The room door burst open with a loud thud.
Eyan strode inside, Luca close on his heels.
"Father…"
King Thalor lifted his gaze, his expression unreadable. "Oh, Eyan. What brings you here?"
Eyan's eyes immediately found Eva, her face streaked with tears. His jaw clenched.
"What did you say to her?" His voice cut sharp through the air.
"I said nothing," Thalor replied smoothly.
"Then why is she crying?"
"I don't know why she's crying."
Luca stepped forward, voice hard. "Father, don't lie. You told sister-in-law that she's a commoner—how could she ever dream of becoming Empress?"
Eyan's expression darkened, his entire aura chilling.
"Is that what you said to her?"
"Oh… you were talking about that." Thalor's tone was careless, almost amused. "Yes, I said it."
"Apologize to her. Now."
"What?"
"I said apologize to her."
"Eyan, have you lost your mind? You expect me to apologize to a commoner?"
Something inside Eyan snapped. In one motion, his sword was drawn, the steel flashing as it pressed coldly against his father's neck.
"If you insult her one more time, I will forget that you are my father."
Eva gasped, rushing forward, throwing herself between them. Her hands trembled as she tried to push Eyan back.
"Your Majesty, please—lower your sword."
"Lady Eva, move aside. Let me teach him what happens when he dares insult you."
"Your Majesty… stop." Her voice wavered. "His Majesty is only jesting with you."
Eyan froze, confused. "…What?"
Thalor suddenly burst into deep, echoing laughter.
"Why are you laughing?" Eyan demanded.
"I never thought I would live to see the day when my own son would raise his sword against me—for the sake of a woman."
His eyes softened as they turned to Eva. "Eva, my child… I think I've found my answer."
A faint smile tugged at Eva's lips, though her cheeks still glistened with tears.
"What answer?" Eyan demanded, his confusion deepening. He glanced at Luca. "Do you understand what they're talking about?"
"I have no clue." Luca said.
"This matter," Thalor said firmly, "is between me and my daughter-in-law." He turned to Eva. "Right, my child?"
"…Yes, Your Majesty."
"It's father," he corrected gently.
Eva blinked. "Pardon?"
"You will soon marry my son. From this day, call me father, not 'Your Majesty.' Understood?"
Eva's lips curved softly. "Yes… Father."
"That's better." Thalor leaned back, his gaze now sliding to his son. "Now, Eyan—when is the wedding?"
"I… haven't decided yet."
"Let's do it this week."
"This week? But Father, that's far too soon—"
"It is not," Thalor interrupted. "The sooner you both wed, the sooner I'll have grandchildren to hold in my arms."
At his words, heat flared in the room—Eyan's ears turned scarlet, and Eva's cheeks bloomed pink. Neither dared meet the other's eyes.
"Father!" Eyan's voice cracked with embarrassment.
"What? Is it wrong for me to want to see my grandchildren?" Thalor said with an unbothered smirk.
Luca's grin widened as he jumped in. "Oh, I agree with Father! I want to become an uncle soon too!"
Eyan's ears burned bright red. "You are both out of your minds," he muttered, catching Eva's hand and gently tugging her toward the door. "Lady eva we should take our leave now, let's go."
Eva bowed politely, her blush still visible. "Then… Father, I shall take my leave."
"Take care of yourself, my child," Thalor said warmly, standing near where Eva had been just moments ago.
She nodded and followed Eyan out, their steps hurried and their faces still warm from embarrassment.
"Wait for me! I'm coming too!" Luca called after them, racing toward the exit. "Then, Father, I'm going as well!"
"Go," Thalor waved with a faint smile.
---
Eyan walked briskly down the hall, his hand still wrapped around Eva's as though he had forgotten to let go. Her steps matched his, quiet and composed, though the warmth of his grip made her heart beat just a little faster.
From behind came Luca's voice, full of mischief.
"Eyan, how long do you plan on holding Sister-in-law's hand?"
Eyan froze. His gaze dropped to where their fingers were intertwined, and the realization hit him at once. Panic flickered across his face.
"O–oh… forgive me, Lady Eva." He quickly pulled his hand away.
Eva's lips curved into a soft smile. "It's alright, Your Majesty."
But Luca wasn't about to let it go. He strolled closer, smirking.
