(Next Day — Royal Palace)
The next day, Eva's birthday was celebrated with unmatched grandeur across the entire Empire.
The halls were adorned with shimmering lights, fresh flowers, and flowing silks, creating an atmosphere of warmth and joy. Music echoed through every corridor, lively and enchanting, as nobles, knights, and servants alike gathered to celebrate their queen.
It was not just a celebration—
It was a reunion of hearts.
Laughter filled the air.
Glasses were raised.
And for the first time in a long while, the palace felt truly alive.
Everyone was there.
Eyan stood beside Eva, never once letting her drift too far from him. Leo stayed close, proudly watching his mother, while Nolan and Nayra ran around happily, pulling others into their excitement.
Luca and Aranel shared quiet smiles, their eyes often drifting toward their family with contentment.
Even King Thalor, now awake and full of life, watched it all with deep satisfaction, as if witnessing a dream he had once feared he would never see again.
And then—
the music rose.
Hands reached for one another.
And the dance began.
Eyan pulled Eva gently toward him, their movements slow at first, then flowing effortlessly with the rhythm. Around them, others joined—laughing, spinning, celebrating.
The night became a blur of music, laughter, and warmth.
A celebration not just of a birthday—
But of life, love, and a family finally whole again.
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The grand birthday celebration for Eva had finally come to a peaceful end. The hall was now quiet, the music faded, and the last echoes of laughter lingered in the air like a sweet memory.
One by one, the family members gathered around Eva to wish her a happy birthday once more.
"Happy birthday once again, sister," Luca said with a gentle smile.
Aranel stepped closer, her voice soft and affectionate.
"It was a beautiful night… you truly deserve it."
Eva smiled warmly, her eyes filled with quiet happiness.
"Thank you… all of you."
Nolan and Nayra were already fast asleep, resting against their parents.
Aranel adjusted Nayra in her arms while Luca carried Nolan carefully.
"Time to take these two to bed," Luca said softly.
Eyan chuckled lightly. "They didn't even last till the end."
"They had too much fun," Aranel replied with a fond smile.
They exchanged a few more warm words before parting ways.
Luca and Aranel walked down the corridor, carrying the sleeping twins.
Eyan turned toward Leo.
The little boy had already fallen asleep in his arms, his head resting peacefully against Eyan's shoulder.
Eva looked at them both, her expression soft.
"…he didn't even say good night."
Eyan smiled faintly.
"He was too busy celebrating."
Together, they walked quietly toward Eva's chamber.
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(Eva's Chamber)
Eyan and Eva entered the quiet chamber together. The soft glow of a few candles lit the room.
Eyan walked to the large bed and carefully laid Leo down in the center. He adjusted the pillows so the boy would be comfortable, then pulled the soft sheet up to cover him gently, tucking it around his small body with fatherly care.
Once Leo was settled, Eyan turned to Eva. His eyes were soft with concern and love.
"Eva, sleep and rest," he said quietly. "You must be tired too after standing for so long today."
Eva gave him a small, tired but warm smile.
"I'll sleep… but first, I'll take a bath."
Eyan nodded understandingly.
"Okay then. You take your bath."
Eva nodded and walked toward the attached bathroom, disappearing inside with a soft click of the door.
Eyan stood there for a moment, watching the closed bathroom door. He ran a hand through his hair and let out a quiet sigh.
"…I need to take a bath too," he murmured to himself. "But Eva will take some time."
He thought for a brief moment, then made a decision.
"Come out, Mara."
From Eyan's shadow, the large wolf emerged silently, his golden eyes calm and alert.
Eyan looked at his loyal companion with gratitude.
"Mara, can you look after Leo? I'm going to take a bath in my chamber."
Mara gave a single, solemn nod. Without hesitation, he leaped gracefully onto the bed and settled down beside Leo. The little boy, even in his sleep, instinctively wrapped his small arms around the wolf's warm, fluffy body, snuggling closer with a contented sigh.
Eyan smiled softly at the heartwarming sight.
"Thank you, my friend."
With one last look at his sleeping son and the protective wolf, Eyan quietly left Eva's chamber and walked down the corridor to his own room to take a bath while Eva continued hers in the bathroom.
