(Royal Palace — Morning)
Morning light spilled across the palace steps, soft and golden, as preparations for departure unfolded with quiet efficiency.
Servants moved back and forth, carefully arranging baskets filled with fruits, herbs, fine tea, and nourishing items—everything deemed beneficial, especially for Aranel's condition.
One of them stepped forward and bowed.
"Your Majesty, everything is ready."
At that moment, Eva and Aranel appeared at the top of the steps.
Aranel walked slowly, one hand resting lightly on her belly, while Eva stayed beside her, calm yet distant in thought.
Luca immediately stepped forward.
"Careful," he said, gently guiding Aranel toward the carriage.
As he helped her inside, Aranel looked at him, her tone softer than before.
"Take care of Nolan and Nayra."
"I will," Luca replied with a small smile. "Don't worry. You take care of yourself too."
Aranel nodded before settling inside.
Eva remained behind.
Her eyes instinctively searched—and found Eyan.
He stood a short distance away, quiet, composed… yet watching her.
Beside him stood Leo.
Eva's expression softened instantly. She walked toward her son and knelt slightly, pulling him into a warm embrace.
"Take care of yourself, Leo."
"I will, Mother," he said obediently.
She smiled faintly before standing again.
Her gaze shifted to Eyan.
For a brief moment, neither of them spoke.
Then Eva broke the silence.
"Honey… take care."
Eyan's lips curved into a small, gentle smile.
"I will."
She lingered there, her eyes searching his face—as if waiting.
Waiting for something more.
But nothing came.
A flicker of disappointment crossed her expression.
"Then… I should take my leave," she said quietly.
She turned and began walking toward the carriage.
"Eva."
Her name stopped her.
She turned back—
And before she could react, Eyan closed the distance between them and pulled her into a tight embrace.
His arms wrapped around her firmly, almost desperately.
"Take care of yourself," he murmured, his voice low.
A pause.
Then, softer—more vulnerable than she had ever heard before—
"I will miss you… so much."
Eva's eyes widened slightly.
Then slowly, she wrapped her arms around him in return.
"I will miss you too…"
Eyan pulled back just enough to look at her, then leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on her cheek.
"Bye."
A small smile formed on Eva's lips.
"Bye."
She turned once more, her steps slower this time.
Luca helped her into the carriage.
"Take care, sister-in-law."
"I will, brother."
The doors closed.
Moments later, the carriage began to move.
As it rolled forward, Eva looked out through the window.
Eyan and Leo stood side by side, both raising their hands, waving at her.
She lifted her hand in return—
But as the distance grew, her vision blurred.
Tears slipped silently down her cheeks.
Unable to hold it in, she leaned slightly out and called out—
"Leo! Eyan! I love you both! Take care!"
Leo's voice rang out in response, small but full of emotion.
"I love you too, Mother!"
The carriage passed through the palace gates… and disappeared beyond them.
Silence settled over the steps.
Leo suddenly clutched Eyan's leg tightly, burying his face against him.
Eyan looked down, surprised.
"What happened, son?"
A faint sniffing sound reached his ears.
Eyan frowned slightly.
"Leo… are you crying?"
Leo shook his head quickly.
But it was no use.
Eyan bent down and lifted him into his arms.
The moment he saw his face—tear-streaked, trembling—his expression softened.
"Hey…" he murmured gently, patting his back. "Don't cry. Mother will be back."
Leo clung to him, his small hands gripping tightly as his quiet sobs continued.
Eyan held him close.
But his gaze… lingered on the empty road ahead.
And for the first time since her departure—
The palace felt a little too quiet.
-------------------------------------------------------
15 days later
(Marquess Calren Delyss Estate)
(Eva's chamber - Night)
Eva closed the door behind her after dinner, the latch clicking softly in the quiet room. She crossed to the window and sank into the armchair, eyes lifting to the vast, star-filled sky. A heavy sigh left her chest.
Staying away from Eyan was supposed to bring peace. Instead, the ache had only deepened.
Her palm settled gently over her belly.
How much longer could she keep this secret? One day he would find out about the child growing inside her.
"Will you be angry, Eyan?" she whispered to the stars. "Or will you just look at me with disappointment?"
