Eva paced back and forth across the room, her teeth worrying at her nails as her thoughts spiraled. Each step echoed her panic, each turn feeding her restless energy.
Suddenly, she stopped. Her eyes widened as though struck by revelation. With a sharp motion, she slammed her palms onto the table.
"That's settled," she declared aloud, trying to steady her own nerves.
"I'll do it."
Her voice wavered, but she nodded to herself as if forcing conviction. "Yes… I know it's embarrassing. But I'll do it."
Her hands curled into fists as she drew a deep breath. "Now… all I have to do is wait for Kyel to come home tonight."
She glanced at the door
"Then…" she whispered, heart hammering against her ribs. "Then I'll do it."
---
Hans leaned by the tall window, watching the lively commotion below.
A voice whispered suddenly near his ear, low and calm.
"What are you looking at?"
Hans jolted, clutching his chest. "Y-Your Majesty! When did you arrive?"
"Just now," Eyan replied, utterly unbothered.
Hans groaned, still pressing his heart. "At least make a sound when you enter! My heart almost stopped."
Eyan gave him a sidelong glance. "Why are you so weak?"
He stepped forward, looking out of the window himself. "What's all this noise about?"
Hans exhaled, regaining composure. "It's the new recruits. They seem rather… excited."
"For what?"
Hans blinked. "Your Majesty, have you already forgotten? The Sword Tournament was announced just yesterday."
Eyan scoffed faintly. "I didn't forget. I just had other things to worry about."
Hans eyed him carefully. "What was that call about last night, if I may ask?"
"Nothing important," Eyan said flatly. "Just some cheap tricks from my father to get me married. Don't worry, I handled it."
Hans's brows lifted. "Handled it? How?"
"I gave Father a last warning."
Hans gasped. "Your Majesty! How could you say such a thing to your own father?"
Eyan's lips twitched in annoyance. "You seem to pity him so much. Should I make you his personal assistant instead?"
Hans blanched. "N-no! Absolutely not."
"Then shut up and tell me what's on my schedule today."
Clearing his throat, Hans unfolded a small parchment. "First, you are to meet with Lord Ravencourt of the western state. After that, an inspection in the capital. And lastly, a meeting in the evening."
"Why in the evening?
"Cancel the evening meeting. Push it to tomorrow."
Hans's face twitched. "I cannot."
"Why not?"
Hans's voice cracked. "Because you already postponed it yesterday to this morning. Then when you didn't show up this morning, I postponed it to the evening. And now you want to push it to tomorrow again?!"
Eyan blinked slowly. "…Yes."
Hans's composure snapped."Your Majesty, there is only so much I can endure"
He pointed at his head with both hands. "Do you see these white hairs?! Every single one of them has your name on it!"
Eyan sighed. "Fine. I'll attend. Just stop whining."
Hans's lips twitched into the smallest victorious smile. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
"That's it? Anything else?"
Hans brightened, as if he'd been waiting. From under his arm, he pulled out a thick bundle of papers and set them heavily on the table. "Yes. These. You need to sign them."
Eyan stared at the stack. "Come on, now. This is too much."
Hans shrugged helplessly. "I know. But it must be done."
"…Sigh."
---
(Evening — Royal Palace Meeting Room)
Eyan sat slouched in his gilded chair, one arm propped against the armrest while his fingers tapped rhythmically against the polished table. The sharp sound of his nails against wood cut through the rising clamor of voices in the chamber.
Around him, the meeting had devolved into chaos—lords and ministers shouting over one another, fists slamming against the table, accusations flying like arrows in a battlefield.
Eyan's jaw tightened. Damn it… it's already nine.
"Hans." His voice was low, controlled.
Hans immediately leaned closer, bowing slightly. "Yes, Your Majesty?"
"You told me this meeting would end by eight. It's already nine. What is taking so long?"
Hans's shoulders stiffened. "They… seem unable to come to a settlement."
Eyan's eyes narrowed, his voice dropping to a threat. "If they don't come to a settlement within thirty minutes, then I'll settle it myself."
His cold gaze swept over the bickering men, studying each of them with quiet disdain. Should I just kill them all? It would certainly be easier.
He exhaled sharply, restraining himself. No… I have to endure it.
An hour crawled by. At last, the arguments dulled, one lord raising his hand. "It's settled that—"
Before the man could finish, Eyan pushed back his chair and rose to his full height, his presence silencing the room.
"Good. Then I'm going." His voice was final, brooking no objections.
He turned sharply. "Hans, come with me."
They strode quickly down the palace hall, Eyan's long strides forcing Hans to half-jog to keep up.
"Your Majesty, slow down!" Hans puffed, clutching the documents to his chest.
Eyan ignored him, flinging open the door to his private chamber. He tore off his crown and heavy jewelry, tossing them carelessly onto the desk.
Opening his wardrobe, he pulled out a plain white shirt and black trousers.
As he changed, the air of emperor fell away, replaced by something sharper, freer.
"Hans," he said while buttoning his shirt, "make a full report of what was discussed tonight. I expect it on my desk in the morning."
Hans nodded, though worry flickered across his face. "Understood".
" Your Majesty, are you leaving?"
"Yes," Eyan replied firmly. "It's already late. I have to go."
He pulled a dark hood over his head, covering the lower half of his face, concealing the emperor within the man.
At the threshold, he paused. "I'm leaving." His voice was softer this time
Then, slipping through the secret passage hidden behind the tapestry, Eyan broke into a run.
As he ran, he reached beneath his tunic and pulled out the silver chain around his neck.
Hanging from it was a simple silver wedding ring—unpolished, plain, and precious.
He slipped it off the chain and onto his finger.
With a flick of his fingers, a shimmer of light sparked across his body—and in the blink of an eye, Emperor Eyan vanished.
In his place stood Kyel.
He looked down at the ring, brought it to his lips, and kissed it gently.
Then, with a breath that carried both excitement and longing, he whispered,
"Wait for me, Princess… I'm coming."