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Fifteen minutes later
Eyan's Chamber
After his bath, Eyan stood in front of the mirror in his chamber, quietly drying his damp hair with a soft towel. The cool night air felt refreshing against his skin after the long day. He was just about to set the towel aside when a sudden knock echoed through the room.
He paused, then walked to the door and opened it.
No one was there.
Eyan frowned in confusion and looked left and right down the empty corridor.
"Did someone knock on the door?" he asked the two guards standing outside.
Both guards shook their heads respectfully.
"No, Your Majesty. No one approached."
Eyan's brows furrowed deeper. He muttered a quiet "I see" and shut the door, still puzzled.
The moment he turned around, his heart nearly stopped.
"Ahhhhh—"
Eva was pressed against the window from the outside, her wide eyes staring straight at him, her nose squished comically against the glass.
She knocked again — tap tap tap — with a mischievous grin.
"Ahh—!!"
Eyan grabbed his chest, letting out a startled breath.
"Eva!"
He rushed to the window, opened it quickly, and pulled her inside in one swift motion, shutting the window behind her.
"Eva, can you stop entering my chamber from the window?!" he scolded, though his voice carried more fond exasperation than real anger. "You are a Queen now, not a thief!"
Eva dusted off her night robe lightly and gave him an innocent smile.
"I'll try…"
Eyan sighed, running a hand through his still-damp hair.
"Why are you here? I was about to come to your chamber after drying my hair."
Eva stepped closer, tilting her head with a playful, expectant look.
"I came for my birthday gift. You still didn't give me your gift…"
Eyan's expression shifted into a knowing smile.
"Oh… so you are here for your gift."
Without another word, he tossed the wet towel onto the bed and pulled Eva into his arms tightly, pressing her body flush against his.
"Let me give you your birthday gift," he murmured, voice low and warm.
He captured her lips in a hard, passionate kiss.
Eva melted into it immediately, her hands sliding up to his shoulders as she kissed him back with equal intensity.
When he finally pulled back just enough to breathe, he rested his forehead against hers, eyes dark with desire.
"It's me you want for your birthday gift, right?"
Eva smiled beautifully, cheeks slightly flushed.
"Honey… you know me too well."
Eyan chuckled softly, his thumb brushing her lower lip.
"Of course I know you. I'm your husband… I know exactly what my wife wants."
Eva's fingers played with the collar of his robe as she asked, "Did the Royal physician finish making the tonic?"
"Yes, he did. He gave it to me this morning."
Eva's eyes sparkled with anticipation.
"Then how long do we have to wait for you to drink it and for it to work?"
Eyan's smile turned teasing.
"You don't need to wait."
He leaned in closer, voice dropping to a husky whisper.
"I took it beforehand… I knew you would be doing this."
Eva's smile widened, bright and delighted.
Without warning, she pushed Eyan backward. He fell onto the bed with a soft thud, and she immediately climbed over him, straddling his waist.
Eyan watched her with an affectionate, heated smile.
Eva leaned down, Eyan buried his face into her hair, inhaling deeply.
"You smell nice, Princess… Did you use new bath oil?"
Eva let out a soft laugh.
"Yes… Do you like it?"
"I love it," he murmured against her neck, voice sincere and warm.
They both closed their eyes, leaning in for another deep kiss.
Suddenly, Eyan's eyes snapped open.
"Wait, Eva—"
Eva pulled back, confused.
Eyan gently moved her aside and stood up from the bed.
He walked to the door, opened it, and addressed the guards outside in a calm but firm tone.
"You are dismissed for the night. Return to your posts only in the morning."
The guards bowed deeply.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
As soon as they left, Eyan closed the door and returned to Eva.
Eva burst into soft laughter, covering her mouth.
"Did you send them away because of last time?"
Eyan climbed back onto the bed, grabbing her by the waist and pulling her closer with a playful growl.
"What else? I don't want them to hear that again."
Eva bit her lower lip, eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Don't worry… I won't be loud like last time."
Eyan's grip on her waist tightened as he leaned in, voice low and full of promise.
"Oh, you will… because I plan to make you scream louder than last time."
Eva's breath hitched, clearly thrilled by his words.
They kissed again — deeper, this time.
Eyan pulled back just enough to whisper against her lips, voice warm and intimate.
"Happy Birthday again, my love."
