(Two Months Later)
The mirror reflected Eva's calm face as she fastened the final clasp of her gown. Though her cheeks held more color now.
Behind her, Kyel stood with arms folded, his brows furrowed.
"Are you sure you're alright?" he asked softly, his voice laced with concern.
Eva turned, giving him a small smile. "Yes, I'm sure. I've had plenty of rest these past two months."
She smoothed her skirts as though to convince him. "I can't skip the training forever."
"But—" Kyel started, unease tightening his jaw.
Eva reached for his hand, squeezing it gently. "Honey, don't worry. I'll be fine."
A sigh escaped him, resignation shadowing his features. "Alright," he murmured, though his eyes lingered on her as if unwilling to let go.
---
(Royal Palace – Emperor's Office)
The heavy oak doors stood tall and imposing, but the moment Eva raised her hand to knock, Hans had already opened them.
"Lady Eva," Hans greeted. "What brings you here?"
"Mr. Hans," Eva replied politely, "is His Majesty inside?"
"Yes, he is. Please, come in."
She stepped inside, Eyan stood behind his desk. When he saw her, his expression softened into a smile.
"Eva—you're back."
"Yes."
"How are you feeling?" he asked, his tone gentle.
"I feel good, Eyan," she said, steadying herself under his gaze. "I came to resume my training."
"You can take more days off if you wish. It's not as though you're bound by time."
Eva shook her head, her voice firm though quiet. "No. I've had plenty of rest. I'm really fine now."
Eyan studied her for a moment, then inclined his head. "If you say so."
There was a pause before Eva added softly, "And, Eyan…"
"Yes?"
"Thank you for saving me that night. If you hadn't come to my rescue, I don't know what would have happened to me."
Her eyes lowered, guilt clouding them. "And I… I apologize. You saved me, yet I treated you like a stranger. You must have felt bad when I—when I was afraid of yo—"
"Eva." His voice cut through hers, firm but not unkind.
She blinked up at him, startled.
"You don't need to worry about me feeling bad," he said. "And don't apologize."
"But even so—"
"Eva," he interrupted again, his expression tightening. "You saying thank you and apologizing to me… that's what making me feel bad. So please, stop."
Her lips parted, then slowly closed. "…Alright."
"Good," he said with the faintest smile.
Eva hesitated before asking the question that had haunted her thoughts. "What… what happened to Duke Malric Vane?"
Eyan's gaze darkened, shadows flickering across his face. "Duke Malric Vane has been sent to the dungeon. He will spend the rest of his life there. That is what became of him."
Relief softened her shoulders. "I'm glad he paid for what he did."
"Yes," Eyan replied coldly. "He got what he deserved."
Silence hung in the room a beat too long. Then Eva bowed her head. "Then… I'll take my leave."
Eyan watched her turn and walk away, the echo of her footsteps fading down the corridor. His smile had already vanished.
Hans hesitated at the doorway, his voice careful. "Your Majesty… why didn't you tell Her Highness about Duke Malric Vane?"
Eyan's gaze darkened, shadowing his sharp features. He spoke slowly, each word measured. "She didn't need to know."
Hans's brow furrowed, sensing there was more behind the answer.
"She has a fragile heart," Eyan continued, his voice low, almost a whisper yet carrying weight. "Hearing about him… it would have been too harsh. I won't let her suffer more because of him."
Hans inclined his head, acknowledging the unspoken wisdom in the Emperor's words. "You are right, Your Majesty."
Eyan's eyes narrowed slightly as he gave his next order. "And Hans… make sure every knight who was present keeps silent about Duke Malric Vane. No one is to speak of him."
Hans bowed deeply. "Yes, Your Majesty."
As Hans departed, the room fell into silence. Eyan remained at his desk, hands folded.
---
(Training Hall)
The clang of wooden swords and the sharp shouts of command filled the training hall as Eva stepped inside. The air smelled faintly of steel and sweat, yet for her, it felt strangely comforting—like returning to a familiar place.
Almost at once, three young women spotted her. They were new recruits she had grown accustomed to during her earlier training days:
Lira, a spirited brunette with quick hands and a quicker smile.
Selene, tall with dark hair tied neatly, her calm demeanor often balancing Lira's energy.
Mira, the youngest, with short golden hair and bright eyes that always seemed full of questions.
Lira broke away from the group first, rushing toward her with open arms.
"Eva! It's been a while. Where have you been? I missed you."
Eva's lips curved into a soft smile as she returned the embrace. "Something unexpected happened… that's why I couldn't come."
Mira, ever eager, leaned forward with a grin. "Well, you're here now! Come on, let's go back to training."
Eva nodded, determination sparking in her eyes. "Let's go."
Side by side, the four of them walked back onto the training grounds, their laughter and chatter weaving through the clamor of swords. The weight of the past months lingered in Eva's heart, but among them—among friends—her steps felt lighter.
---
(Emperor's Office)
A knock broke the quiet of the chamber.
"Come in," Eyan called, his tone clipped.
A servant entered, bowing low. "Your Majesty, your father wishes to see you."
Eyan exhaled slowly, irritation flickering across his face. "What does Father want now…" Pushing his chair back, he rose and strode from the room.
---
(King Thalor's Chamber)
The heavy doors creaked as Eyan entered. His father, King Thalor Therald, sat waiting, his presence commanding even in silence.
"Father," Eyan said, bowing his head slightly. "You wished to speak with me?"
King Thalor's sharp eyes glinted with something unreadable. "Eyan Tell me, do you remember Lady Elenor Veymont?"
Eyan frowned faintly. "Yes… She is the daughter of your old friend, Duke Aldren Veymont, is she not?"
"Indeed," the King said with a slow nod. "You met her when you were just a boy. Do you recall it?"
Eyan shook his head. "I don't remember. But what about her?"
"Go and meet her," King Thalor said smoothly. "If you like her, then you may marry her."
A sharp scoff escaped Eyan. "I told you, I have no interest in marriage. Did you forget?"
"I'm not ordering you to marry her," Thalor replied, voice heavy with feigned patience. "I ask only that you meet her. If you dislike her, simply say no.
Can you not fulfill even this small request of your father?"
Eyan's jaw tightened. He hated when his father played on emotions. "Fine… I'll meet her. Just stop with those sentimental speeches."
A smile ghosted across King Thalor's lips—one Eyan did not notice as he turned away.
"Next week," Thalor said lightly, "go and meet her."
"…Very well," Eyan muttered, before striding toward the door.
The moment it closed, the King's expression shifted, the faint smile sharpening into something far colder.
"Eyan, you can't run away this time."