knew it… I knew you were alive," he said, voice breaking. "My child… I was so heartbroken when Luca told me you had died after giving birth to Leo. But it was only a nightmare… nothing happened to you…"
Eva's own tears fell freely now as she stepped closer.
"Yes, Father… nothing happened to me. I'm here."
King Thalor's tear-filled eyes then moved to Aranel.
"Aranel… my child… is that you?"
Aranel bowed gracefully, her voice warm with emotion.
"Greetings, Father. Yes… it is me, Aranel."
King Thalor let out a shaky laugh, wiping at his eyes.
"Oh… I almost couldn't recognize you. You've grown even more beautiful."
King Thalor's gaze slowly shifted from one face to another, still overwhelmed by everything he was seeing.
Then—
His eyes landed on the two small figures standing at the front.
Nolan and Nayra.
He went still.
Something in his expression changed… softened… deepened.
He studied their faces quietly—the shape of their eyes, the way they stood close to each other, the faint resemblance that felt so familiar.
A gentle breath left him.
"…those eyes…"
His voice was barely above a whisper.
He looked up at Aranel, his eyes searching hers.
"Aranel… my child…"
A small, hopeful smile touched his lips.
"…are they Luca's children?"
Aranel stepped forward, her hand resting lovingly on Nolan's shoulder.
Her voice was soft, filled with quiet pride.
"Yes, father… they are."
For a moment—
King Thalor simply closed his eyes.
Relief.
Gratitude.
Joy.
When he opened them again, they were filled with warmth.
He slowly extended his arms toward them.
"Come here… my children…"
There was no hesitation.
"Grandfather!"
Nolan and Nayra ran to him, climbing onto the bed with innocent excitement.
King Thalor gathered them into his arms carefully… almost reverently… as if holding something fragile and precious.
His hands trembled slightly as he placed a soft kiss on Nolan's head…
Then on Nayra's.
"My grandchildren…"
His voice broke gently.
Nayra wrapped her arms around him tightly. Nolan leaned into his embrace, smiling.
King Thalor held them closer, his eyes glistening.
"…you are both so warm…so alive…"
For a moment, he said nothing more.
Just held them...Just felt them.
Then slowly… he lifted his gaze again, looking around the room.
His family.
All of them.
Safe.
Together.
A faint, thoughtful frown appeared.
"…everyone is here…"
He tilted his head slightly.
"…but where are my two foolish sons?"
There was a brief pause.
Then from behind him—
Two familiar voices spoke at once.
"We are right here."
King Thalor turned slowly.
Eyan and Luca stood behind the bed.
Both watching him.
Both… smiling.
Luca crossed his arms lightly.
"Foolish, father?"
Eyan added, his tone calm but warm,
"That is how you greet us after waking up?"
For a moment—
King Thalor simply looked at them.
Really looked at them.
His sons.
Grown.
Strong.
Standing before him.
His eyes softened deeply.
"…you both are here…"
His voice was quiet now.
Filled with emotion he didn't try to hide.
"…then everything truly is alright…"
Luca's expression melted.
Eyan's gaze lowered slightly, a faint smile forming.
King Thalor let out a soft breath, as if a great weight had finally left his heart.
"…my foolish sons…"
He smiled gently.
"…you have taken good care of everything…"
This time—
Neither of them argued.
Because beneath those words...was something far more important.
Pride.
Love.
And the quiet relief of a father who had finally come home.
To be continued—