(After some days)
(Royal Palace of Velmoria – Corridor)
Aranel ran through the long marble corridor, her silk slippers barely making a sound against the polished floor. Tears streamed down her flushed cheeks as she clutched the front of her gown.
Behind her, Luca followed at a worried pace, his voice echoing off the high walls.
"Aranel! Slow down—don't run so fast!" he called, concern lacing every word.
But she didn't listen. She kept running, her breath coming in short, tearful gasps, until she reached Eva's chamber.
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(Eva's Private Chamber)
The heavy wooden door burst open with a loud bang.
Eva, who had been quietly reading by the window, jolted in her chair. The moment she saw Aranel's tear-streaked face, she shot to her feet.
"Aranel? Why are you crying?" she asked, voice filled with alarm.
Without a word, Aranel rushed forward and threw herself into Eva's arms, burying her face in her shoulder.
"Eva…" she sobbed.
Eva's arms instinctively wrapped around her, worry deepening the lines on her forehead.
"Aranel, what happened? Tell me."
Just then, Luca arrived at the doorway, breathless, chest heaving from the chase.
Eva's gaze snapped to him, eyes narrowing dangerously.
"Brother," she said, voice low and angry, "did you make Aranel cry?"
Luca raised both hands in surrender, still panting. "No, sister-in-law! It's not what you think—"
Eva turned back to Aranel, gently stroking her hair. "Aranel, are you crying because of him?"
Still crying, Aranel nodded against Eva's shoulder. "Yes…"
Eva's expression hardened. "How dare you make her cry, Brother! Just wait till I tell Eyan—he'll deal with you properly."
Luca's eyes widened in panic. "Wait, sister! It's a misunderstanding! Aranel, say something! Tell her!"
Eva's voice grew fiercer.
"Yes, Aranel, tell me everything. I'll break his bones myself if he hurt you."
Aranel slowly pulled back, tears still rolling down her cheeks. She looked up at Eva, lips trembling.
"Eva… I'm pregnant."
Eva froze. Her eyes widened dramatically.
Then—
"WHAAAT?!" she screamed.
A heartbeat later, pure joy exploded across her face. "Aranel… really?!"
Aranel smiled through her tears and nodded. "Yes."
Eva let out a delighted laugh and pulled Aranel into a tight, fierce hug.
"Congratulations, Aranel!" she cried, her own eyes filling with happy tears. "Oh my goodness, congratulations!"
Aranel hugged her back just as tightly, laughing softly between sobs. "Thank you, Eva…"
Eva pulled back slightly, cupping Aranel's face with both hands, tears of joy sliding down her cheeks.
"I'm going to be an aunty again… I'm so, so happy!"
From the side—
"Ahem."
Luca cleared his throat, a playful pout on his face.
"Sister-in-law… are you only going to congratulate Aranel? What about me?"
Eva turned to him, walked over, and placed a proud hand on his shoulder.
"I'm proud of you, brother. You did a wonderful job." She grinned. "Congratulations on becoming a father again."
Luca blushed, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Th-Thank you…" he mumbled, embarrassed.
Eva looked back at Aranel, eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"Aranel… did you two plan this child?"
Aranel blushed deeply but nodded. "We did, Eva… The truth is, we planned this for Nayra."
Eva tilted her head. "Nayra?"
"Yes," Aranel said softly. "On her birthday, she wrote a little note to the Goddess, wishing for a baby sister."
Eva's expression softened instantly.
Aranel glanced at Luca.
"Luca and I… we weren't sure when we wanted another child, but when you came back to us, it felt like the perfect time. So we started trying… and now… we finally have our little one."
Eva's eyes softened with understanding. "Oh… so what I saw that day was part of your 'having a child' plan?"
Luca immediately turned his face away, ears burning red with embarrassment.
"Eva…" Aranel whined, cheeks flaming.
Eva burst into laughter. "Fine, fine! I won't tease you two… for now."
She hugged Aranel once more, then suddenly pulled away, eyes bright with excitement.
"Wait! I have to tell Eyan this wonderful news! He's going to be over the moon!"
Before either of them could respond, Eva rushed out of the room, practically jumping with joy as she ran down the corridor.
"Eyan! Eyan, where are you, honey?! I have something to tell you! You're going to be an uncle again!"
Her happy shouts echoed through the palace halls.
Luca and Aranel stood there, watching her disappear, both of them laughing softly.
Aranel shook her head, still smiling. "She's even happier than us…"
Luca stepped behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her gently against his chest. He pressed a tender kiss to her temple.
"Congratulations on becoming a mother again, my love," he whispered.
