Knock, knock.
"Lady Eva, may I come in?"
Eva rose and opened the door. Seeing Luca, she offered a gentle smile.
"Yes, please, come inside."
He stepped in and quietly shut the door behind him. His eyes shone with mischief as he said,
"Congratulations, sister-in-law, on getting married."
Eva's lips curved. "Thank you, brother."
"You finally did it," Luca teased.
Eva chuckled softly. "It wasn't easy, brother."
But his grin faded into a scolding look. "Still… what you did was reckless. How could you risk your life like that?"
Eva lowered her gaze, her smile slipping. "It wasn't in my plan to do something so dangerous. But Eyan wasn't agreeing to marry me. I had no other choice."
Luca sighed, shaking his head. "Don't do anything like that ever again, alright?"
"Okay," Eva whispered.
His curiosity returned. "But tell me one thing, sister-in-law. Why did you ask me for a sleeping potion?"
Eva froze, then leaned closer with a mischievous sparkle in her eyes. "Give me your ear."
Luca leaned down, suspicious. Eva whispered, telling him how she had used it.
His eyes widened in disbelief. "On… no way."
Eva only smiled in reply.
"So nothing happened between you two last night?" he asked.
"No…"
Luca burst out laughing. "I can't believe it! Eyan actually fell for your trick?" He was still laughing as he added, "Sister, I came here right after meeting him. And I swear, he has no idea. He actually believes it—and he feels terribly guilty about it."
Eva hid her laughter behind her hand, her eyes glowing.
Luca grinned warmly. "Well, I'm happy, sister-in-law. You two are finally married."
"Me too, brother," Eva admitted.
Silence settled between them for a moment. Then Luca clapped his hands together as if remembering something. "Ah! I nearly forgot. I was on my way to tell Father about the marriage."
Eva blinked. "Father? Who—?"
"The Emperor, of course. Eyan's father."
Eva's stomach sank. "Oh…"
Luca gave her a bright smile. "Sister-in-law, come with me."
Her brows furrowed. "Where?"
"To meet your father-in-law. You've never met him, right?"
A flicker of fear crossed her face. She shook her head lightly. "Oh… brother, I think I shouldn't. I… I'm not ready to meet him."
"You have nothing to worry about," Luca reassured, his tone soft but firm. "I'll be with you. Don't worry."
Eva hesitated, clutching her hands together. "But—"
He laughed lightly. "Sister, don't be afraid. Father is not going to bite you. Come on."
Eva swallowed nervously, then nodded. "…Okay."
And so, side by side, the two of them left the room—Eva's steps hesitant, her heart pounding—as they went to meet the Emperor.
---
Eva stood frozen outside the large, carved double doors, her palms damp against her dress. Her chest rose and fell unevenly with each breath.
Beside her, Luca gave an encouraging smile.
"Sister, don't be nervous."
Eva swallowed hard. "How can I not be nervous, brother? This is my first time meeting him. What if… what if he doesn't like me?"
"That's not going to happen," Luca assured firmly. "So don't worry."
But worry clung to her like a second skin. Her heart pounded as if it wanted to escape her chest.
Luca studied her face and sighed. "Fine. I'll go first and tell him about the marriage. After that, you can come in and meet him, alright?"
Relief flickered in her eyes. "Okay…"
Luca nodded, then raised his hand and knocked.
Knock, knock.
A deep voice from inside responded, "Who is it?"
"Father, it's me, Luca. May I come inside?"
There was a pause, then the voice softened. "Oh… Luca. Come in."
Luca pushed open the door and stepped inside.
King Thalor Therald—Eyan's father—was seated on a grand chair by the window, light pouring over his silvering hair and stern features.
Luca smiled respectfully. "Father, how are you? And how is your health?"
King Thalor's lips twitched into the faintest smile. "Luca, I am in good health, as you can see. Thanks to the herbs you always send me."
"I'm glad to hear that, Father," Luca said warmly.
"But," Thalor's sharp eyes narrowed, "you didn't come here just to see me, did you? Speak."