"Well, well… looks like someone can't stand to be apart from his wife."
Eyan's ears turned red in an instant. "Luca—shut your mouth."
"What? I only spoke the truth," Luca teased, feigning innocence.
In one swift motion, Eyan seized him by the collar and pulled him forward, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "You've been far too bold with your tongue lately."
Luca choked out a laugh, raising his hands in surrender. "Sister-in-law, help me! Your husband is tormenting me again!"
Eva's eyes widened, and she stepped forward quickly, her fingers brushing against Eyan's hand to ease his grip. Her voice was gentle, almost pleading.
"Your Majesty, please… let Brother-in-law go."
At her touch, Eyan's hold faltered, and with a low huff, he released Luca's collar.
Luca bent over, coughing hard.
Eva hurried to his side, eyes wide with concern. "Brother, are you alright?"
Luca waved her worry off between coughs. "I'm fine, sister-in-law…."
"Are you certain?" she pressed.
"Oh yes, this is nothing. I'm used to it." He smirked, then leaned closer to Eva as though sharing a scandalous secret. "Sister, did you know… your husband once stabbed my shoulder just because I ate his favorite cookies?"
Eva's jaw dropped. "Really?"
"Yes, sister," Luca said dramatically, clutching at his shoulder. "You have no idea how much he tormented me when we were kids."
Her expression softened. "Brother, you must have had a tough time…"
Luca sniffled, pretending to wipe away tears. "It was tragic."
Across the room, Eyan stood with arms folded, unimpressed. "You two met just yesterday, and yet you already get along so well."
Luca puffed out his chest proudly. "Oh, us? Yes, we get along very well… right, sister?"
Eva smiled warmly. "Right."
Eyan sighed, shaking his head. "Luca, when are you going back? If you're done here, then leave."
Luca pouted. "I was already planning to leave. You don't have to sound so eager to get rid of me."
Eva frowned. "Your Majesty, why are you sending brother away so quickly? Let him stay a little longer."
But Luca shook his head. "No, sister. I can't stay. I need to go somewhere."
"Go where, brother?" Eva asked curiously.
Luca's eyes lit up. "Oh… today is the Harvest Moon Festival. I'm going there."
Eva's face brightened. "Brother, are you going alone?"
"Yes."
"Then… can I come too?" she asked, her voice bubbling with excitement.
"Of course, sister-in-law! You don't even need to ask."
"Then I'll go and change my dress!" she said, already turning toward the door.
"Alright," Luca grinned.
But before she could take another step, Eyan's deep voice stopped her. "Lady Eva, wait."
She halted and turned back. "What happened, Your Majesty?"
"You can't go with Luca."
Her brows furrowed. "Why not?"
"Because the festival is far from here," Eyan explained, his tone firm. "There will be crowds of people everywhere. What if you got lost?"
Luca scoffed, stepping in. "Eyan, why are you worried? I can take care of sister-in-law."
Eyan's glare was sharp. "No. I don't trust you in the slightest."
He turned to Eva. "Lady Eva, you are not going."
Eva's lips pursed, then suddenly she smiled. "Then why don't you come with us, Your Majesty?"
Eyan blinked. "What?"
Luca clapped his hands together. "Oh, right! If you're so worried about her, then just come along."
"But—"
Eva clasped her hands together, pleading softly. "Please, Your Majesty?"
Eyan let out a long sigh. "…Fine. I'll go."
Eva's face lit up with joy. Without thinking, she threw her arms around him. "Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Eyan stiffened, utterly caught off guard. His cheeks flushed red as he stammered, "L-Lady Eva…"
She pulled back quickly when she noticed his flustered face. "Oh—I'm sorry, Your Majesty. I got a little carried away."
Still red, he cleared his throat. "It's… fine."
Luca smirked wickedly. "Oh, sister-in-law, don't apologize. I'm sure your husband enjoyed that hug."
Eyan snapped, glaring. "You—!"
Eva quickly stepped between them. "Stop! Please don't start fighting again."
Eyan huffed. "Fine."
Eva straightened with a small smile. "Then, I'll go change my dress. Wait for me."
"Alright, sister," Luca grinned. "But don't take too long."
"I won't," she promised, before slipping out of the room.