Eva smiled beautifully, her eyes shining with love and desire.
"Thank you, honey."
Eyan guided her gently down onto the bed, rolling them so he hovered over her. His hands roamed her body with reverence and hunger as he leaned down to capture her lips once more, the night once again filled with the passionate reunion of husband and wife.
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(15 Days Later)
(Royal Palace — Corridor)
Eva walked through the sunlit palace corridor, her steps light but slightly hurried. She glanced left and right, searching for a familiar small figure.
"Where did Leo go…? I haven't seen him after breakfast," she murmured to herself, frowning lightly.
She stopped suddenly, tilting her head in realization.
"He must be in Aranel's room."
With a small nod, she turned and headed toward the other side of the corridor, making her way to Luca and Aranel's chamber.
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(Luca and Aranel's Chamber)
Eva pushed the door open and stepped inside.
The room was completely empty. No children, no wolves, no sign of anyone.
"No one is here…" she said softly, looking around.
She turned to leave when her hand accidentally brushed against a small wooden toy on the side table. The toy rolled off the edge and disappeared deep under the large bed with a soft thud.
Eva sighed.
"Great…"
She walked around to the other side of the bed, bent down on her knees, and reached under it, trying to fish out the toy. Her upper body disappeared beneath the bed as she searched.
Just then, the sound of footsteps and the door shutting reached her ears. The lock clicked softly.
Eva froze.
From her hidden position under the bed, she saw two pairs of familiar legs enter the room.
Oh… Aranel and Brother are back, she thought, relief washing over her for a second.
But before she could stand up and announce herself, the couple didn't waste any time.
Luca pulled Aranel into his arms and kissed her deeply, passionately — completely lost in the moment. The kiss quickly grew heated.
Eva's eyes widened in horror as she peeked from beneath the bed.
Oh no…
Clothes started falling to the floor.
First Luca's coat landed with a soft thud.
Then Aranel's outer robe followed.
Eva's face turned bright red. Her inner voice screamed.
Oh they are not planning to stop after the kiss! They're going to— right now?!
She couldn't take it anymore.
Eva shot up from her hiding spot, eyes squeezed tightly shut, and screamed at the top of her lungs.
"STOOOOOOOOOOP!!!"
Both Luca and Aranel froze instantly.
Luca pulled away from Aranel so fast he stumbled backward, nearly tripping over his own feet. His face turned scarlet.
Eva kept her eyes firmly closed, one hand raised in front of her like a shield.
"I'm here… I apologize! I was just looking for Leo and the toy rolled under the bed and— never mind!"
Aranel and Luca stood there, faces burning with embarrassment, half-undressed and completely caught off guard.
Aranel quickly tried to speak, voice flustered.
"Eva, we were just—"
"You don't have to explain anything to me!... i understand" Eva interrupted, still refusing to open her eyes. "But first, let me get out of here!"
Still with her eyes shut tight, Eva began walking toward the door in blind panic. She bumped into a chair, then the edge of the table, nearly falling over.
"Ow—!"
Aranel rushed forward and grabbed her hand to steady her.
"Eva—"
"I'm fine!" Eva squeaked, face flaming.
Aranel gently guided her to the door. Eva fumbled for the handle, finally opening it.
She opened her eyes just a little and looked at Luca, who was still standing there looking mortified.
"Brother… do your best."
With that, Eva slipped out and shut the door firmly behind her.
Inside the room, Luca covered his face with both hands, groaning in pure embarrassment.
"Oh gods… Sister-in-law saw us. This is so embarrassing…"
Aranel couldn't help but smile. She stepped closer and pulled his hands away from his face, wrapping her arms around his waist.
"What are you so embarrassed about? We are husband and wife," she said softly, amusement dancing in her voice.
"Still… it's embarrassing," Luca muttered, cheeks still red.
Aranel chuckled and rested her forehead against his.
"Luca, you think Eva and brother Eyan don't have their own romantic moments?" I know Eva understands perfectly. That's why she told you to 'do your best'."
Luca's embarrassment slowly melted into a shy smile. He pulled Aranel tightly against him, his hands settling on her waist.
"If Sister-in-law said so… then I'll work hard."
He leaned down and captured her lips in a deep, loving kiss, the earlier interruption quickly forgotten as warmth and passion returned between them.