A delicate sound broke the silence —
ting-ting-ting
The magical communicator on her bedside table began to glow with warm golden light.
Eva turned, and a real smile finally touched her lips.
"They're calling earlier than usual tonight," she murmured, rising quickly.
She picked up the orb and activated it with a gentle brush of her fingers. Light bloomed.
"Mother!" Leo's voice rang out, bright and full of excitement.
Her heart softened at once. "Yes, my little baby?"
"Mother, did you miss me? Leo missed you so, so much!"
"Of course I missed you," she said, warmth flooding her voice. "Every single day, my sweet boy."
Leo launched into his story without pause. "Today at the academy was so much fun! They taught us new magic circles and how elements work together. It was amazing!"
Eva smiled, listening as he chattered on. "I'm really glad you enjoyed it, darling."
Then Leo added cheerfully, "Mother, Father is here with me too!"
Her pulse quickened. She tried to keep her tone light. "Eyan… are you there?"
A brief pause.
Then his familiar, deep voice answered, calm as always. "Yes. I'm listening."
"How was your day?" she asked, fingers tightening around the communicator. "Did anything interesting happen?"
"Nothing much. A few meetings… and I had to go into the capital for an inspection."
"Oh," she said softly.
"What about you?" Eyan asked. "How was your day?"
"I didn't do much. Just stayed in Aranel's room, resting."
"Good. I'm glad you're taking it easy."
Silence settled between them, awkward and heavy.
"Eva," Eyan said after a moment, "why are you so quiet? Say something."
"I… don't really have anything to say. You can talk if you want."
He sighed lightly. "Alright. Then tell me — when are you coming home?"
"I think I'll stay here a few more days."
Eyan gave a low chuckle. "Leo, it seems your mother is enjoying her time away from us."
Leo's voice turned small and sad. "Mother… is that true? You don't miss us?"
Leo's small, uncertain voice pierced straight through her heart.
I do…I miss you both every single day…But I have to stay away from your father… just for a little while longer…
Eva forced her voice to remain gentle, steady.
"It's not like that, Leo… don't worry. I'll return to you both in a few days."
"Okay…" Leo said, still sounding uncertain. "But please don't take too long."
"I won't."
"Leo, it's getting late," Eyan said gently. "Say good night to your mother."
"Good night, Mother. I love you."
"Good night, my precious boy. I love you too."
Eyan's voice softened. "Good night, princess. Take care of yourself."
"Good night, honey," she whispered.
The connection broke...The soft glow of the communicator dimmed… then disappeared entirely.
And with it—
The warmth.
The smile on Eva's lips slowly faded as she lowered her hand, placing the communicator back onto the table.
She lay back on the bed, closing her eyes.
For a moment, there was nothing but silence.
Then suddenly—
Her eyes snapped open.
"I forgot to drink the tonics…"
She sat up quickly, pushing aside the blanket, and moved to the drawer. Pulling it open, she revealed several small bottles neatly placed inside.
"I forgot the ones the physician gave me at the palace in the hurry… I had to buy these again…"
One by one, she uncorked them and drank, her face tightening slightly at the bitterness. The quiet clink of glass echoed softly in the room as she placed each bottle back, sealing them carefully.
Once finished, she closed the drawer and returned to her bed.
Lying down again, she stared at the ceiling.
Her thoughts began to spiral.
"I hid the tonics… in my chamber… inside the wardrobe…"
Her fingers curled slightly over the blanket.
"No one will see them… right?"
Her breathing grew shallow.
"No one enters my chamber except Eyan or Leo…"
A pause.
"…there's no way they would look inside the wardrobe."
But doubt crept in, cold and persistent.
"What if they do…?"
Her chest tightened.
"What if they open it… and see the tonics…"
Fear gripped her, quiet but suffocating.
She placed her hand over her racing heart, pressing gently as if to calm it.
"No…"
Her voice was barely a whisper now.
"They won't see it… Eva, don't be afraid…"
She shut her eyes tightly.
"Nothing will happen."
But the darkness behind her eyelids offered no comfort.
And once again—
Sleep refused to come.
-------------------------------------------------------
(Royal Palace — Eyan's Chamber)
The faint light of the communicator dimmed and vanished as Eyan set it down beside the bed.