Aranel leaned back into his embrace, placing her hands over his.
"You too," she murmured softly. "Congratulations on becoming a father again."
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(Royal Palace of Velmoria – Council Chamber)
The atmosphere inside the council chamber was tense.
Ministers stood around the long table, voices low but urgent. Maps, scrolls, and reports were spread everywhere.
Eyan stood at the head, his expression cold and focused.
"This delay will cost us the northern border," he said sharply. "We need a decision now."
Hans stepped forward, bowing slightly.
"Your Majesty, if we move troops now, we risk weakening the capital—"
BANG!
The massive doors slammed open.
Everyone flinched.
The guards stiffened.
Ministers froze mid-sentence.
And then—
The Queen walked in.
Eva.
Eyes bright. Breathing slightly fast. Completely ignoring the heavy tension in the room.
Every single person immediately stood up and bowed.
"Your Majesty."
But Eva didn't even glance at them.
Her eyes were locked on Eyan.
She walked straight toward him—quick, excited steps, almost glowing.
"Eyan!"
Eyan blinked, clearly caught off guard.
"…Eva?"
She reached him, grabbing his arm slightly.
"I have something to tell you—"
Eyan gently held her wrist, lowering her hand, his tone calm but firm.
"Eva… later," he said. "I'm in the middle of an important meeting."
Eva frowned immediately.
"Important?" she repeated. "What's more important than what I have to say?"
The entire room went silent.
Hans coughed awkwardly.
"Y-Your Majesty…" he stepped in carefully. "We are currently discussing a military issue regarding the northern border—"
Eva turned to him instantly.
"What issue?"
Hans explained.
"There's movement near the northern territory. If we send troops, we risk exposing the capital. If we don't, we may lose control of the region."
Eva blinked.
Then—
She frowned.
"…That's it?"
The ministers exchanged confused glances.
Eva stepped forward, completely slipping into seriousness now.
"Why are you even debating this?" she said. "Split the forces."
Silence.
Eyan narrowed his eyes slightly.
"Eva…Explain."
Eva crossed her arms.
"Send a smaller, fast unit to the north—not the full army," she said. "Just enough to stabilize the situation."
She pointed at the map.
"And strengthen internal defenses instead of weakening them. Use the reserve guard—rotate them in shifts."
Hans' eyes widened.
Eva continued, voice sharp now—
"And spread false intel."
Everyone froze.
"Make it seem like the capital is heavily guarded and that reinforcements are already on the way north," she said. "You control both sides without actually overcommitting."
A long… stunned silence followed.
One minister whispered, "That… would work…"
Another nodded slowly. "We maintain balance…"
Hans looked genuinely shocked.
"T-That solves both risks…"
All eyes turned to Eyan.
He was staring at Eva.
Not surprised.
Not confused.
Just… quietly impressed.
A slow smile tugged at his lips.
"…Do as the Queen suggested," he ordered calmly.
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Hans said.
The tension in the room vanished instantly as ministers hurried to act.
Eva clapped her hands once, satisfied.
"Good. Problem solved."
Then she grabbed Eyan's hand.
"Now come with me."
Eyan blinked. "Eva—"
"No," she said firmly, already pulling him. "Meeting over."
And just like that—
The King of Velmoria was dragged out of his own war council.
The ministers stood there in stunned silence.
(Palace Corridor)
Eva finally stopped, turning to Eyan, still holding his hand.
She was practically glowing.
Eyan looked at her, a soft smile forming.
"…Alright," he said. "What was so urgent that you stormed a council meeting?"
Eva bounced slightly on her feet, unable to contain herself.
"Guess what?"
Eyan raised a brow.
"I'm afraid to."
Eva grinned.
"Aranel is pregnant."
Silence.
Eyan froze.
"…What?"
"She's pregnant!" Eva repeated, laughing. "You're going to be an uncle again!"
For a moment—
Eyan just stared at her.
Then slowly…
A smile spread across his face.
A real one.
Warm. Bright. Happy.
"…That's wonderful," he said softly.
Eva nodded quickly, eyes shining.
"I know!"
Eyan let out a small breath, almost like relief mixed with joy.
"…Luca is going to panic again," he muttered.
Eva laughed loudly.
"He already did!"
Eyan chuckled, shaking his head.
"I'm glad," he said softly, his deep voice carrying quiet affection. "This is wonderful news."
Eva grinned even wider, still holding his hand. "Come on! Let's go congratulate them together. Aranel and brother must be waiting!"
Eyan gave a small nod, allowing her to lead him through the corridors toward Luca and Aranel's wing of the palace.
