"Brother… I want to get married to Eyan."
Luca blinked, confusion flickering across his face. "Marry Eyan? But—aren't you already married to him?"
A faint, sad smile curved Eva's lips. "No. The man I married is Kyel, not Eyan. This time…I want to marry Eyan."
He leaned back, brows knitting. "That's not going to be easy, sister. Eyan isn't someone who will simply agree."
"I know," she said softly, her gaze steady now.
Luca's expression shifted from confusion to concern. "Do you have a plan?"
A glimmer of determination sparked in Eva's eyes. "I do."
He hesitated, then gave a half-smile. "Do you need my help with anything?"
"Yes," she replied without missing a beat. "There's one thing I need from you."
Luca straightened. "Just tell me what it is, and it's yours."
Eva drew in a breath, her fingers curling tighter. "The thing I want is—"
---
(Evening of Eyan's Birthday Benquet)
The palace ballroom glittered with a thousand lights; crystal chandeliers spilled silver across marble floors as nobles in silks and jewels filled the air with murmured conversations and soft laughter.
Eva stepped down from the carriage, her arm linked with Lady Aranel Delyss.
"Let's go inside, Eva," Aranel whispered, eyes darting over the crowd of arriving carriages.
"Alright," Eva murmured.
They entered the grand hall together.
"There are so many people," Aranel said, her voice a mix of awe and nerves.
But Eva's eyes roamed past the gilded pillars and velvet curtains, searching the crowd.
"Eva, are you even listening to me?" Aranel hissed.
Eva blinked. "What?"
Aranel tilted her head. "Where are your eyes wandering? Are you looking for someone?"
Eva shook her head too quickly. "No. I'm not—"
Her words died as the herald's staff struck the floor.
"Announcing the arrival of Luca Veyren, Master of the Magic Tower!"
Eva's heart gave a sharp flutter as she turned toward the entrance, "Brother…"
Luca strode into the hall, his long coat of deep midnight blue embroidered with faintly glowing runes. His eyes swept the crowd once, then landed on Eva. A small, knowing smile curved his lips.
Aranel gasped softly. "Eva… do you know him? Why is the Master of the Magic Tower smiling at you?"
Eva's stomach knotted. "No—no, we don't know each other. This is my first time seeing him."
Across the room, Luca murmured, "Looks like His Majesty hasn't arrived yet."
The herald's staff struck the marble again.
"Make way! Announcing His Imperial Majesty, Eyan Lucien Therald Emperor of Velmoria!"
The double doors swung open. Eyan entered in full imperial regalia—white and black lined with gold. A hush rippled across the hall as nobles turned to bow; his presence filled the space like a blade unsheathed under moonlight, commanding and cold.
Eva turned her head instinctively as the crowd parted.
"Eyan… he's here."
Her pulse stuttered. Even from across the hall she could feel the weight of his presence pressing through the sea of bowing nobles. Her eyes never left him as he strode forward.
Eyan reached the dais at the far end of the ballroom, ascended the few marble steps, and a servant immediately pressed a goblet of wine into his hand.
He lifted it slowly, the crimson liquid catching the light like spilled rubies. His gaze swept over the crowd, unreadable, before he spoke—his voice low and resonant, carrying to every corner of the hall.
"Let the banquet begin."
Music swelled again, servants moved, and conversation resumed in a wave, but Eva stood rooted where she was, her eyes still fixed on him.
Aranel leaned toward Eva, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Eva…why are you looking at His Majesty like that?"
Eva's cheeks flushed. She quickly lowered her gaze, trying to mask the rapid beating of her heart.
"It's nothing," she murmured, her fingers clutching the folds of her gown.
Aranel's eyes narrowed in suspicion. "You're acting really…weird today. More than usual. I've never seen you like this."
Eva forced a small smile but said nothing, her thoughts still anchored on the figure standing tall across the room.
