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That Night – Kyel's House
A soft knock echoed through the quiet house.
Eva hurried down the stairs, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"Coming!" she called.
When she opened the door, Kyel stood there, the faint chill of the evening clinging to his clothes.
"I'm back, princess," he said with a gentle smile.
Without a word, Eva stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him. The scent of the outside air and his familiar warmth eased something in her chest.
"I have something for you," Kyel murmured once she pulled back.
"For me?" Her eyes lit with curiosity.
"Close your eyes."
Eva obeyed, a playful smile tugging at her lips. She felt his warm hand take hers, lifting it gently before something cool slid onto her ring finger.
"Now… open your eyes."
Her gaze fell to the ring, and her breath caught.
"Wow… it's so beautiful."
"You like it?"
"I love it…" Her fingers turned slightly, watching the gem catch the light. Then her brow furrowed faintly. "Kyel… it looks expensive."
"It's not, Eva," he said with an easy tone. "That stone is fake. I bought the ring from a small shop—it was very cheap."
She studied it again, still unconvinced. "It looks so real."
Her smile widened as she looked up at him. "Thank you so much."
"Come," she added, tugging his hand. "I made dinner."
"What did you make?"
"You know I only know how to make this one dish," she laughed softly. "I don't understand why you like it so much. You've been eating it for the past three days."
"You wouldn't understand," he said, a quiet smile playing on his lips as he followed her.
Kyel took his seat at the table while Eva set down the dishes. The two began to eat, the warm light casting a soft glow over them.
They began to eat in quiet comfort, the clink of spoons against plates the only sound in the room.
"Eva…" Kyel's voice broke the silence.
She glanced up. "Yes?"
"I have to go out of town tomorrow. For work."
Her hand stilled over her food. "Out of town?"
He nodded.
"How many days?"
"At least ten."
Her lips parted slightly, but no words came. Instead, she lowered her gaze to her plate.
Kyel studied her face, the flicker of disappointment she tried to hide. "You don't want me to leave, do you?"
Eva forced a small smile. "No… it must be important if it's for work. You can go."
"Will you be alright alone?"
"Of course." She pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "Don't worry about me."
He leaned back slightly, still searching her expression. "Alright then."
But as they returned to their meal, Eva found that every bite tasted just a little bit emptier.
---
The Next Morning
Kyel was fastening the last button of his coat when Eva came down the stairs, still in her nightgown, her hair slightly tousled from sleep.
"You're leaving already?" she asked.
"Yes." He smiled faintly and beckoned. "Princess, come here."
She stepped closer. Kyel bent down, cupping her face gently in his palms.
Her breath caught—she thought he was going to kiss her. She closed her eyes in anticipation.
A small chuckle escaped him. "Why are you closing your eyes?"
Eva opened them quickly, flustered. "You wanted a goodbye kiss, don't you?"
"No…" His lips curved into a teasing smile.
"Then why are you looking at me like that?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I won't see you for ten days," he replied quietly. "I just wanted to remember your face."
She stood there, waiting patiently. "Are you done?"
Kyel released her face with a small hum. "Done."
Eva turned to leave, but his voice stopped her. "Where are you going?"
"You want something else?"
Kyel's lips curved. "What about the kiss?"
Her brow arched. "I offered, but you didn't want it."
"I want it now."
She stepped closer, pressing her lips to his in a light kiss—but when she began to pull away, his arm slid firmly around her waist. He drew her in, deepening the kiss, slow and lingering, as if unwilling to let the moment end.
When they finally parted, his forehead rested against hers. "I'll miss you," he whispered.
"I'll miss you too," she breathed.
With one last look, Kyel stepped back, heading for the door. "Bye, princess."
"Bye, honey."
And then he was gone, leaving behind a silence that felt heavier than the room itself.
---
(One Day Before the Birthday Banquet – Velmoria Market)
The market was alive with color and sound—vendors calling out their prices, the scent of fresh bread mingling with the faint tang of spices drifting in the cool air. Eva wove her way through the crowd, her steps light but purposeful.
I should buy a dress for tomorrow, she thought, glancing at the neat rows of shops.
She stepped into a boutique, greeted by the warm scent of polished wood and freshly unpacked fabrics. Her eyes immediately caught on a gown displayed near the window—a cascade of shimmering silk in the softest blue.
"Wow… that dress is beautiful," she whispered under her breath. But then her gaze fell to the price tag, and her eyes widened.
"That's… far too expensive."
She turned away reluctantly, trailing her fingers over other fabrics until a simpler design caught her attention—a modest dress in cream, with a subtle embroidered hem. She picked it up, feeling the smoothness of the fabric between her fingers, and checked the price.
"Perfect. It's not expensive… and very simple."
Turning to the shop owner, she smiled. "I'll take this one."
The purchase made, she stepped back into the street, the folded dress tucked neatly under her arm. Now… about the gift. What should I give him?
Her gaze wandered along the busy lane until it landed on a bakery, its windows fogged slightly from the warmth inside. The air smelled of sugar and butter. A small smile tugged at her lips.
"Right… I can give cookies to him."
Inside, she moved along the display, eyes sweeping over trays of golden-brown biscuits and delicately iced confections. One jar in particular caught her attention—glossy, spiced cookies dusted with crushed hazelnuts.
She paused, her fingers hovering over the glass. "I always wanted to buy that one for Kyel… but since he's allergic to hazelnuts, I couldn't."
Her smile softened. "It's my favorite. I should buy that one for the Emperor."
She placed her order, watching as the shop owner carefully wrapped the cookies in crisp paper and tied them with a ribbon.
"Nice…" She tucked the package safely into her bag. "All done. Now… let's wait for tomorrow."