Silence settled into the room.
He shifted his gaze downward.
Leo lay on his chest, small and warm, his tiny hands clutching lightly onto his clothes.
Eyan's expression softened.
"Leo," he murmured quietly, "now that you talked to your mother… are you feeling better?"
"Yes… Father," Leo replied sleepily.
A faint smile touched Eyan's lips.
"Good. Now close your eyes. You have to wake up early for the academy tomorrow."
Leo gave a small nod and obediently shut his eyes.
Eyan's hand moved instinctively, patting his back in a slow, steady rhythm.
The quiet deepened.
His gaze lifted to the ceiling—but his thoughts were far from calm.
I thought hearing her voice would ease this feeling…
His hand paused for a brief second… then resumed.
But it only made it worse.
A shadow passed through his eyes.
Why does she sound so distant… more with each passing day?
He exhaled softly.
She laughs, she talks freely with Leo…
A slight tightening in his chest.
But when she speaks to me… why does she hesitate?
His brows drew together faintly.
Why does she sound nervous… as if she's hiding something?
Silence answered him.
He let out a quiet breath and shook his head slightly.
"…I must be overthinking."
The words felt unconvincing even to himself.
Time passed in the gentle rhythm of his hand against Leo's back.
Eventually, Leo's breathing slowed… deepened… steadied.
He had fallen asleep.
Eyan looked down at him, his expression softening again.
He adjusted him carefully, making sure he was comfortable.
"Sleep well, son…"
His voice was almost a whisper.
Then his eyes shifted to the empty space beside him.
The bed felt too wide...Too cold...Too quiet.
A faint, tired smile appeared on his lips, though it didn't reach his eyes.
"…It seems I won't be sleeping tonight either."
He stared into the darkness.
And like someone far away—Sleep stayed just out of reach.
--------------------------------------------------------
(Ten days later)
(Emperor's Study – Morning)
Sunlight streamed through the tall windows of the Emperor's study, illuminating the heavy oak desk scattered with scrolls and reports.
Eyan sat in his chair, reviewing documents, when a soft crystalline ting-ting-ting echoed in the room.
The magical communicator on his desk glowed with a gentle blue light.
He set down his quill and activated it.
Aranel's voice came through, warm but laced with concern.
"Brother… are you there?"
"Yes, sister Aranel," Eyan replied, leaning back slightly. "I'm here."
There was a short pause before she spoke again, her tone hesitant.
"Brother… did you and Eva have a fight?"
Eyan's brow furrowed. "No, we haven't. Why do you ask?"
Aranel's voice grew heavier with worry. "Brother, I think something is wrong with Eva."
Eyan straightened in his seat, a flicker of unease rising in his chest. "Wrong? What do you mean by that?"
"Since the day we arrived here, Eva has looked so sad," Aranel explained. "She barely talks anymore. She spends most of her time locked away in her room, alone. I've asked her what's wrong, but she won't tell me anything."
Eyan's fingers tightened around the communicator. "She must be sick. Did you tell her to see the physician?"
"I thought the same thing at first," Aranel said. "I told her to get checked, but she insisted she was fine."
Worry deepened in Eyan's voice. "Then what is wrong with her?"
Aranel hesitated, then continued carefully. "Come to think of it, brother… Eva started behaving differently right after that woman came to meet her."
Eyan's eyes narrowed. "Woman? What woman?"
"I don't know her name," Aranel replied. "But i remember the maid saying she was someone Eva knew from before. They talked for a long time that day. After the woman left, Eva didn't return to us. She stayed in her chamber, and she's been like this ever since — quiet, distant, sad."
Eyan exhaled slowly, his mind already turning. "Thank you for telling me, sister Aranel. I'll ask the knights about that woman."
"Please do, brother," Aranel said, her voice thick with concern. "It hurts my heart seeing Eva like this."
"Don't worry," Eyan reassured her gently. "I'll take care of it."
The call ended with a soft, fading chime. The blue glow of the communicator dimmed and vanished, leaving the study silent once more.
Eyan remained seated for a moment, staring at the device, his expression darkening with quiet determination.
.
.
To be continued—