Meanwhile, Luca Veyren approached the Emperor. He bowed deeply, his voice respectful yet warm.
"I wish you a very happy birthday, Your Majesty."
Eyan's eyes flicked toward him, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Luca… I didn't expect to see you here. It has been a long while."
Luca's lips curved into a matching smile. "I wasn't planning on coming, but…sometimes plans change. I hope Your Majesty has been doing well."
Eyan's smile widened, a rare softness in his gaze. "I am doing well, as you can see."
Luca inclined his head, pleased at the acknowledgment.
Eyan gestured toward a chair beside him. "Luca, come and sit here with me."
"Of course, Your Majesty," Luca replied, moving gracefully.
A flash of irritation crossed Eyan's face, though barely noticeable. "And stop calling me that. Just call me…Eyan."
Luca's smile remained steady. "Of course, Eyan."
"That's better," Eyan.
As the music shifted to a light waltz, the noble ladies of the court began to approach the Emperor one by one, each asking for a dance. Yet Eyan politely, but firmly, refused every single one.
Luca leaned slightly closer, a teasing edge in his tone. "Are you really going to reject every single request for a dance?"
Eyan's expression remained unreadable. "Yes."
Aranel, nudging Eva with a soft elbow, whispered with wide eyes. "Eva…did you see that? His Majesty is refusing every single request for a dance," "I told you, the Emperor is not interested in marriage—or in courting anyone. Look, he is rejecting all of them, just like I said."
"Yes," she said quietly, a faint smile brushing her lips. "You are right."
Aranel's eyes sparkled. "Eva, let's go. We should greet him too."
Eva nodded, and the two of them moved toward the Emperor. Together, they lowered into a deep, formal bow.
"Greetings, Your Majesty. We wish you a blessed birthday," they intoned in unison.
Eyan's eyes lingered on Eva longer than courtesy required, and a genuine, gentle smile curved his lips. "Thank you for the birthday wishes, both of you."
His gaze met Eva's, and for a moment "Lady Eva… I did not expect to see you here."
From the side, Luca watched with a faint smirk, amused and knowing. Look at him, acting as though he doesn't know sister-in-law…
"I came with my friend, Aranel," Eva replied carefully, keeping her expression composed.
"Oh? is that so…then enjoy the banquet, both of you," Eyan said, the warmth in his smile subtle, but real.
Eva allowed herself a small, polite smile. "Of course."
Luca's eyes followed her, a quiet admiration in his gaze. Eyan…no matter how well you act, you can't outdo sister-in-law when it comes to acting.
Aranel inclined herself with a graceful bow. "Then, Your Majesty, we should take our leave."
Eyan inclined his head in acknowledgment. "Of course."
Eva bowed as well and began to turn, her heart still fluttering from the brief exchange.
But a firm, familiar voice called from behind. "Wait, Lady Eva."
Eva froze mid-step and slowly turned back. "Did you call for me, Master Luca?"
"Yes, I did," Luca replied, his tone calm yet insistent. "Lady Eva…why aren't you asking His Majesty for a dance?"
Eva blinked, a flush rising to her cheeks. "For a dance?"
"Yes," Luca said simply. "You should ask him too, just like everyone else."
"But His Majesty rejected everyone's request," Eva said softly, uncertain.
"Perhaps he will accept yours," Luca replied, eyes bright with encouragement. "Just ask him."
Eyan's voice broke through. "Luca…what are you trying to do—"
"I—" Eva gathered her courage, drawing in a deep breath. Her voice was steady, though her heart raced. "Your Majesty…may I have the honor of your first dance with me?"
For a moment, the hall seemed to fall silent. Eyan froze, caught off guard, his eyes locking on hers.
"I… I—" he stammered, blinking.
Luca leaned slightly, a teasing nudge in his words. "Eyan, what are you doing? Give her an answer—she's waiting."
Eyan's ears flushed faintly as he straightened, a rare, honest smile touching his lips. "I…accept your request."