(Next morning)
Eva opened her eyes slowly, the warmth of Eyan's chest beneath her comforting her as she rested her face against him. His arm was wrapped around her waist, holding her close, and for a moment, she simply watched him sleep.
He looked peaceful, serene, yet there was a quiet strength in the way he held her. A small, soft smile spread across her face as she traced the lines of his jaw with her eyes.
Carefully, she tried to slip out of bed, only for Eyan's hand to tighten around her waist, pulling her back against his chest.
Eva gasped in surprise. "ahh.."
Eyan opened one eye lazily, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "Where do you think you're going?"
"Your Majesty… how long have you been awake?" she asked, cheeks warming.
"Since you were looking at my face," he murmured, his voice teasing, low, and intimate.
Eva's blush deepened. "You… Your Majesty…"
He tilted his head, a grin spreading. "Your Majesty? His lips brushed her ear, That's not what you were calling me last night…"
Her face burned bright red as she hid it against his chest.
"You're blushing now," he whispered, the smirk in his voice unmistakable. "But last night… you weren't blushing when you told me to—"
His lips grazed her earlobe, "—go deeper and harder."
"Eyan… stop…" she breathed, shivering, burying her face in his chest.
"What? Now you want me to stop?" he teased, voice dark and playful. "But last night, I remember someone saying—"
"—Don't stop."
Eva buried herself further into his chest, hiding her face. "Eyan! Stop it… stop teasing me!"
Eyan laughed. "Okay, okay… I'll stop teasing… for now."
He lifted her chin gently, making her look into his dark, teasing eyes. "Now, let me see your face properly."
Eva's cheeks were still pink as he brushed a strand of hair from her face.
"Tell me… how are you feeling?" he asked softly. "Your body… isn't sore? You're not in pain, are you?"
Eva shook her head, her lips curling into a small, shy smile. "No… I'm perfectly fine."
"Are you sure?" he asked, his dark gaze piercing hers.
"Yes," she whispered.
Eyan leaned closer, his warm breath brushing her cheek "Then… can we do it again?"
Eva froze, eyes wide. "What?"
"You said you're not in pain," he said with a small, teasing smile. "Then… let's do it again."
"E—Eyan… it's already morning!" she protested, her heart racing.
"I know," he murmured, pressing closer. "It won't take long."
His hand brushed over hers, tracing the curve of her waist. "I don't know why, but… I'm craving you again."
Eva's heart fluttered as she smiled softly. "Fine… but—"
He tilted her chin up and kissed her deeply — slow, almost addictive. She melted into his warmth, fingers curling around his arm as the kiss deepened.
Then—
Knock, knock, knock.
Eva blinked and pulled back slightly. "Someone's knocking…"
Eyan groaned softly but didn't move. "Let them wait." He kissed her again, lingering, teasing.
Another knock echoed. Eva pushed him back lightly. "Eyan… wait."
She rose enough to call, "Who is it?"
"Your Majesty, it's me… Aranel," came the cheerful voice. "Are you awake?"
"Yes… I'm awake," Eva replied, trying to sound composed.
Eyan leaned over her shoulder, kissing her neck playfully.
Aranel's voice continued, "You have to go to the temple today… you didn't forget, right?"
"Oh… right, the temple. I forgot," Eva murmured, cheeks pink as Eyan's lips continued their teasing trail down her neck.
"I'm coming… just wait in my chamber," she called out.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Aranel replied before leaving.
The moment the footsteps faded, Eva tried to sit up, but Eyan caught her wrist, pushing her gently back to the bed.
"Eyan—" she started, but he was already kissing her again, slower, deeper.
Eva gasped, finally breaking the kiss. "Eyan… stop," she said, covering his mouth lightly with her hand.
He pressed a kiss to her hand. "Why?"
"What do you mean 'why'?" she asked, laughing softly. "Eyan… we have to go to the temple today."
"And so?" he teased, his lips brushing her temple.
"So… we'll be late!" she protested. "The people at the temple will be angry if we arrive late."
"They won't say a word to their emperor and empress," he murmured, brushing his thumb across her lips.
"Even so…" she whispered, her cheeks pink, "let's get up now. We can do it later."
"Later? When?" he asked, voice teasing.
she sighed. "Tonight, all right? We can… continue tonight."
"Tonight… you promise?" he asked, grinning.
"Yes… I promise," she said softly.
Eyan smiled, finally letting her move.
He rose from the bed, dressing with the unhurried grace of a man fully aware she was watching him.
When Eva tried to dress, she fumbled with the ties of her gown.
"Eyan… could you—" she started.
"I'll do it," he said, stepping behind her. His fingers brushed her bare shoulders as he tied the laces, then lingered, tracing the curve of her back before leaning in. His breath tickled her ear.
"I can't wait for tonight," he whispered.
Eva's breath caught, her face aflame. She turned quickly, clutching the front of her gown.
