Royal Palace
(Eva's Chamber – Late Night)
The chamber was quiet and softly illuminated by moonlight.
Leo was sleeping peacefully beside Eva, but one of his small legs had stretched out and rested directly across her stomach.
The door opened quietly.
Eyan stepped inside and immediately noticed Leo's leg pressing on Eva's belly.
He moved swiftly to the bed, gently lifting his son's leg and moving it away.
"Leo, don't place your leg over her," Eyan said softly. "Your mother is not feeling well tonight."
Leo stirred and opened his sleepy eyes. He looked at Eva with concern. "Mother… are you sick?"
Eva smiled tenderly and stroked his hair. "Just a little."
Leo's expression turned guilty. "I'm sorry, Mother. You should have told me…"
"It's alright," Eva whispered gently.
Eyan carefully lifted Leo and shifted him to the side of the bed, then lay down in the middle. Leo pouted softly.
"Father, why are you sleeping in the middle?"
"Because you kick in your sleep," Eyan explained patiently. "What if you hurt your mother while sleeping? Her stomach is already in pain. Do you want to hurt her?"
Leo shook his head. "No…"
Eyan smiled and pulled Leo closer, laying the boy's head gently on his broad chest. "Then sleep with Father tonight."
Leo nodded quietly and snuggled against him.
Eyan turned his gaze to Eva, his eyes warm with love. "Eva… come closer."
Eva smiled softly and moved toward him. She rested her head on his shoulder while her hand gently lay on Leo's back, keeping her family close.
Eyan leaned in and pressed a slow, tender kiss to her forehead, lingering there for a moment.
Leo watched them and pouted. "Father… I want a kiss too."
Eyan laughed. "Alright, my little prince." He planted a loud, exaggerated mwah! on Leo's forehead.
Eva leaned over and gave Leo a gentle kiss on the cheek. "Good night, my sweet boy."
Leo grinned sleepily, then pointed at Eyan. "Mother, you forgot Father's good night kiss!"
Eyan's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Don't worry, son. I'll collect mine after you fall asleep."
Eva's mouth fell open. She swatted Eyan's chest lightly. "Shut your mouth!"
Eyan smiled and quickly covered Leo's ears with his hands. He leaned close to Eva's ear and whispered in a deep, velvety voice, "Tonight I plan to take my time with that kiss… so be prepared. It's going to be long… and deep."
Eva blushed deeply, her heart fluttering. "You are shameless…"
Eyan's shoulders shook slightly with quiet laughter, then removed his hands from Leo's ears. "Leo, now sleep, okay? So Father can also have his good night kiss."
Leo smiled and closed his eyes. "Okay, Father…"
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After some time, Leo's breathing became slow and steady. He had fallen into a deep sleep. Eyan carefully lifted his son and gently laid him on the side of the bed, tucking the blanket around the boy with fatherly tenderness.
He then turned fully toward Eva.
Without a word, he cupped her face with one hand and leaned in. Their lips met in a slow, deep kiss. Eyan took his time, kissing her with quiet passion — long, unhurried, and full of love.
His thumb gently stroked her cheek as he held the kiss, pouring his affection into every moment.
When he finally pulled back, he rested his forehead against hers, eyes half-lidded with warmth.
"How is your pain now?" he asked softly, concern lacing his voice. "Are the cramps any better?"
Eva shook her head lightly. "I'm not in pain anymore."
Eyan smiled gently. "Good. Now sleep, you need rest."
He pulled her closer, one of his hands slowly stroking her belly in soothing circles. Eva's lips curved into a soft, bittersweet smile.
Even though he didn't know it, his hand was resting exactly where their child was growing.
After a quiet moment, Eva whispered, "Eyan?"
"Hmm?" he replied, eyes already closed, voice relaxed.
"Brother Luca and Aranel… they are so happy about their new child."
Eyan nodded slightly, a small smile on his lips. "Yes, they should be. A child is a true blessing from the goddess."
His words touched Eva's heart deeply.
She hesitated, gathering her courage, then asked softly, "Honey… how about we also have another child?"
Eyan's eyes snapped open.
He looked at her for a long moment, his expression serious but filled with love.
"No, Eva," he said gently but firmly. "I already told you — we will not have another child."
Eva turned slightly toward him, her hand resting on his chest.
"But Eyan, you just said having a child is a blessing…"
"It is," he replied, his voice calm and steady. "For those who want it with all their heart. But for us, Leo is more than enough. We already have our perfect family."
Eva persisted, her tone soft and pleading.
"Eyan, you worry over nothing. Nothing will happen to me this time. I promise. I'm stronger now."
Eyan sighed deeply and shifted so he could look directly into her eyes. His hand moved from her belly to gently cup her cheek.