Luca chuckled. "You are sharp as ever, Father." He stepped closer. "I came to bring you news. Your son… is getting married."
The King arched a brow. "So you're here to tell me about your own marriage?"
Luca shook his head with a grin. "No, Father. Not mine. I'm talking about Eyan's marriage."
King Thalor's eyes widened. "What?"
"Yes, Father. Eyan is finally getting married."
"You're telling me the truth? You're not lying, are you, boy?"
"No, Father. It's true."
For the first time in years, the King's face broke into unrestrained joy. He laughed, his voice booming with relief. "Finally! I can die without worry. Luca—have you met the girl?"
"Yes, Father. In fact, she's just outside your door."
"What is she doing outside?" Thalor barked. "Call her in. I want to meet my daughter-in-law."
"Yes, Father."
Luca opened the door. Eva was still waiting in the hall, fingers clenched together tightly.
Luca smiled softly at her. "Sister-in-law, come inside. Father is waiting for you."
Eva froze, but forced her voice steady. "O… okay."
She stepped inside, bowing deeply. "Greetings, Your Majesty."
Thalor's eyes sharpened as he looked her over. "So you are the lady my son intends to marry?"
Eva's voice trembled. "Yes, Your Majesty."
"What is your name, child?"
"Your Majesty, my name is Eva."
"Eva…" he repeated slowly. "And what noble house do you belong to? What is your father's name?"
Eva hesitated, lowering her head. "My father's name is Lord Alric Elvaris, but… I left my family. I now live as a commoner."
Thalor's gaze hardened. "A commoner?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"A commoner marrying into the royal family?" His voice thundered with disdain. "Tell me, girl, don't you think that's unacceptable? How can a commoner dream of becoming an Empress?"
Eva's hands trembled.
"Father—" Luca started, anger flashing in his eyes.
"Enough!" Thalor snapped, his voice sharp.
"Luca, leave. I want to speak to her alone."
"But Father—"
"Did you not hear me?" The King's tone left no room for disobedience.
Luca lowered his head reluctantly. "Yes, Father… but please, don't be too harsh on her."
He gave Eva a worried look before stepping out.
In the hallway, Luca muttered under his breath. "What's gotten into him? I thought Father didn't care if Eyan's bride was noble or not. I have to tell Eyan." Without wasting another moment, he dashed down the corridor.
Inside the chamber, Eva stood rigidly, her eyes wide with fear.
King Thalor rose from his chair and walked toward her with heavy, deliberate steps. Eva's breath caught, her knees nearly giving way.
Then, suddenly, the King's stern face melted into a smile. "How was my acting, my child?"
Eva blinked. "P… pardon?"
He chuckled. "You fell for it too, didn't you?"
Her confusion deepened.
"You needn't be afraid, my child," Thalor said gently. "I was only joking. I don't care if you're a commoner. What matters is whether you love my son."
Eva stared at him in disbelief.
"Tell me, child," Thalor asked, "do you love Eyan?"
Eva's voice softened, honest. "Yes, I do, Your Majesty."
The King's eyes twinkled. "And what about Eyan? Does he love you?"
Eva lowered her gaze. "He…"
"No, no." Thalor raised a hand, cutting her off. "You need not tell me. Soon, I will see it with my own eyes."
Eva frowned slightly. "Your Majesty… what do you mean?"
"Do you know why I sent Luca away just now?"
"No."
"I'm certain the first thing he'll do is run to Eyan and tell him everything." The King smirked knowingly. "Which means Eyan will soon come here."
Eva's brows knit in confusion.
"When he does," Thalor continued, "I will speak harshly of you in front of him. I want to see his reaction. I want to test whether he truly loves you."
Eva let out a small, nervous laugh. "Ah… I see."
The King leaned down slightly, his voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper. "My child, it will be more convincing if you cry. Can you do that for me?"
Eva hesitated, then smiled faintly. "Yes."
"Good." Thalor reached out and gently patted her head. "Then let us see just how deep my son's feelings truly run."