All the while, he walked beside her, quietly watching how radiant and alive she looked in her happiness. holding her just a little tighter.
-------------------------------------------------------
(2 Days Later)
(Palace Hall)
Sunlight poured into the grand hall.
On one side—
Eva sat calmly, slicing fruits with perfect precision. Plates after plates were already filled.
Too many plates.
Way too many.
Across the hall—
Luca was on the verge of collapse.
"Catch me if you can!" Leo shouted, running past him.
"No! Me first!" Nayra giggled, pulling his sleeve.
Nolan jumped onto his back.
"Father, horse!"
Luca staggered forward under the sudden weight.
"…I'm going to die," he muttered under his breath.
Aranel sat beside Eva, watching the chaos with a tired smile, one hand resting gently on her stomach.
Eva glanced up at Luca.
A small smirk appeared on her lips.
"Brother," she called sweetly, "you're tired already? It's only been three hours."
Luca stopped—
Bent over—
Hands on his knees—
Breathing like he had just survived a battlefield.
"Sister-in-law…" he gasped, "…it is not easy to play with children."
Eva clicked her tongue.
"Oh, stop complaining," she said casually, slicing another fruit. "After eight months, you'll have one more to look after."
Aranel smiled softly, glancing at Luca.
Luca froze.
Slowly…
He looked up.
"Right, sister… then there will be four children to look after."
His soul visibly left his body.
Eva burst into laughter.
"Don't look so defeated," she teased. "Eyan and I will help you with the fourth child."
Luca straightened slightly, as if he had just been given hope to live again.
"…Thank you, sister."
Just then—
A maid entered the hall and bowed deeply.
"Your Majesty."
Eva looked up.
"What is it?"
The maid hesitated slightly before speaking.
"Your Majesty, there is a woman outside requesting to meet you."
Eva frowned lightly.
"A woman? Did she give her name?"
"No, Your Majesty," the maid replied. "But she said… you know her."
Eva paused.
"I know her?"
"Yes," the maid nodded. "She said she is the woman you saved from human traffickers… a month ago."
Silence.
Then—
Realization dawned on Eva's face. She set the knife down gently.
"Oh… it's her." She nodded. "Yes, I know her. Where is she?"
"She is waiting in front of the palace, Your Majesty."
Eva stood up from the couch, brushing her hands.
"Bring her to my chamber. I will talk to her there."
The maid bowed again. "Yes, Your Majesty."
And left.
Eva turned to Aranel, pointing at the mountain of fruit plates.
"Aranel, I'll be back after meeting her."
Then her eyes narrowed slightly.
"And remember to finish all the fruits I cut for you."
Aranel immediately pouted.
"But Eva… this is too much. I can't eat all of this."
Eva raised a brow.
"Stop complaining and eat everything," she said firmly. "I will check when I return."
Aranel sighed dramatically.
"…Fine."
Satisfied, Eva turned and walked out of the hall.
The moment she left—
Luca let out a laugh.
Luca laughed from the floor, still surrounded by the giggling children.
"Aranel, so even you are afraid of sister-in-law?"
Aranel didn't even hesitate.
"Of course I am."
She picked up a slice of fruit, looking completely resigned to her fate.
"She's three months older than me," she added seriously. "I have to listen to her."
Luca blinked.
Then looked at the absurd number of fruit plates.
"…May the gods help you."
From behind—
"FATHER!"
Nolan jumped on him again.
Luca nearly collapsed.
"…No one is helping me."
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(Eva's Chamber)
Eva sat gracefully on the velvet couch, her posture relaxed but her fingers lightly tapping against her knee as she waited. Soft sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting a warm glow across the room.
The door opened quietly. The maid Layla stepped inside and bowed deeply.
"Your Majesty, I have brought her."
A woman in simple but neat clothing walked in behind her. She bowed low, her voice respectful and slightly nervous.
"Greetings, Your Majesty. It is an honor to meet you again."
Eva offered a warm smile. "Greetings. Please, come inside."
The woman stepped further into the chamber. Eva gestured to the couch opposite her.
"Please, have a seat."
The woman bowed once more and sat down carefully, hands folded in her lap.
Eva turned to the maid. "Layla, go and bring some tea and light refreshments for our guest."
Layla bowed. "Yes, Your Majesty."
The woman quickly raised her hands. "Your Majesty, there is no need for—"
Eva smiled gently, cutting her off. "Don't worry about that."
The woman looked down, a nervous smile on her face. "You are really kind, Your Majesty."
Eva let out a soft laugh. "Am I? But my husband says I'm an evil woman."