He laughed softly. "It's done. Go before I change my mind."
Still blushing, Eva hurried to the door, glancing back once — only to see him smiling, his gaze warm and mischievous all at once.
-----
The morning air was crisp as Eva and Eyan stepped out of the carriage, their hands brushing occasionally under the pretense of propriety. The streets of Velmoria were already alive with morning bustle—nobles in ceremonial garb, servants carrying offerings, and priests moving with calm purpose.
Eva's gown flowed elegantly as she followed Eyan.
The temple loomed ahead, Inside, the air smelled of incense and sacred oils, and the soft hum of chanting filled the hall. The high priest, an elderly man with silver hair and eyes that seemed to see through all pretense, awaited them at the center of the hall.
"Your Majesties," the priest greeted, bowing deeply. "May Liora, the goddess, bless your union."
Eyan inclined his head, expression solemn yet gentle. Eva curtsied gracefully.
The priest raised his hands, voice calm and melodic. "Place your palms together, eyes closed, and open your hearts to Liora's light."
Eyan did so, gently guiding Eva's hands into his own. "Relax," he whispered, Eva closed her eyes, taking a deep breath.
The priest sprinkled sacred water over them, murmuring, "By the blessings of Liora, may your hearts remain united, your love steadfast, and your life together prosperous and joyful."
Eyan and Eva bowed deeply together, heads lowered in reverence. The warmth of the blessing seemed to linger on their skin, a quiet promise settling between them.
When they straightened, their eyes met, a shared calm and understanding passing silently between them. Hand in hand, they turned and walked out of the temple, the bells chiming softly behind them, carrying the goddess's blessing into the morning light.
----
The carriage rolled through the quiet streets, the morning sunlight glinting off its polished wood. Eva leaned back, letting out a shaky breath.
"Oh… finally, it's done," she murmured, relief washing over her.
Eyan glanced at her, noting the tension in her shoulders. "You looked stressed throughout the whole ceremony."
Eva gave a small, embarrassed sigh. "Your Majesty… of course I was stressed. Today was my first day as a queen. I was scared… what if I made a mistake?"
Eyan reached over, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "Eva… you worry over nothing. You are not alone. You have me."
She smiled softly, leaning her head on his shoulder. "That's true."
But then her eyes caught something familiar through the carriage window.
"Wait…" she murmured, suddenly alert.
"Eva? What is it?" Eyan asked, following her gaze.
Without a word, she shouted, "Stop the carriage!"
The horses jerked to a halt, and Eyan's brow furrowed in confusion. "Eva… what—"
Before he could finish, she had bolted from the carriage.
"Eva! Wait… where are you going?" Eyan shouted, leaping after her.
She ran through the crowd, her heart hammering. No… it can't be. How… how can he be here? Her thoughts raced as she pushed through the people.
she caught sight of the familiar figure again.
"I was right… it's him," she whispered, and then called aloud,
"Leo!"
She surged forward again, but the figure vanished into the mass of people. Panic prickled at her chest.
"Where did he go?!" she whispered to herself, eyes darting frantically. "He was here just now… what is he doing here?"
Suddenly, a carriage came barreling toward her. The coachman shouted, "Lady! Out of the way!"
Frozen in thought, Eva barely moved. In a blur, Eyan appeared beside her, grabbed her, and pulled her into his chest just as the carriage passed. They tumbled to the ground.
Eyan rose quickly, holding her protectively, eyes blazing. "Eva! Are you out of your mind? Why didn't you move?"
"What…?" she stammered, disoriented.
"Why did you suddenly run out of the carriage?" he demanded, voice sharp.
Realization hit her. "Oh… I was—" She tried to move toward where she thought she saw him.
Eyan's voice snapped, pulling her back. "Eva! Are you even listening to me?"
"Where did he go?" she whispered, almost to herself.
"Who are you looking for?" Eyan asked, concern flooding his tone.
"I… I saw someone I know. He was just here… but now I don't know where he went," Eva admitted, panic edging her voice.
"Eva…" he called again, firm but gentle.
Still mumbling, she searched the street, oblivious. Eyan grabbed her shoulders, forcing her to look at him.
"Eva… look at me," he commanded, eyes locking onto hers.
She turned, her gaze meeting his, panicked and pleading.
"Let's go back," he said softly, concern still sharp in his voice.
"No… I want to see him…" she insisted.
"There is no one. You must have seen it wrong," he said, trying to reason with her.
"No… Eyan! He was just here! I swear—"
"Eva," he shouted, taking control, "we will look for him again later. Right now, you're hurt."
She looked down to see blood dripping from her hand, staining her sleeve. "Oh… when did that happen?"
"Eva… let's treat your wound first," Eyan said firmly.
Without hesitation, he scooped her up into his arms,The crowd parted around them as he carried her away, eyes scanning the streets for any trace of the mysterious figure—but for now, Eva's safety came first.