(Next Morning — Inside the Carriage)
The carriage wheels rattled against the cobbled road, the morning air still damp from last night's rain. Luca sat slouched in his seat, dark circles shadowing his eyes.
Eva tilted her head with concern.
"Brother, you don't look well… did something happen?"
Luca exhaled dramatically, then shot a sharp glance toward Eyan.
"I couldn't sleep all night. Because someone wouldn't stop tossing and turning like a restless ghost."
Eva blinked. "Oh…"
Eyan, however, said nothing. He kept his gaze fixed on the window, his expression unreadable.
Luca leaned forward, irritation sparking in his tone.
"Seriously, Eyan—what was wrong with you last night? First, you barged into my room. Then, you didn't sleep a wink. Because of that, I couldn't sleep either!"
Still, silence.
Luca's jaw tightened. "And now you won't even answer me?"
He turned to Eva with a pleading expression.
"Sister-in-law, you tell me. Did something happen last night? Why is he acting so strangely?"
Eva's eyes flickered toward Eyan, who hadn't moved an inch, his attention stubbornly locked on the passing scenery outside. She forced a soft smile.
"Nothing happened last night, brother."
"Oh really?" Luca arched a brow.
"Yes."
"Then why," Luca leaned closer, lowering his voice, "is Eyan sitting so far away from you and pretending the window is more interesting than you? And why haven't you two spoken a single word to each other since morning? Did you two fight?"
Eva shook her head quickly. "No, brother. It's not like that."
"Then what's his deal?" Luca snapped, turning to Eyan again. "Say something, will you?"
Finally, Eyan shifted, his tone sharp with annoyance.
"Luca, can you please shut your mouth for a while? My head is already pounding."
Eva's expression softened instantly.
"Your Majesty, you have a headache?" She leaned forward, worry lacing her voice. "Is it because you were caught in the rain? Do you have a fever?"
Before he could stop her, Eva moved closer and pressed her palm gently against his forehead.
Eyan froze—heat surging through him at the simple touch. A faint blush crept across his cheeks.
"…It's not a fever," Eva murmured, withdrawing her hand slightly. "Then why are you in pain, Your Majesty?"
Eyan's gaze darted away, his ears betraying his flustered state.
"Lady Eva… please sit back. It's nothing serious. Just a headache. I'll be fine after taking some medicine."
Eva nodded reluctantly and returned to her seat.
Luca, who had watched the entire exchange with keen eyes, smirked knowingly.
So, something did happen between those two last night, he thought, hiding his amusement behind a lazy smile.
---
The carriage rolled to a slow halt before the towering gates of the royal palace.
"We are here," Luca announced, stepping down first.
Eyan followed, his expression unreadable as he extended a hand into the carriage—his gaze fixed elsewhere, refusing to meet her eyes.
Eva hesitated only a heartbeat before placing her hand in his. A faint smile touched her lips as he helped her descend, though she noticed the stiffness in his touch. Together, the three of them began their walk toward the grand marble entrance.
A voice rang out across the courtyard.
"Your Majesty!"
Eyan turned sharply.
Standing a few paces away, Prince Velco bowed deeply. "Your Majesty, good to see you."
"Prince Velco," Eyan replied with measured calm, "good to see you too."
Luca's jaw clenched, his fist tightening at his side the instant his eyes fell on the prince.
Velco's lips curled into a polite smile. "I heard about your wedding. Congratulations on getting married."
"Thank you for the wishes, Prince Velco," Eyan answered.
The prince's eyes flickered past him—darting toward Eva. She instantly lowered her head, her fingers trembling at her side.
"your majesty who might be this lady?" Velco's voice held an edge of curiosity, too smooth to be sincere.
Eyan's tone softened, though his shoulders squared. "Ah… Prince, this is Lady Eva, my future wife."
"Oh… I see." Velco's smile widened faintly. "Then forgive me for my rudeness. I should have addressed her properly."
He bowed low, his gaze never leaving Eva. "It is an honor to meet you, your majesty."
Eva shrank back, her hand instinctively clutching the fabric of Eyan's sleeve as she tried to hide behind him.
Eyan noticed at once, his jaw tightening at the sight of her unease.
"Your Majesty," Velco began again, his gaze sliding to Eva, "is something wron—"
"Prince Velco," Eyan cut him off sharply, his voice cool, "I must apologize, but Lady Eva is not feeling well. Perhaps you can exchange greetings with her another time."