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(Outside Luca and Aranel's Chamber)
Eva was standing right outside Luca and Aranel's chamber like a professional spy, both ears glued to the wooden door.
She was so focused she didn't even blink, lips moving silently as she tried to catch every little sound.
Suddenly, a calm but deep voice spoke directly behind her ear.
"What… are you doing?"
"KYAAAA—!"
Eva jumped so hard she almost kissed the door.
She whipped around, heart pounding, only to see Eyan standing there with his arms crossed.
"Honey! It's you… I got scared!" she whispered, clutching her chest dramatically.
"Yes, it's me," Eyan replied, raising an eyebrow. "But more importantly — why are you standing outside Luca and Sister Aranel's chamber with your ear pressed to the door like a curious cat?"
Eva's expression instantly turned mischievous. She leaned in close, cupped her hand around her mouth, and whispered excitedly into his ear:
Eyan's eyes widened in pure horror.
"Eva!" he hissed, voice cracking slightly. "It's a very bad thing to eavesdrop on other people's private moments! They are husband and wife. Outsiders like you should not be listening to… to… that!"
Eva pulled back with an innocent shrug, but her grin was pure evil.
"Oh, it's not that private. I tell Aranel about all the romantic nights I spend with you."
Eyan froze like someone had poured ice water down his back. His face slowly drained of color.
"…You tell her everything?"
"Yes," Eva said cheerfully, nodding like it was the most normal thing in the world. "She knows everything."
Eyan's nervousness skyrocketed. He leaned in closer, voice dropping to a panicked whisper.
"And… what exactly do you tell her about… us?"
Eva's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Oh, I tell her that you—"
She stopped mid-sentence, suddenly clamping her mouth shut with both hands and shaking her head.
Eyan waited, visibly sweating now.
"Yes? What did you tell her? Let me know too!"
"No," Eva said firmly, cheeks puffing out. "It's private talk between me and Aranel."
Eyan looked genuinely distressed.
"How is that private talk when I'm the main character in those stories?! Eva, please — did you tell her about the time I—"
Eva quickly covered his mouth with her hand.
"Shhh! I won't tell you!"
Eyan gently removed her hand, looking like a man facing execution.
"Fine… don't tell me," he muttered, but his eyes were wide with nervous curiosity. "But now I'm going to spend the whole day wondering what embarrassing details my wife has been sharing with her friend…"
Eva immediately leaned back toward the door, ear pressing against the wood again, clearly trying to hear more.
Eyan sighed loudly.
"Eva, stop it now. What do you even want to hear?"
Eva didn't even look ashamed. Her eyes were shining with innocent curiosity.
"Nothing bad… I'm just wondering if it feels different doing it in daytime. I've never tried that before. I wonder what it feels like…"
Eyan stared at her for two full seconds. Then a slow, dangerous smirk replaced his nervous expression. He leaned in very close to her ear and whispered huskily,
"Wanna try it right now?"
Eva's face exploded into a deep blush. She straightened up so fast she nearly knocked him over.
Clearing her throat dramatically, she said in the most unconvincing voice possible,
"I just remembered — I was looking for Leo!"
Eyan's smirk only widened.
"Leo is with Nolan and Nayra. They're playing with their grandfather in the garden."
"Oh… then I suddenly remember I had something very important to do elsewhere—"
Before she could finish the sentence or escape, Eyan smiled wickedly, bent down, and lifted her effortlessly over his shoulder like a sack of royal potatoes.
"Eyan—! Put me down!" Eva squeaked, legs kicking lightly in the air.
He ignored her completely and began walking confidently down the corridor toward his chamber, whistling softly as if carrying his wife like this was perfectly normal.
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(Eyan's Chamber)
Eyan kicked the door open, stepped inside, shut it firmly behind them, and locked it with a loud click.
He set Eva down on her feet. She was still blushing furiously, smoothing down her dress with both hands.
"Eyan, what are you doing?!"
Eyan pulled her close against his chest, one strong arm wrapped securely around her waist.
"You said you wanted to know what it feels like doing it in the daytime…"
He leaned down, lips brushing teasingly against her ear.
"Now… let me show you."
Eva's blush deepened, but a shy, excited little smile tugged at her lips.
