The soft glow of morning slipped through the curtains as Eva slowly opened her eyes. Beside her, Kyel lay fast asleep, his arm draped around her, holding her close as though even in slumber he refused to let her go.
Her lips curved into a faint smile as she studied him. Quietly, she reached out, tracing the lines of his face with her fingertips—the strong jaw, the curve of his nose, the softness of his lips. Her finger lingered there, brushing lightly across his mouth.
Her heart gave a nervous flutter. Slowly, she leaned closer, her lips hovering just a breath away from his. But hesitation gripped her, and she stopped.
And then—his eyes opened.
Eva's breath caught, her body stiffening.
"P-Princess… what are you doing?" Kyel's voice was still husky with sleep.
She panicked, pulling her hand back. "N-nothing… there was something on your face."
His lips curved into a slow, knowing smile. Without warning, he slipped his hand to the back of her head and drew her in, capturing her mouth in a deep, unhurried kiss.
Her eyes widened for a heartbeat, then fluttered closed as she melted into him, kissing him back.
When they finally parted, Kyel's gaze held hers, warm and unyielding.
"Next time," he murmured, "if you want to kiss me… don't hesitate."
"You can kiss me all you want, alright?" he added with a smile.
Eva bit down on her lower lip, her cheeks flushed, and gave a small nod.
---
Kyel pressed a soft kiss on Eva's forehead before slipping out of bed. She blinked up at him, her voice gentle but laced with concern.
"Kyel… you look tired. Did you not sleep well last night?"
He gave her a small smile, trying to disguise the heaviness in his eyes. "No, I had plenty of sleep. I'll go and make breakfast. You should go take a bath."
Eva frowned, sitting up. "I can make breakfast. You look exhausted—you should lie down and sleep some more."
He shook his head stubbornly. "No. You need rest."
She stared at him, her lips pressing together as if weighing her options.
Then her eyes lit with a sudden mischievous idea. "Kyel, if you don't sleep… then I'll never give you a kiss again."
Kyel froze, turning slowly back to her. "What…?"
Her chin lifted proudly. "You heard me."
He blinked, then let out a disbelieving laugh. "Is that a threat? Princess, don't joke like that with me."
"I'm not joking," she replied, her lips curving in challenge.
Kyel placed a hand over his chest dramatically, his expression one of feigned heartbreak. "How could you be so cruel? To take away my kisses?"
Eva smirked, enjoying the game. "If you don't believe me, then try me. Put one foot out that door, Kyel, and be ready for the consequences."
He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a low murmur. "Then… at least give me one kiss to survive on, before I surrender."
Her cheeks warmed, he stole a lingering kiss from her lips. Only then did he fall back into bed with a sigh of defeat. "Alright… you win."
It took barely a minute for sleep to claim him, his exhaustion too heavy to resist any longer.
Eva gazed at him, her heart softening. "He said he was fine… yet look at him—falling asleep in an instant." She brushed a lock of hair from his forehead, her expression tender.
Rising quietly, she padded out of the room, locking the door behind her. A small smile played on her lips. If he thinks I'll let him burn himself out, he truly doesn't know who he married.
---
Prince Velco stood by the tall window of his chamber, his gaze fixed on the sprawling city below.
The door creaked open, and a hooded spy entered, bowing low.
"Your Highness."
Velco didn't turn. "Did you bring any news?"
The spy kept his head bowed. "No, Your Highness. I still didn't find anything related to the dragon."
Velco's jaw tightened. In a sudden burst of anger, he grabbed a glass from the table and hurled it against the wall. It shattered into shards across the marble.
"You are useless!" he snarled. "It's been a month, and you still haven't found a thing!"
The spy flinched, pressing lower to the floor. "Forgive me, Your Highness."
Velco dragged a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply. "And what about the commotion in the palace two days ago? Tell me you at least found something about that."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Velco's gaze sharpened. "Well?"
"That night, Duke Malric Vane tried to attack a lady."
Velco turned, his expression dark. "A lady…?"
"Yes, Your Highness."
His brows furrowed. "But there are no women in the palace." He stepped closer, voice low and demanding. "What is the name of the lady?"
The spy hesitated. "…Eva."
Velco stilled. "Eva…" he repeated slowly. "What was she doing here in the palace?"
"She came here to train with the new recruits. I saw her many times."
Velco's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Why didn't you tell me then?"
"I thought it wasn't important, so… I—"
"Next time," Velco cut him off sharply, "bring me any news related to her."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Velco leaned back against the table, his voice laced with venom. "And what happened to Duke Malric Vane? Tell me that bastard got what he deserved."
The spy bowed lower. "He is not alive anymore."
Velco's lips curved into a satisfied smile. "That feels good to hear."
His gaze drifted back to the window, the light catching on the sharp edges of his face. "Now go," he ordered coldly, "and keep searching for the Marble."
"Yes, Your Highness."
The spy retreated swiftly, leaving Velco alone, his smile lingering like the shadow of a blade.
---