"Princess!... listen," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "It's not that simple. I watched you die once. I held you in my arms as your life slipped away, and I couldn't do anything to stop it. That moment still haunts me every single night. Even after all these years."
He paused, swallowing hard before continuing.
"I won't take that risk again. Not with your life. You mean more to me than anything in this world. Leo needs his mother. I need you. I cannot — I will not — put you through another pregnancy if there's even the smallest chance of losing you again."
Eva felt a pang of sadness settle in her chest. Her eyes glistened as she searched his face.
"But Eyan… it's different this time. I feel fine. Truly. And a little brother or sister for Leo would—"
"No," Eyan interrupted gently, shaking his head. He pulled her closer, pressing a kiss to her temple. "Please, Eva. Don't ask me this. You are my greatest treasure. I would rather spend the rest of my life with just the three of us than risk losing you again. Can you understand that?"
Eva stayed silent for a moment, her heart aching. The last spark of hope slowly faded.
"Okay…" she whispered finally, her voice barely audible. "I understand."
She gently moved his hand away from her waist and turned her head to the other side, facing away from him.
Eyan noticed the sudden distance immediately.
His voice softened with worry. "Eva… what happened? Did I hurt you by saying that?"
Eva kept her back to him. "Can you not sleep while holding me tonight? I'm feeling a little suffocated."
Eyan looked at her turned back for a long moment, pain flickering in his eyes. He sighed softly but respected her wish.
"Fine," he said quietly.
He carefully adjusted the blanket over her shoulders, making sure she was warm and comfortable. "Sleep well, Good night."
Then he turned toward Leo, pulled his son closer to his chest, and closed his eyes.
Eva remained wide awake, staring into the darkness.
A single tear slipped from the corner of her eye and rolled down her cheek. She slowly brought her hand to her belly, cradling it protectively.
Eyan… if that is how you feel, then I will keep this child a secret from you for as long as I can. I will not tell you anything about our baby.
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(Royal Palace – Velmoria)
Throne Room – 20 Days Later
The grand throne room was filled with the low murmur of voices as nobles and commoners presented their requests and grievances. Eyan sat on the throne with focused attention, listening seriously to each speaker, occasionally nodding or asking clarifying questions. Eva sat beside him on the queen's throne, trying her best to stay attentive.
A faint whisper slipped through the line of ministers.
"Is the Queen… sleeping during an important discussion?"
Eyan turned his head and looked at Eva.
Her eyes were closed, her head slightly tilted, breathing slow and steady.
She had indeed fallen asleep.
Eyan sighed softly and looked at Eva's lady-in-waiting, who stood nearby.
"Take the Queen back to her chamber so she may rest," he instructed quietly.
The two ladies-in-waiting approached Eva gently. One of them touched her shoulder lightly. "Your Majesty… Your Majesty?"
Eva did not stir.
They tried again, speaking a little louder. "My Queen, please wake up."
Still no response.
Eyan leaned over and gently shook Eva's shoulder. "Eva… Eva."
Eva stirred with a small jolt, her eyes flying open in surprise. "What…?"
"Shh, it's alright," Eyan said calmly, his voice low and soothing. "You fell asleep. Go back to your chamber and rest."
Eva blinked rapidly, embarrassment coloring her cheeks. "I… I apologise. I fell asleep during the meeting. I will listen carefully from now on."
Eyan studied her face for a moment, concern flickering in his eyes. "It's alright. But you clearly need rest. We can continue without you."
"No, really, I'm fine," Eva insisted softly. "Let's continue."
Eyan paused, then nodded. "Fine. Let's proceed."
The hearing continued. Ministers and petitioners presented their cases one after another. For a while Eva sat upright, forcing her eyes to stay open.
But soon her eyelids grew heavy again. She blinked repeatedly, trying to fight the drowsiness, yet her head began to droop.
Suddenly, her body swayed forward as sleep overtook her completely.
Eyan moved instantly. He reached out and caught her before she could fall, one strong arm wrapping around her shoulders and pulling her back against the throne safely.
Eva's eyes snapped open sharply, wide with surprise.
"Are you okay?" Eyan asked, worry clear in his voice as he held her steady.
Eva nodded quickly, still disoriented. "Yes… I'm sorry."
Eyan turned to the ladies-in-waiting. "Take the Queen to her chamber. Make sure she rests properly."
Eva protested weakly, "No, Your Majesty, I can—"
"No, Eva," he said firmly but gently, cutting her off. "Go and rest. That is an order."
Eva looked at him for a moment, then nodded in defeat. "As you wish…"
She stood up slowly from the throne. The two ladies-in-waiting immediately flanked her, supporting her arms as they guided her out of the throne room.
