---
Royal Palace – Afternoon
The scratch of a quill filled the quiet of Eyan's office as he signed another document. The heavy scent of ink and parchment lingered in the air.
Hans entered, bowing.
"Your Majesty, Prince Velco of the Dravareth Empire will be arriving tomorrow."
Eyan's quill paused mid-stroke.
"So… the prince is coming this time."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Prepare a room for him in the west wing."
Hans bowed deeper. "Yes, Your Majesty."
Eyan set the quill down. "And Hans—are the preparations for the banquet finished?"
"They are, Your Majesty." Hans pause, then added, "Also… you should try your outfit for the birthday soon. Only four days remain—if any adjustments are needed—"
Eyan gave a faint nod. "I'll do it this evening."
---
(That Night – Eva's House)
Eva sat curled on the couch, aimlessly tracing the wood grain on the armrest. Her eyes fell to her left hand—only to widen in alarm.
Her ring was gone.
Her pulse quickened. "Where is my ring…?" She shot up, scanning the cushions, the floor, the table.
The front door creaked open.
Kyel stepped in, frowning. "Eva, why is the door open?"
She didn't answer, rummaging beneath the couch.
Kyel crossed the room and caught her hand, only to still when he saw the tears in her eyes.
"Why are you crying? What happened?"
Her voice trembled. "Kyel… I lost my ring."
"Your ring?" His brow furrowed.
The ring is with me, Kyel thought grimly. I forgot to give it back to her.
"It's just a ring," he said aloud, masking his guilt. "I'll buy you a new one."
Her eyes darted to him. "But it will cost money—"
"You don't have to worry about that. I'll manage it." He brushed away her tears. "Now stop crying."
He glanced toward the kitchen. "Did you eat dinner?"
She shook her head. "No… I was waiting for—"
"Then let's eat." He guided her to the table, setting her down gently before bringing out dishes and plates.
"Let's eat," he repeated. And they did, quietly.
---
The Next Morning – Royal Palace
Eyan strode into his office, his expression sharper than usual.
"Hans!"
Hans nearly jumped. "Yes, Your Majesty?"
"Call the best jeweler in the empire. Now."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Within the hour, a short, finely dressed man entered, bowing low.
"Your Majesty," the jeweler greeted. "Are you perhaps seeking a piece of jewelry to wear for your birthday?"
"Kind of," Eyan replied. "Show me the best ring you have."
The man carefully opened a velvet case, displaying a row of finely crafted men's rings.
"These are made of rare—"
"Not those." Eyan's voice was firm. "Show me a ring for a woman."
The jeweler hesitated. "May I ask for whom—"
Hans's voice cut like a blade. "Master Tharick, do you dare question His Majesty?"
The jeweler flinched. "My apologies." He produced another tray, this one glittering with delicate feminine designs.
"Which one do you like, Your Majesty?"
Eyan's gaze drifted over each piece until it caught on one in particular—a ring crowned with a gem of luminous green.
"That one. Show it to me."
The jeweler lifted it carefully.
That gem… it looks like her eyes, Eyan thought.
"I'll take it."
The jeweler smiled knowingly. "Your Majesty has a fine eye. This stone is found only in the far west of the empire—there are merely five like it."
"Is that so."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Eyan handed the ring back. "Hans, pay him."
"Yes, Your Majesty. Master Tharick—this way."
Once they left, Eyan held the ring in his palm, studying the way light caught its depths.
Hans returned. "The payment is made, Your Majesty."
"Good."
Hans hesitated. "Your Majesty… is that ring for Her Highness?"
"Yes."
"Then… may I speak freely?"
Eyan looked up. "Speak."
"Don't you think this ring is too expensive? If you give it to her, she may begin to suspect your identity. After all… her husband is but a commoner. There's no way he could afford something like this. What will you tell her if she asks where the money came from?"
Eyan's lips curved faintly. "I'll tell her it's a fake."
Hans frowned. "Will Her Highness believe that?"
"She will. She believes every word I say."
Hans's voice softened. "Your Majesty… don't you think it's wrong to lie to her?"
Eyan fell silent, staring at the ring. "…It is, Hans. I don't want to lie to her either."
"Then don't. Tell her the truth."
"I can't."
"But why?"
"I have my reasons. Reasons I can't tell you."
Hans took a step forward. "But—"
"That's enough." Eyan's tone brooked no argument. "Leave."
Hans bowed deeply and left.
Alone, Eyan leaned back in his chair, the ring glinting between his fingers.
"I wish I could tell her the truth…" he murmured, almost to himself.