Eyan captured her mouth in a deep, heated kiss, his hands already sliding around her as the afternoon sunlight streamed through the windows — proving that daytime could be just as passionate as the night.
Outside the locked door, the palace continued its peaceful day — completely unaware that the King had just kidnapped his own Queen for a very thorough "daytime lesson."
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(After Sometime)
The door to Eyan's chamber finally opened.
Eva stepped out first — Her legs wobbled like a newborn deer. She had to grab the doorframe for support, her hair a wild mess, dress slightly crooked, and face still glowing with a deep, post-bliss flush.
Eyan followed right behind, looking far too smug for someone who had just spent the entire afternoon thoroughly wrecking his wife in broad daylight.
Eva turned on him immediately, eyes narrowed into slits even as she clung to the wall.
"Eyan Lucian Therald," she started, voice hoarse but dripping with dramatic scolding, "you absolute menace of a husband! I said I was curious about daytime. I did not say 'Please ruin my ability to walk for the rest of the day'! Look at me! My legs feel like jelly! I swear if I fall flat on my face in the middle of the corridor, it will be entirely your fault!"
Eyan tried (and failed) to hide his amused smile as he quickly moved to her side. He wrapped one strong arm around her waist, supporting most of her weight so she wouldn't collapse.
"My apologies, my Queen," he said, voice warm and teasing, though there was genuine affection underneath. "Here, lean on me. I'll help you walk."
Eva leaned heavily against him, still grumbling as they began walking slowly down the corridor together.
"Help me walk? Now you want to help" she continued scolding, poking his chest with one finger. "You kept laughing every time I tried to hide under the pillow! And then you pulled it away and said 'No hiding today' like some kind of daylight tyrant! The sun was shining directly on us, Eyan! Directly!"
Eyan chuckled softly, tightening his arm around her to keep her steady as her legs threatened to give out again.
"You were the one who kept saying 'harder' and 'don't stop' while the sun was shining directly on us," he teased, voice low. "I was simply being a good husband and giving my wife exactly what she asked for."
Eva swatted his chest weakly, though her lips were twitching with amusement.
"Good husband? You nearly broke me!... You are never allowed to do that again in daylight. Never."
Eyan's smirk only grew.
"But you looked so beautiful in the sunlight. All glowing and—"
"Stop talking!" Eva hissed, face flushing even deeper as she glanced around the empty corridor. "Someone might hear you!"
"You enjoyed it," he murmured, pressing a quick kiss to her temple. "Admit it."
Eva huffed dramatically, but her lips twitched with amusement.
"…Maybe a little. But that doesn't excuse the fact that I now walk like a drunk sailor! If anyone sees me like this, they'll think their queen spent the afternoon wrestling a bear."
Eyan laughed warmly, adjusting his grip to support her better as they continued their slow walk.
They had only gone a few more steps when Eyan's expression suddenly turned nervous. He cleared his throat awkwardly.
"Eva… about what we just did…"
He leaned closer, voice dropping to a pleading whisper.
"Do not tell Sister Aranel about this one. I beg you. Please. Leave out the daylight part, the pillow-biting, the 'Let the sun watch' — all of it. I won't be able to look her in the eye for the next ten years."
Eva stopped shuffling. She turned her head to look at him, and a slow, gloriously evil smile spread across her flushed face.
"Oh, honey…" she purred sweetly, eyes twinkling with pure mischief. "I will definitely tell her. Every single embarrassing detail."
Eyan's face went pale.
"Eva—!"
Before he could protest further, Eva suddenly gathered the last dregs of her energy, slipped out of his supporting arm, and took off in a wobbly, limping run down the corridor.
"Aranel! Aranel, wait until you hear what His Majesty did to me in broad daylight—!"
"Eva!! Come back here!" Eyan yelped, pure panic in his voice as he immediately gave chase.
Eva's bright, mischievous laughter echoed through the hallway as she half-ran, half-staggered away, still complaining loudly about her poor legs between giggles.
Eyan followed right behind, one hand covering his burning face in embarrassment while the other reached out desperately.
"Princess, I beg you— have mercy on your poor husband!"
The corridor filled with Eva's triumphant laughter and Eyan's mortified pleas — a perfect, chaotic end to their very educational daytime adventure.