Eyan watched her go, his gaze fixed on her until the heavy doors closed behind her. Only then did he turn back to the court, his expression composed once more.
"Let us resume," he said calmly.
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(Eva's Chamber)
The two ladies-in-waiting helped Eva lie down comfortably on the large bed, adjusting the pillows behind her back.
"Your Majesty, do you need anything?" one of them asked gently.
Eva shook her head. "No… I just want to rest. You two can go."
The ladies bowed respectfully and quietly left the room, closing the door behind them.
Eva lay on her back, staring at the ornate ceiling. A heavy sigh escaped her lips.
"I can't believe I fell asleep during such an important discussion… Eyan must be so disappointed in me."
She turned onto her side, pulling the blanket slightly closer.
But sleep didn't come.
It hadn't come for twenty days.
For twenty nights, she had barely rested...Because Eyan was always there.
Her fingers curled slightly as the memories surfaced.
Every night, she would carefully remove his arm from around her waist, inching away, creating distance between them. Her heart would pound as she lay stiff, afraid—
Afraid he might notice...Afraid he might find out.
But no matter how far she moved…After some time, he would always pull her back.
His arm would find her again, strong and unyielding, drawing her close as if it were the most natural thing in the world...As if she belonged there.
Eva shut her eyes tightly.
"I doubt I can hide it much longer," she whispered to herself. "Every time I see Eyan, I get so anxious… so nervous."
She placed a protective hand over her belly.
"I wish I could go somewhere for a while… somewhere I don't have to see him every day and live in fear of getting caught."
Eva lay there for a long moment, lost in thought. Suddenly, her eyes brightened and she sat up on the bed with renewed energy.
"Right… there is one place I can go."
With a small, determined smile, she stood up and left the chamber.
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(Luca and Aranel's Chamber)
Eva knocked softly on the door.
The door opened and Luca's face lit up with a warm smile. "Oh, sister-in-law! It's you. Please come in."
"Where is Aranel?" Eva asked as she stepped inside.
"She's resting," Luca replied. "Though she's not very happy about it."
Aranel was lying on the bed, her expression clearly bored and frustrated.
"Aranel, are you feeling unwell?" Eva asked gently.
"I'm not unwell," Aranel grumbled, sitting up. "I'm just bored out of my mind. Someone won't let me do anything." She shot a pointed glare at Luca.
Luca sighed. "Aranel, why are you glaring at me? What could possibly be more important than your health and the baby's?"
Aranel crossed her arms. "It's not about that. I hate just lying here all day doing nothing. I feel suffocated staying trapped in this room. I want to go outside too!"
"You can go out as much as you want once the baby is born," Luca said patiently.
"You—" Aranel started, clearly ready to argue.
Eva quickly interrupted with a calm suggestion. "Aranel… why don't we go to Father's house for a few days?"
"Father's house?" Aranel repeated, surprised.
"Yes," Eva nodded. "I haven't seen him in years. The change of scenery will improve your mood, and I can visit Father too."
Aranel's face instantly brightened. "Yes! Eva, let's go!"
Luca frowned. "Wait… Aranel, you can't just go. Who will take care of you at your father's house?"
Aranel rolled her eyes. "Luca, shut your mouth. Do you think my father doesn't have servants? They will take excellent care of me."
Eva looked at Luca reassuringly. "Yes, brother, don't worry. I will be there with her the whole time. You trust me, right?"
"Of course I trust you, sister-in-law," Luca said. "But what about Eyan? Did you ask for his permission? Did he agree?"
Eva's expression hardened slightly. "Brother… why do I need permission from Eyan to visit my father's house? It's my decision."
Aranel nodded firmly. "Exactly. It's our decision. So You men should keep quiet."
Luca sighed in defeat. "Fine… you can go. But if you're going for rest, then you cannot take Nolan and Nayra with you. I will handle them here."
"I wasn't planning to take them," Aranel said. "They should stay with their father."
"Of course," Luca nodded.
Aranel suddenly turned to Eva. "What about Leo? Will you take him?"
"I will—" Eva began.
"Leo can't go," Luca interrupted gently. "He has to attend the Imperial Academy for his studies."
Eva's shoulders dropped slightly. "Oh… then I guess I will be going alone too."
Aranel grabbed Eva's hand excitedly. "Then it will be just you and me, Eva! Like old times. We'll have so much fun together."
Eva smiled, though it didn't fully reach her eyes. "Yes… we will."
Luca gave Aranel a warning look. "Aranel, you are pregnant. Please don't have too much fun."
Aranel snapped back immediately. "I know! Stop telling me again and again. I know how to take care of myself."
"Alright, alright," Luca said, raising his hands in surrender. "Stop getting angry."
.
.
To be continued—