Velco straightened, his smile never faltering. "Of course, Your Majesty."
Eyan inclined his head. "Then we will take our leave."
Velco bowed once more. "Yes, of course."
Without hesitation, Eyan reached for Eva's hand, his grip steady. "Lady Eva, let's go."
She gave a small nod, allowing him to guide her away.
When they were gone, Luca stepped closer to Velco, his voice low but edged with venom. "Prince Velco… you should go too."
Velco gave him one last glance before replying, "Oh… of course." With that, he disappeared into the palace corridors.
The moment he was gone, Luca's expression darkened, cold fury twisting his features. "That bastard… I want to rip his face apart. My blood is boiling just by seeing him."
His gaze flicked in the direction Eyan and Eva had gone. A troubled shadow passed over his eyes. "I wonder if sister-in-law is alright…"
----
Eyan escorted Eva to her chamber, his steps soft on the corridor stone. She paused on the threshold, fingers worrying the edge of her dress, the worry still sitting heavy in her eyes.
Eyan glanced at her, concern plain in his voice. "Lady Eva, is something wrong? You don't look well."
Eva forced a small smile and shook her head. "No… Your Majesty, I'm fine. I'm just a little tired."
"Then you should take some rest," Eyan said, gentle but firm.
"Ok…" she answered, voice thin.
"I'll take my leave, then."
"Ok."
He gave her hand the briefest squeeze, and left.
Eva crossed the room and sat on the edge of the bed, the hush of the chamber swallowing the sound of her breath. After a moment Luca came in, closing the door behind him.
"Sister-in-law… are you ok?" he asked, hovering near the bed.
"Yes," Eva lied at first, then let the truth out in a whisper. "I was just a little scared when I saw Prince Velco. His face— it reminded me of what happened."
Luca's expression went hard, protective and fierce. "Don't be scared, sister-in-law. This time he won't be able to do anything. I won't let him."
Eva nodded, the promise a small comfort. Luca softened, the edge in his voice giving way to concern. "Sister-in-law, take some rest."
"I will," she murmured.
Luca lingered for a heartbeat, then, with one last wary look toward the door, slipped out and closed it quietly behind him.
---
Eyan entered his office, the heavy door closing behind him with a soft thud.
Hans bowed immediately. "Your Majesty, when did you return?"
"Just now," Eyan replied, his tone clipped.
"And where is Her Highness?"
"Eva is in her bedchamber," he answered without looking up.
Hans inclined his head. "Oh…"
Eyan straightened and fixed his gaze on the desk. "Hans, did you prepare what I asked for?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Hans laid a stack of papers on the desk and handed them over. "Here, Your Majesty—the divorce papers."
Eyan picked up the papers, his eyes scanning them briefly. "Did you include the reason I told you to for the divorce?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. I did everything exactly as you instructed," Hans confirmed. "Now all that's left is for you to sign the papers."
Eyan nodded. "Very well."
He picked up the pen and paused for a moment, his hand hovering over the documents. A tension lingered in the air as if the papers themselves weighed heavily on him. Then, with a slow, deliberate motion, he signed them.
"Now all that is left is Eva's signature," he said, setting the pen down.
Hans looked up. "Your Majesty… are you going to ask Her Highness to sign the papers now?"
"No… not now. She's tired and resting in her chamber. I'll ask her in the evening," Eyan said, leaning back in his chair.
"Very well, Your Majesty."
Eyan's gaze fell again on the desk. "And Hans, make the official announcement for the wedding.The wedding will take place four days from now."
Hans raised an eyebrow. "That soon, Your Majesty?"
Eyan's expression was flat. "It is Father's order."
Hans bowed. "Understood, Your Majesty. I will see to it immediately."
Eyan's eyes narrowed slightly. "One more thing, Hans."
"Yes, Your Majesty?"
"Make an announcement that the future Empress requires a lady-in-waiting. Anyone willing to serve Eva may come to the palace tomorrow."
Hans nodded once. "Understood, Your Majesty. Anything else?"
"No… Hans, you may leave now."
Hans bowed and exited the room, leaving Eyan alone. He leaned back in his chair, eyes fixed on the ceiling, thoughts turning inward.
Why did Eva behave like that when she saw Prince Velco? The question gnawed at him. It seemed as if she was scared of him… but how can that be? They met today for the first time. Perhaps I am worrying over nothing.
A slow sigh escaped him, the tension in his chest lingering as he stared at the polished surface of the desk, lost in thought.