Eva pressed her hands to her cheeks, her heart hammering. Just… what did I do last night?
Her mind replayed the moments in fragments, each memory more mortifying than the last. No… it can't be… there's no way I actually did that.
Her teeth sank into her lower lip as the truth hit her like a lightning bolt. "I did that."
Her cheeks burned hot, a wave of embarrassment crushing her. How am I supposed to face him again?
And then her thoughts drifted to Kyel. Why didn't he say anything? He acted like everything was normal…
She remembered the faint flush on his cheeks that morning, the subtle tremor in his expression. Kyel… his cheek was red… because I slapped him.
Her stomach twisted. Eva… why did you slap your husband? I even— She shivered. I even bit him… like some wild animal.
A sudden realization made her freeze mid-thought. Wait… Kyel was wearing a scarf. He was… trying to hide the bite mark.
She sank into the nearest chair, wrapping her arms around herself as if she could disappear inside them. What should I do now?
The thought that followed was almost instinctive. Should I just… jump out the window and die?
Her legs stiffened as she rose. Yes… that's a good idea.
But then practicality—or fear—crept in. No… what if I don't die? What if I just break my legs?
Her lips quivered as she imagined the consequences. Then Kyel… Kyel would have to look after me for the rest of his life… No… no, that's worse. Bad idea.
She sank back onto the couch, letting out a shaky sigh. God… please help me.
---
Eyan woke from his long sleep, stretching his arms above his head. A sudden sting on his neck made him pause.
He reached up, fingers brushing the spot, and a faint smile tugged at his lips. "Ah… right. I forgot about that."
He summoned Talon, his black wolf, who padded silently into the room, eyes gleaming with understanding.
Eyan knelt before him, pointing first to his cheek, then to his neck. "Can you take care of these for me?"
Talon stepped closer, warm breath brushing Eyan's skin, then pressed his tongue to the marks. One by one, they vanished, as if erased by magic.
Eyan rose and glanced at his reflection in the mirror, tracing the smooth, unmarked skin. "Perfect. All gone."
He turned to Talon, voice soft with gratitude. "Thank you… now go."
The wolf gave a quiet, knowing glance before padding away.
Eyan rolled his shoulders, his expression hardening. "Alright… time to get back to work."
Emperor's Chamber — King Thalor Therald
The heavy doors swung open with a loud bang.
King Thalor jerked upright from his chair, startled. "Eyan! What do you think you're doing barging in like this?"
His sharp eyes narrowed. "Where are your manners?"
Eyan strode forward, his expression carved with fury. "That's exactly what I want to ask you, Father—what do you think you're doing?"
Thalor's brows furrowed. "What do you mean?"
"Don't play innocent with me. I won't fall for your act again." His voice was low, cutting. "I know what you did. You crossed the line this time."
Thalor cleared his throat, avoiding his son's piercing gaze. "I was only trying to help."
"Help me?" Eyan scoffed. "Or destroy me? Do you have any idea what I went through because of your little trick?"
The King looked away, his hands fidgeting.
Eyan's voice sharpened. "And what did you write on that note? 'Bond over something sweet'?"
"Yes," Thalor muttered.
"Father…" Eyan's jaw tightened. "I almost died."
Thalor blinked. "You almost died? From eating a cookie? Don't be ridiculous—"
"Stop!" Eyan snapped, raising his hand as if to block the very word. His tone was venomous. "Don't say that thing's name in front of me. I hate it."
Thalor tilted his head, curious. "So… you didn't eat it?"
"No."
"Then why are you so angry?"
Thalor's voice grew firmer. "I only did it so you could secure a heir."
"I am not going to marry Lady Elenor. So stop playing tricks, Father."
His eyes hardened. "If you don't wish to marry, then fine. Just have a child with Lady Elenor."
Eyan froze, disbelief flashing across his face. "Father… have you gone insane? Are you truly that desperate for me to sire a child?"
"Yes," Thalor answered without hesitation.
Eyan's voice dropped to a dangerous growl. "This is the last time I will say it. I will not marry anyone. Is that clear?"
Thalor slammed his fist on the table. "Is that a threat?"
"No," Eyan replied coldly. "It's a warning. So you'd better watch yourself."
"You brat!" Thalor shot up, staggering slightly as his illness betrayed him. "How dare you speak to me like this? I'll teach you a lesson—wait… where is my sword?"
Eyan's lips curved in a cruel smile. "Father, you can't even walk straight. You're sick. Forget about teaching me anything."
Thalor's voice cracked, softer this time. "If you know I'm sick… then at least let me see the face of my grandchild before I die."
Eyan's patience snapped. "I've had enough. I'm leaving."
He turned on his heel and stormed out, the chamber doors slamming shut behind him.
Silence fell.
King Thalor sat back heavily, his eyes drifting to the portrait of his late wife hanging on the far wall. His throat tightened.
"Seris…" he whispered, a sigh escaping his chest. "It seems… I won't be able to see my grandchild in this life."
---