---
Two months later
Eva lay sprawled on her bed, staring blankly at the canopy above.
Eva: "I feel so bored… What should I even do today?"
She rolled over with a sigh, hugging the pillow before abruptly sitting up.
Eva: "I should just go see Aranel."
Without wasting another moment, she got dressed and headed out to visit her only friend, Lady Aranel Delyss—a daughter of Duke Calren Delyss, one of Velmoria's highest-ranking nobles.
At the Delyss estate, a maid knocked gently on Aranel's chamber door.
Maid: "Lady Aranel, your friend Lady Eva has come to see you."
Aranel: "Bring her in immediately!"
Within moments, Eva stepped into the lavish chamber. Aranel, still dressed in a pale green lounging gown, lit up at the sight of her.
Aranel: "Eva! It's been ages! How have you been?"
She rushed forward and wrapped Eva in a warm embrace.
Eva: smiling softly "I was just… bored. So I thought I'd come see you."
As they pulled apart, Aranel's eyes dropped to Eva's left hand—and froze on the delicate band of gold wrapped around her finger.
Aranel: "Eva. What is that?"
Eva: "Oh… my wedding ring."
Aranel's eyes widened—and then she shrieked.
Aranel: "YOU GOT MARRIED?! And you didn't tell me?! When? To whom?! Name, age, job, hair color—I want details, everything!"
Before Eva could blink, Aranel had dragged her down into the nearest chair like an interrogator preparing for questioning.
Eva: "It happened quickly, Aranel. I didn't have time to tell anyone."
Aranel: pouting "I'm deeply hurt, Eva. We've known each other since we were five. I'm your best friend."
Eva: "I'm sorry…"
Aranel folded her arms, but her curiosity won out.
Aranel: "Fine. I forgive you—conditionally. Now spill. Who is he?"
Eva: "His name is Kyel. He's gentle, kind… and he treats me really well."
Aranel: softening "That's good. I'm happy you found someone like that."
Her eyes narrowed mischievously.
Aranel: "Is he handsome?"
Eva's cheeks flushed.
Eva: "He is…"
Aranel gasped, clapping her hands.
Aranel: "I knew it! So? Tell me about your wedding night. What happened? Is he good in bed?"
Eva: blushing furiously "Aranel!"
Aranel: "Oh, come on! You know I live for this kind of talk!"
Eva: silent
Aranel: "Say something!"
Eva: quietly "We didn't…"
Aranel: "Didn't what?"
Eva: "We didn't… have our wedding night."
Aranel blinked.
Aranel: "What?! Why not?!"
Eva lowered her gaze, fingers tightening around her dress.
Eva: "I couldn't do it. When Kyel got close to me that night… I got scared. I thought I had moved on from the past, but—"
Aranel's expression immediately softened. She moved beside her and wrapped her arms around her tightly.
Aranel: "Eva… I know. It's not something you can forget just like that. I know what you went through."
Eva clung to her, drawing quiet comfort from the embrace.
Aranel: "What did Kyel say when it happened?"
Eva: "He told me I don't have to push myself, and that he'll wait until I'm ready."
Aranel: "That's… really sweet of him."
She pulled back slightly to meet Eva's eyes.
Aranel: "So… are you ready now?"
Eva: hesitant "I don't know. Kyel never asked for more. He still keeps his distance."
Aranel: "Eva, I understand your fear… but you're married now. And as gentle as Kyel is, he's still a man. Even if he says he'll wait—there's a limit to how long someone can suppress their feelings."
She paused, brushing Eva's hair behind her ear gently.
Aranel: "No marriage feels whole without that… connection. And deep down, I think you want to move forward too."
Eva: whispers "What should I do?"
Aranel: "Tell him. Tell him you're ready. Tell him you want to share your wedding night."
Eva: deep breath "Okay… I'll do it."
Aranel: beaming "That's my girl!"
Both of them burst into laughter, the tension finally easing.
Eva: glancing outside "Oh—it's almost evening. I should head home now."
Aranel: "I'll have someone escort you back in a carriage."
Eva: "Thanks."
As Eva stepped into the ornate carriage, Aranel stood by the door, arms folded and a knowing smile on her face.
Aranel: "Eva—think about what we talked about, alright?"
Eva: softly "I will…"
Aranel: "Take care. And tell me everything after, okay?"
Eva: blushing again "Bye, Aranel…"
The carriage door closed, and Eva rode away into the warm hues of the setting sun—her heart a little lighter, but her mind full of thoughts.
---
The room was quiet, save for the occasional crackle from the fireplace. Eva sat curled up on the couch, her legs tucked beneath her as she stared at the untouched plates on the table.
"It's late…" she murmured, eyes drifting toward the door. "Why hasn't Kyel come yet?" She glanced at the food. "The stew's gone cold. I should warm it up again."
Just then, a knock echoed through the quiet cottage.
And a voice followed.
"Princess..."
Her breath caught. A smile lifted her lips as she quickly stood and hurried to the door. She swung it open.
There he was—Kyel—standing beneath the silver glow of moonlight. His hair was damp with the evening mist, cloak drawn close, eyes tired but gentle.
Without waiting another second, Eva stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him.
"Kyel, you're late," she murmured into his chest.
He held her close, exhaling a breath that seemed to release all the weight of the day.
"Sorry… Princess. I had something to do."
She pulled back just enough to look up at him.
"I made dinner," she said. "Go wash up. We'll eat together."
His brows furrowed slightly. "You haven't eaten yet?"
She shook her head. "No. I was waiting for you."
He looked down at her for a long beat.
"Eva…" he said softly. "Next time, if I'm late, don't wait. Just eat, alright?"
"I'm not hungry—"
Her stomach chose that very moment to growl, loud and unashamed.
They both paused, and then burst into soft laughter.
Kyel leaned in slightly, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.
"Your stomach says otherwise."
Eva rolled her eyes, cheeks warming. "Just go take your bath," she said, waving him off. "I'll reheat the stew."
"Yes, ma'am," he chuckled and gave her a brief, warm glance before disappearing behind the wooden door.
---
After dinner—quiet, comfortable, shared between soft glances and unspoken understanding—Kyel insisted on washing the dishes. Eva let him, her heart a strange mix of restless and fluttering.
She changed into her nightdress, brushed out her hair, and slipped under the covers.
The bed felt larger than usual. The quiet louder.
Soon, Kyel entered the room. His hair was still damp, sleeves rolled to his elbows as he dried his hands. He looked over at her, then crossed the room and sat beside her on the edge of the bed.
Neither spoke for a moment.
Then—
"Kyel…" she whispered.
He turned toward her, voice equally low. "What is it?"
Eva sat up slightly, her hand resting on the blanket between them.
Her heart thudded. But her gaze was steady.
"I think I'm ready."
Kyel's brow creased, confused for a moment.
"Ready for what?"
She swallowed. "Our first night. I'm ready… if you are."
His breath caught.
His eyes met hers—and for a heartbeat, he didn't speak. Desire flickered there, yes—but it was quickly overwhelmed by something deeper. Something far more vulnerable.
He reached out slowly, brushing a strand of hair from her cheek.
"Eva," he said softly, "are you sure?"
She nodded. "I am."