Evening, Royal Palace, Velmoria
A soft knock echoed against the door.
"Lady Eva, are you inside?" Eyan's voice called.
Eva opened the door, her eyes red from earlier tears. "Your Majesty."
"Lady Eva… are you feeling alright now?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. I'm fine now," she replied, forcing a small smile.
Eyan stepped closer, his gaze steady. "Lady Eva, I wanted to discuss something. May I come in?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. Please come inside," she said, stepping aside.
Once inside, Eyan produced the papers, placing them carefully on the table. "Lady Eva… can you sign this?"
Eva hesitated, her fingers brushing the papers. "What is it?"
"Divorce papers," he said quietly.
"Oh…" She took the papers and pen from him, her heart tightening. Slowly, she began to read, scanning the words on the page.
Eyan reached out, covering the paper gently. "Lady Eva… you don't need to read it. Just sign it."
"Why can't I read it, Your Majesty?" she asked, her voice trembling. "I want to see the reason for the divorce."
Eyan shook his head, firm. "Eva… don't."
"Then I won't sign it—not until I read it," she whispered.
Eyan sighed and finally lifted his hand. "Fine… read it."
She studied the words, confusion knitting her brow. "Your Majesty… why does it say the reason for divorce is that my husband cheated on me? In reality… it was me who—"
"Lady Eva," Eyan interrupted softly, "now that you've read the paper, just sign it."
"No, Your Majesty… first answer me," she demanded, voice shaking.
"Lady Eva… why do you care so much about the reason for the divorce?" he asked, voice low and careful. "Look… your husband already signed. He doesn't mind."
Eva looked at him, disbelief and sorrow flooding her features. "He… he didn't say anything when he read the paper?"
"He did," Eyan said quietly. "He said it made him happy that the fault appeared to be his… that way no one would blame you."
Eva's tears spilled freely. "Why?"
Eyan looked away, voice thick. "Because He loves you so much… and he wanted to protect your honor."
He also said… it's a parting gift."
A silent shudder ran through her, and with trembling hands, Eva sighed and signed the papers.
She handed them back to him. "Here, Your Majesty… I've signed the papers."
Eyan took the papers, his expression unreadable. "Ok… then, Lady, I should take my leave."
He turned to leave, but Eva's voice stopped him. "Your Majesty…"
He froze, then turned. "Yes, Lady Eva?"
Her tears spilled freely now. "May I… may I hug you?"
Eyan blinked, caught off guard. "I—"
"Please," she whispered, sobs breaking through, "I really need a hug right now."
His eyes softened as he look at her trembling form. "Yes… you may."
She ran into his arms, wrapping them tightly around his neck. Her body shook against him, grief pouring out in silent sobs. He held her gently, carefully.
Inside, her heart whispered a silent gratitude: Thank you, Kyel… for protecting me till the very end…And for loving me…
But then another truth clawed its way forward. But I'm sorry… I don't love you anymore. I don't even remember how you look… I have forgotten you. Because now… my heart only beats for the real you. I only love the real you.
For a long, trembling moment, she stayed like that, saying a silent goodbye to the man she once loved.
When she finally pulled back, her hands wiping the tears from her face, she looked at him with a mixture of gratitude and sorrow. "Thank you, Your Majesty… for staying."
"You are okay now, Lady Eva?" Eyan asked softly.
She nodded, voice steadying. "Yes… I'm fine now."
"Your Majesty… you can leave now," she said gently.
"Ok…" he replied, walking toward the door. He paused, turning to glance at her one last time, the faintest weight of sorrow in his eyes.
When the door closed behind him, Eva sank onto the edge of her bed, staring at the empty doorway. Tears ran freely down her cheeks as she whispered into the silence, "Goodbye… Kyel…"
---
Next Day, Royal Palace, Velmoria
A soft knock echoed at the door.
"Your Majesty," Hans called.
"Come in, Hans," Eyan replied.
The door opened, and Hans stepped inside, bowing deeply. "Your Majesty, Lady Aranel Delyss is here to meet you."
"Lady Aranel?" Eyan raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Hans confirmed.
"Go and escort her here," Eyan commanded.
Hans bowed again. "Yes, Your Majesty."
A few moments later, Hans returned, leading Lady Aranel Delyss into the room. She lowered herself into a deep, respectful bow.
"Greetings, Your Majesty," she said.
"Lady Aranel, what brings you here?" Eyan asked, his voice steady but curious.
"I came because i heard the announcement, Your Majesty," she replied.
Eyan tilted his head. "Announcement… which announcement are you referring to?"
"The one for the lady-in-waiting. I came for that position," she said confidently.
Eyan studied her for a moment. "Are you certain about this, Lady Aranel?"
"Yes, Your Majesty," she said firmly. "You will not find anyone more suitable than me to serve the future Empress. Nobody knows her better than I do."
Eyan leaned back in his chair, considering her words. "If you insist… very well. You may become Lady Eva's lady-in-waiting."
Aranel's face lit up. She bowed deeply. "Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Eyan turned to Hans. "Take Lady Aranel to Lady Eva."
Hans bowed. "Yes, Your Majesty. Lady Aranel, please this way."
---
A few moments later, a knock came at Eva's door.
"Lady Eva, someone is here to see you," Hans announced.
Eva opened the door, curiosity on her face. "Who is it—"
Before she could finish, Aranel threw her arms around Eva in a tight embrace.
"Aranel! What are you doing here?" Eva exclaimed, startled.
Hans spoke up. "Lady Eva, Lady Aranel is here to serve you as your lady-in-waiting."
Eva blinked in surprise. "Aranel… you—"
"Yes," Aranel said, smiling warmly. "I'm here as your lady-in-waiting. His Majesty gave me permission."
"Really?" Eva whispered.
"Yes," Aranel confirmed.
Eva stepped aside. "Come in, Aranel."
Aranel entered, embracing Eva once more. "I couldn't believe my ears when I heard you were marrying His Majesty!"
"I'm sorry I couldn't tell you sooner," Eva said quietly.
"Eva… tell me how this happened. And… what about your husband?" Aranel pressed.
Eva took a deep breath. "I divorced my husband."
"Divorce? Why? Did he cheat on you?"
"No… actually, it was me who cheated on him," Eva admitted.
Aranel froze for a moment, then frowned. "What do you mean by that?"
Eva explained everything.
Aranel's eyes widened in shock. "You… slept with the Emperor?"
Eva blushed, nodding. "Yes."
"Oh… so that's why," Aranel murmured, shaking her head slightly.
Eva looked at her anxiously. "Aranel… are you disappointed in me?"
"Why would I be disappointed in you?" Aranel replied firmly.
"Because I cheated on my husband…"
"Eva," Aranel said gently, "you didn't cheat on him. What happened was a mistake… nothing more. I would have been disappointed if you went back to your husband after what happened with the Emperor. But… I'm glad you didn't, and that you got a divorce instead."
"Are you telling the truth?" Eva asked, relief flooding her voice.
"Yes, Eva. I'm telling the truth," Aranel said sincerely.
Eva let out a deep breath. "I was so scared… just thinking about how you'd react if you found out."
"You don't have to worry about me," Aranel said, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Worry about yourself. The wedding is only three days away. There's so much to prepare."
Aranel stood and extended her hand. "Let's start with your wedding dress. Eva, let's go shopping."
Eva took a deep breath and nodded. "Ok…"