---
A Month Later
(Eva's Chamber — Morning)
Eva paced back and forth across her room, her fingers nervously tugging at her nails. Her thoughts swirled faster than her steps.
"I missed my period this month..." she murmured under her breath, stopping near the window. "That means—"
Her lips parted into a small, hopeful smile, but she quickly shook her head. "No, no… I can't be sure yet. What if I'm wrong?"
She pressed a hand over her racing heart. "I should go to the physician and check myself."
---
(Physician's Chamber — Shortly After)
The physician rose the instant he saw her enter. He bowed deeply. "Your Grace! What brings you here? You should have summoned me instead."
Eva smiled faintly. "I came for a check-up."
The physician blinked, surprised. "A check-up, Your Grace? Are you feeling unwell?"
Eva shook her head quickly. "No, no, it's not like that. The thing is—"
---
Moments later, Eva sat waiting, her hands clasped tightly in her lap as the physician completed his examination. The silence felt endless until the man finally looked up with a bright smile.
"Your Grace," he said warmly, "it's just as you suspected. You are with child."
Eva's eyes widened. "Really?"
He nodded. "Congratulations, Your Grace."
Her hand instinctively moved to her stomach, a joyful, trembling laugh escaping her lips.
The physician continued gently, "I should go and inform His Majesty of this wonderful news."
Eva's expression changed instantly. "No—don't tell him."
The physician hesitated. "But… may I ask why, Your Grace?"
Eva smiled softly. "I'll tell him myself. For now, please keep this between us."
The physician bowed deeply. "As you wish, Your Grace."
---
(Back in Eva's Chamber — Later That Day)
Eva quietly closed the door behind her before letting out a squeal of happiness. She spun in place, her dress fluttering around her ankles.
"Now my Nyra can have a sister!" she laughed, falling back onto her bed and clutching a pillow in delight.
She lay there, smiling at the ceiling, then sighed dreamily.
"But… how should I tell Eyan?" she murmured. "He'll wonder how I got pregnant when he's been taking that medicine so carefully—never missing a single time."
Her smile faded slightly. "He'll be angry… I know he will."
After a pause, her lips curved again, softer this time. "I'll keep it secret for a while. And when the right moment comes… I'll tell him myself."
She placed a hand gently over her stomach. "Until then… it'll just be our little secret."
---
(Night — Eva and Eyan's Chamber)
Moonlight filtered softly through the curtains, casting pale patterns across the bed. Eyan lay beside Eva, fast asleep, his arm draped loosely around her waist.
But soon, his peaceful breath hitched—his brows drew together as the edges of a dream began to pull him under.
He found himself standing in a vast, mist-covered field. The sky above him shimmered strangely, like glass reflecting both day and night.
Eyan looked around warily. "Is this… a dream?" he muttered, his voice echoing faintly.
Then came the sound—
A baby's cry.
Soft at first, then growing clearer, piercing through the fog.
Eyan's head snapped toward the sound. A small figure lay on the grass—a baby, barely a month old, wrapped in a thin white cloth.
Silver hair. Red eyes glistening with tears.
Eyan's breath caught. "Leo…?"
He hurried forward and knelt, gently lifting the crying infant into his arms. "What's wrong, Leo? Why are you—"
His words froze midair.
Something was different. The eyes—though red like his son's—were softer, gentler. And the baby's features… they weren't Leo's at all.
Eyan's heart skipped. "Wait… this isn't Leo."
His gaze trembled as realization struck. "That's… a g—"
Eyan's eyes snapped open.
He sat up in bed, chest heaving, sweat tracing down his temple. Beside him, Eva stirred slightly but remained asleep.
Eyan stared into the darkness, still hearing the faint echo of that child's cry in his mind.
"Why… did I have that kind of dream?" he whispered, voice barely audible.
He ran a hand through his hair, unease flickering across his face as the memory of those red eyes lingered—soft, shining, and hauntingly familiar.
---
(10 Days Later — Afternoon)
Eyan sat quietly on the couch, his gaze fixed on the sight before him.
Nyra squealed with laughter as Luca lifted her high into the air, spinning her around. "Father, one more time!" she cried between giggles.
Luca smiled warmly. "Alright, one more time, my little bird."
He twirled her again, and her laughter rang throughout the room, pure and bright.
Eyan's lips curved faintly. His eyes softened, lingering on the joy in her face. For a fleeting moment, something heavy in his chest seemed to melt away.
Then he sighed—quiet, almost to himself—and stood up. Without interrupting their play, he quietly left the room, their laughter echoing softly behind him.
---
(Eyan's Office — Night)
The candlelight flickered weakly, dancing across scattered papers and books. Eyan sat at his desk, staring at nothing in particular, his thoughts somewhere far away.
"Your Majesty," Hans's voice broke the silence.
Eyan blinked, as though waking from a trance. "Yes?"
Hans hesitated. "It's quite late. You should rest."
Eyan leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples. "...You're right."
He rose slowly, extinguishing the candle flame before leaving the office, the scent of smoke lingering in the air behind him.
---
(Eyan and Eva's Chamber — Later That Night)
Eyan sat on the couch, when a soft knock came at the door.
"Come in," he said.
A servant entered, bowing. "Your Majesty, milk for you and Her Grace."
Eyan nodded and took the tray.
When the servant left, Eyan placed the two glasses on the table. He reached into the drawer, took out a small vial of medicine, and mixed it into his milk with quiet precision.
Just then, Eva stepped out of the bathing room, her hair falling over her shoulders, glistening with droplets. She was drying it gently with a towel when she noticed him.
"Eyan you took your medicine?" she asked casually.
"Not yet," he murmured.
"Then take it," she said with a smile, turning toward the mirror.
Eyan lifted the glass, pausing halfway to his lips. His eyes lingered on her reflection—the faint curve of her smile, the peace in her expression.
He lowered the glass slowly, setting it back down with a sigh.
"Eva," he said quietly.
She turned to face him, towel still in her hand. "Yes?"
Eyan met her gaze, his expression unreadable but his tone calm, certain.
"There's something I want to tell you."
She tilted her head slightly. "I'm listening."
He drew in a deep breath, his voice softer this time.
"Eva…" he said, a faint warmth flickering in his eyes. "I want a daughter."