The woman couldn't help but laugh, then immediately covered her mouth, eyes widening in fear.
"I-I apologise, Your Majesty! I didn't mean to laugh."
Eva waved her hand lightly. "You should laugh. It was a joke… to make you feel more relaxed."
The woman visibly relaxed, her shoulders loosening as she let out a small breath.
Eva tilted her head curiously. "I forgot to ask your name last time. What is your name?"
"My name is Oliviya, Your Majesty."
Eva smiled warmly. "Oliviya… that's a wonderful name."
Oliviya bowed her head. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Eva leaned forward slightly. "So, Oliviya… why have you come to meet me so suddenly?"
Oliviya hesitated, then spoke carefully. "Your Majesty, forgive me, but I wanted to ask something… if you don't mind."
"Of course. Ask."
Oliviya took a deep breath. "That day when you saved us from the human traffickers… did you go to Roseveil Remedies again that same day?"
Eva's hand tightened slightly around the fabric of her dress.
"No… why do you ask?"
Oliviya continued, her voice low. "The thing is, a new worker in Roseveil Remedies made a grave mistake…"
Eva's brows furrowed. "What mistake?"
"She told me that the day you came to purchase the oil, another customer came in the evening to buy a tonic for her husband — the one that prevents a wife from conceiving a child."
Eva's breath hitched.
"Oh… so your shop sells that too…"
"Yes, Your Majesty. It is one of our best-selling products."
Eva kept her voice steady. "Alright… but what about it? What mistake did your worker make?"
Oliviya sighed heavily. "That day I wasn't present in the shop, and I'm the one in charge of all product arrangements. Our new employee gave the wrong tonic to that customer."
Eva stopped breathing for a moment.
"Wrong tonic…? What do you mean?"
"Instead of giving her the tonic that prevents conception, she gave her the tonic that helps a woman conceive a child."
Eva's mind went completely numb. Her heart seemed to stop.
"What…?"
"Yes, Your Majesty," Oliviya said quietly. "She gave her the wrong tonic."
Eva's voice came out shaky. "How can she make such a terrible mistake?"
"It was a mistake, but even she isn't entirely sure which tonic she handed over. Both tonics are a deep red color. She said she gave the customer the red tonic, but she's not certain. That's why, for the past month, I've been visiting everyone who came to the shop that day…"
Eva nervously tapped her foot on the floor. "Oh… but I didn't purchase anything like that. Why would I need something like this?"
Oliviya bowed her head apologetically. "I apologise, Your Majesty. I just thought I should ask you. I'm happy it was not you… If that customer had been you, our shop would be in grave trouble."
Eva forced a nervous smile. "Oh, it's not me… so don't worry."
Oliviya continued, "But now I don't know where to find that customer. I've met everyone else, but no one bought that tonic, and she hasn't come back to complain."
Eva felt a wave of relief.
"Oh… maybe your worker gave the customer the right tonic after all. That's why she didn't come to complain."
"I hope that is the case," Oliviya said softly.
Eva swallowed. "By the way… if both tonics are the same color, how do you tell them apart?"
"By the scent and taste. The one that prevents having a child has a sweet smell and is sweet in taste. The one that helps a woman conceive has a bitter smell and is bitter in taste."
Eyan's words from that day suddenly echoed in Eva's mind:
"What was that?!" he had asked after drinking the tonic. "It's so bitter!"
Eva's shoulders dropped. Inside, she was screaming.
Eyan said that tonic was bitter….. I'm doomed.....I made him drink the wrong tonic.
Oliviya rose from the couch and bowed deeply.
"Then I should take my leave, Your Majesty. I just came to ask you about that…"
Eva nodded, trying to keep her expression calm. "Alright… Have a safe journey back home."
Oliviya offered a small smile and quietly walked out, closing the door softly behind her.
The moment the door shut, Eva collapsed back onto the couch, her face pale.
"No… no… what do I do? It was the wrong tonic… What if I get pregnant?"
She shot up and began pacing back and forth across the room, panic rising in her chest.
Then she stopped, trying to calm herself.
"Eva, don't worry. Even if it was the wrong tonic, nothing will happen. There is no way you will conceive after just one night—"
But then the memory of that night flooded back — how intense, passionate, and wild it had been. Four hours nonstop.
Eva closed her eyes tightly.
"No… there is a hundred percent chance"
She opened her eyes again, breathing fast.
"Come to think of it… my monthly cycle is five days late this time. That means…"
Eva slowly placed a trembling hand over her stomach, her voice barely a whisper.
"I am pregnant."
.
.
To be continued—