(Royal Palace — Morning)
Eyan stood beside his desk, reviewing a scroll of arrival schedules, when Hans entered with his usual measured step.
"What time will Duke Malric Vane arrive?" Eyan asked without looking up.
"In the afternoon, Your Majesty," Hans replied.
Eyan nodded once, eyes scanning the parchment. "Are all preparations ready?"
"Yes, Your Majesty," Hans said, but then hesitated. His brows knit slightly. "Although… there is one matter that still needs to be addressed."
Eyan lifted his gaze. "What is it?"
Hans cleared his throat. "We do not have any maids or female servants available to attend to Her Grace, the Duchess of Ravencourt, Lady Serenya Vane."
For a moment, silence lingered, broken only by the faint rustle of the curtains in the breeze. Eyan thought for a few seconds, the corner of his mouth tightening in contemplation.
"Call Eva here," he said finally.
Hans's eyes flickered in surprise. "Her Highness? But… may I ask why—"
"Just go and get her, Hans." Eyan's tone was firm but not unkind.
Hans bowed, lowering his head. "Yes, Your Majesty."
---
A short while later, Hans returned with Eva, who entered the study with her usual quiet grace. She offered a polite bow. "You called for me, Eyan?"
"Yes." Eyan leaned back against his desk, arms folding casually. "How is your training going?"
"It's going well," she replied with a faint smile. "I'm much better now."
"Good." His eyes softened for just a moment. "Eva, I have a request."
She tilted her head slightly. "What is it?"
"There is a guest coming to the palace today— as you know, we currently have no maids or female servants available to attend to the Duchess."
He paused, then added, "If you don't mind… could you take on that role for these two days?"
Eva's eyes widened briefly, but then she nodded. "Sure."
"Thank you," he said, his tone genuinely appreciative. "You won't need to do much—just keep her company."
"All right."
"They will be staying here for two days, so you'll remain in the palace during that time," Eyan added. "Is that acceptable to you?"
"It's only two days," she said lightly. "I can manage."
"Good. You can stay in the guest quarters until they arrive."
Eva bowed once more. "Understood." She turned and left quietly, the faint whisper of her skirts trailing behind her.
---
Afternoon — Royal Palace
Eva waited in the guest room, hands folded neatly in her lap, while in the courtyard Eyan and Hans stood ready to receive their visitors. The carriage rolled to a halt, its crest of Ravencourt gleaming in the sun.
Duke Malric Vane stepped down first, followed by his elegantly dressed wife, Lady Serenya Vane.
"Welcome, Duke," Eyan greeted.
The duke bowed. "Your Majesty, you didn't have to come personally to receive us."
"I didn't come for you," Eyan replied smoothly. "I came to welcome the Duchess."
Lady Serenya lowered her head gracefully. "It is an honor to meet you, Your Majesty."
"Welcome to the royal palace, Duchess," Eyan said. "Let's go inside."
---
The doors to Eva's room opened. She rose and bowed. "Welcome, Duke and Duchess."
"Raise your head," Lady Serenya said gently.
Eva obeyed—then froze when her gaze landed on the duke. Her heart lurched. She quickly lowered her eyes. Why is he here?
"Please, have a seat," Eyan said once they entered the reception hall.
Everyone sat except Eva, who stood stiffly, lost in thought.
"Lady Eva," Eyan called.
She blinked. "Y… yes?"
"Have a seat."
"Y-yes…" She sat, her hands trembling in her lap.
Why is he here? Did he recognize me? she thought, lowering her gaze. No… no, it can't be. Eva, don't be afraid—there's no way he remembers you.
Tea was poured, polite words exchanged. When the cups were empty, Eyan turned to the Duchess.
"You must be tired from the journey. You should rest."
"Of course," Serenya agreed.
"Lady Eva, show the Duchess to her chambers," Eyan instructed.
Eva rose, but her knees nearly buckled. Eyan caught her arm. "Be careful."
"I'm fine, Your Majesty." She forced a smile. "This way, Duchess."
---
When they had gone, only Eyan and the duke remained.
"Your Majesty, who was that lady?" Malric asked. "From the way you treat her, she's clearly not a servant."
"She doesn't work here," Eyan replied evenly. "She's my guest. I asked her to attend the Duchess."
"I see. And her name?"
"Eva."
"Eva…" The duke's eyes narrowed slightly. "Is she the daughter of Lord Alric Elvaris?"
"Yes."
A faint smile ghosted over Malric's lips. Lookslike we meet again.
---
Night — Royal Palace
Eva sat on her bed, knees drawn up, staring at the untouched dinner tray by the window. She hadn't gone to the dining hall—couldn't. The thought of facing Duke Malric Vane again sent a cold shiver down her spine.
A sharp knock… knock at the door made her heart leap.
"W-who is it?" she called, her voice a little too quick.
"It's me—Eyan," came the deep, familiar reply.
Relief flooded her chest, and she let out the breath she hadn't realized she was holding. Rising, she opened the door.
Eyan stood there, brows slightly drawn. "Eva, are you all right? You didn't come to dinner. The servants said you weren't feeling well."
"I wasn't hungry," she said softly. "I… have a bit of a headache. I just wanted to rest."
"I'll take you to the physician," he offered immediately.
She shook her head. "No, Eyan, it's nothing serious. I'll feel better after sleeping."
His gaze searched hers, still unconvinced. "If you won't go to the physician, I'll send someone to bring medicine. Will that be all right?"
"Yes," she murmured. "Medicine will be fine."
"All right. I'll have a servant bring it to you." His gaze softened, though there was still a trace of worry lingering there. "Take care, Eva."
She gave a small nod, closing the door gently behind him. Alone again, the room felt even quieter—yet her mind was anything but still.
---
(Some time later)
Knock… knock.
Eva looked up from the pillow she'd been leaning against. "Oh… that must be the medicine," she murmured to herself, smoothing her hair as she crossed the room.
She pulled the door open—
—and froze.
Standing in the dimly lit corridor was not a servant, but Duke Malric Vane. His shadow stretched long across the threshold, his eyes unreadable in the flicker of the lantern light.
Her breath caught in her throat.
"Good evening… Lady Eva," he said, his tone low and deliberate.
Eva's breath hitched. Her fingers curled tightly against the edge of the door, as though it were the only thing keeping her standing.