---
(Three hours later—)
Eyan's eyes snapped open. His heart pounded as he sat up abruptly, confusion flooding through him. "What happened?"
Eva, resting against the pillows, smiled faintly. "Eyan, you finally woke up."
He blinked, still disoriented. "Why was I on the floor?"
Eva chuckled softly. "You fainted, my brave husband."
Eyan's eyes widened. "What—fainted? Me?" He quickly looked around. "Where's the baby? I want to see her."
Eva smiled and lifted the blanket beside her. "Right here."
Eyan leaned closer, and as soon as his gaze fell on the tiny bundle, his whole expression softened. He carefully scooped the baby into his arms, holding her as though she were made of glass.
Eva watched him, a loving smile tugging at her lips. "You know, Eyan… you lost again. I saw our baby first this time too."
Eyan smiled, his voice low and full of wonder. "She looks exactly like I saw her in my dream."
Eva tilted her head, surprised. "You saw her… in your dreams?"
He nodded slowly, his eyes never leaving the baby's face. "Yes—it was her...my Elena."
Eva chuckled. "So you saw her first after all. I suppose that means we're even now."
Eyan smiled, brushing a finger along the baby's cheek. "Elena, you came to your father first, didn't you?"
The baby stirred faintly, her tiny hand curling around his finger.
Eyan's heart melted at the touch. "What about Nyra? Did she see her yet?"
Eva shook her head. "No, only Aranel and brother Luca have. The children are still asleep."
Eyan's lips curved into a soft smile. "Then I'll show her once she wakes up. Our Nyra's wish came true."
Eva's gaze softened as she whispered, "Yes… it really did."
---
(Morning —)
A gentle knock echoed through the chamber.
Knock, knock.
Luca opened the door and looked up. "Eyan."
Eyan stepped inside, a soft smile on his face and a bundle wrapped carefully in his arms. "Luca, where's Nyra?"
"She's inside," Luca replied, moving aside.
Aranel rose from her seat with a polite smile. "Your Majesty."
Eyan nodded before his eyes landed on the little girl sitting on the carpet, busy arranging her dolls. "Nyra, dear," he called warmly, "look who I brought for you."
Nyra looked up, eyes bright. "Who, Uncle Eyan?"
Eyan crouched to her level, his voice gentle. "Your sister."
Nyra's mouth fell open. "Sister…?"
"Yes," Eyan said, smiling as he showed her the tiny face tucked in the blanket.
Nyra's eyes sparkled with delight. She began clapping and bouncing on her feet. "Nyra has a sister now!" she squealed.
Eyan chuckled. "Yes, you do."
Nyra leaned closer, peeking at the baby. "Uncle Eyan, what's her name?"
"Her name is Elena."
Nyra gasped. "Elena! That's a beautiful name."
She looked between Eyan and the baby. "Uncle Eyan, she looks just like you! Did you make a wish and ask for her?"
Before Eyan could answer, Luca smirked from behind. "Yes, Nyra. Your uncle made the wish—and then fainted right after."
Eyan snapped his head toward Luca. "Shut up!"
Aranel turned away, trying not to laugh.
Eyan cleared his throat and turned back to Nyra, keeping his composure. "No, Nyra. Your Aunt Eva made the wish to Goddess Liora, so you could have a sister too."
Nyra's face lit up even more. "Aunt Eva did that for me?"
"Yes," Eyan said softly, smiling at her pure excitement.
"Uncle, can I play with her?" Nyra asked eagerly.
"Of course," Eyan said.
He stood and gently placed baby Elena on the bed. "Come here, Nyra. Be careful, alright?"
Nyra climbed up onto the bed, her tiny hands reaching out with wonder. She giggled as she touched Elena's little hand, whispering, "Hi, sister."
Eyan watched them with a proud smile that reached his eyes. Then he turned to Aranel. "Lady Aranel, could you watch them for a while?"
"Of course, Your Majesty," she said kindly.
Eyan nodded and then looked at Luca, his expression shifting. "And you—come with me."
Before Luca could react, Eyan grabbed him by the collar and dragged him out of the room.
Aranel couldn't help but laugh softly as the door closed behind them. "Luca," she sighed, shaking her head, "why do you always open your mouth at the wrong time?"
Her gaze softened as she turned back to the bed. Nyra sat close to her baby sister, humming a tune and patting the blanket beside Elena's tiny hand.
Aranel's smile deepened, her heart warm. "Thank you, Eva," she whispered.
---
Eyan dragged Luca out of the room, slamming him lightly against the wall.
Eyan's voice was low, but sharp. "What did you just say inside?"
Luca blinked innocently. "What?" Then smirked. "Oh, you mean the part where you fainted watching your wife give birth?"
He started laughing.
Eyan's eyes narrowed. "Looks like someone forgot what he did when his wife was giving birth."
Luca's grin faltered.
Eyan leaned closer, teasing, "You fainted too, didn't you? At least I woke up after three hours. You, on the other hand, were gone for an entire day."
Luca went quiet.
Eyan crossed his arms. "Why so silent now? Say something."
Luca sighed, defeated. "I have nothing to say."
Both of them broke into laughter.
Eyan ran a hand through his hair, chuckling. "To tell you the truth, my legs are still trembling."
Luca nodded in sympathy. "Mine trembled for five days straight."
Eyan shook his head. "If it's this hard for us, when all we do is watch, I can't imagine how they manage it."
Luca smiled softly. "Because they're strong women, Eyan."
Eyan's expression softened. "Yes. They truly are."
Luca grinned. "That's why we both fell for them, right?"
Eyan smiled back. "Right."
For a quiet moment, the two men just stood there, sharing a silent understanding.
Then Eyan straightened. "I need to get back to Eva."
He turned, glancing back at Luca. "Look after Elena, okay?"
Luca gave a mock salute. "Don't worry. Her uncle's here."
Eyan smiled faintly, then walked away — the morning light glinting on his shoulders as he headed back to his wife.