Kyel laid Eva gently on the bed, tucking the sheet carefully over her shoulders. His touch was tender, but his silence weighed heavier than his hands.
Eva studied his face, noticing the tightness in his jaw, the way his eyes avoided hers.
"Kyel," she whispered, "what's wrong? You've been quiet since we left the physician's chambers. What did he say to you?"
Kyel forced a faint smile that didn't reach his eyes. "He said you need rest. So rest now. I'll prepare something for you to eat."
"But—"
Before she could press further, he rose to his feet and slipped out of the room, leaving her with the echo of her unfinished words.
Eva's heart ached as she turned onto her side. No… he's hiding something. I can feel it. The physician must have told him more, and he just won't say it.
When Kyel returned, he carried a tray with warm food. He set it on the table, his movements careful, deliberate.
"Eva," he said softly, "eat."
She only looked at him, unmoving.
"Come on," his voice grew firmer, "get up and—" He stopped, then gave a quiet laugh, almost embarrassed. "Ah… right."
He stepped close, slid his arm around her, and gently lifted her upright against the pillows. Then he took the plate and held the spoon toward her lips.
"Here. Open your mouth."
But Eva didn't. Her gaze only stayed fixed on him, unblinking.
"Kyel," she murmured, "tell me the truth. What did the physician really say?"
"I told you already. He said you need rest."
Eva shook her head stubbornly. "No. That's not all. You're keeping something from me." Her eyes glistened. "Tell me."
His hand trembled faintly as he held the spoon closer, as though trying to replace words with action.
He said nothing, "Eva. Now open your mouth. Eat."
"I won't," she whispered, her chin lifting in quiet defiance. "Not until you tell me."
Kyel's brows furrowed. "Eva, stop this. You need strength. Don't make it harder for me. Eat, and take the medicine."
Instead of answering, she leaned forward. Slowly, daringly, she brought her lips close to his—close enough that their breaths mingled, close enough to steal the kiss she craved.
But Kyel pulled back sharply, rising from the bed. The distance between them cut deeper than a blade.
Her chest tightened. "You… pulled away."
"I—i'm sorry," he said too quickly.
Her voice shook. "Kyel, are you avoiding me? Because of what happened?"
She pressed her palm over her heart. "Don't do this. Don't push me away. It hurts more than anything."
His throat worked, but he wouldn't meet her gaze. "It's better than hurting you again, Eva."
Her breath caught, pain flashing across her face.
Finally, Kyel exhaled and let the truth fall between them. "The physician said… no closeness. For thirty days."
Eva froze. "Thirty… days?"
"Yes."
Her eyes widened. "That's too long… Kyel, how can we—"
"I won't touch you," he cut her off, his tone steady, even as his eyes betrayed his own torment. "Not in any way. No closeness. No embraces. No kisses."
Eva's voice cracked. "Not even kisses? Kyel… that's cruel."
He shook his head firmly. "No. What's cruel is risking you getting hurt again. Your body needs healing. I can't—" His voice broke. "I can't let myself ruin you again."
Her eyes brimmed with tears. "But I don't think I can endure this. Not thirty days without you. And you? Can you bear it? Isn't it hard for you?"
His jaw tightened, his answer barely above a whisper. "It is." He swallowed hard. "That's why… we'll sleep separately. Until the thirty days pass."
Her breath hitched. "Separately? No… Kyel, you're going too far."
"I'm not," he said firmly, though his hands curled into fists at his sides. "I can't trust myself, Eva. I'd rather suffer than see you hurt again."
She dropped her gaze, defeated, her heart breaking in silence.
Kyel knelt before her, his voice softening, gentler now. "So please… eat something. Take the medicine. For me."
Her lips quivered, but at last she whispered, "…Alright."
He placed the plate in her hands and stood, his back heavy with restraint as he walked out of the room.
Eva lifted the spoon with trembling fingers, eating in small bites, her throat tight.
Thirty days without closeness… thirty days without even his kiss…
Her chest ached as she lowered the spoon. "If it's already this painful for me," she whispered to herself, "then how will Kyel ever endure it?"
She sighed, pressing her hand against her lips where his kiss should have been.
---
Kyel placed his hand over the crystal orb, and the faint blue light flared to life. Within seconds, Hans's figure shimmered into view, bowing deeply.
"Your Majesty," Hans said, "how may I serve you?"
Kyel's voice came low, tired. "Hans, cancel all of my work for today."
Hans straightened in surprise. "Cancel… everything, sire? May I ask the reason?"
"I won't be able to return to the palace," Kyel replied.
Hans's brow knit. "Has something happened, Your Majesty? Forgive me for saying this, but… you look unusually troubled."
Kyel's jaw tightened. He hesitated, then exhaled through his nose. "It's Eva. She's sick. I need to stay and take care of her."
Hans's expression shifted instantly to alarm. "Her Highness? What—what happened? Is she gravely ill?"
Kyel lowered his gaze, his fingers curling against the crystal. "…She was attacked by a wild beast last night."
Hans's eyes widened in shock. "A beast?"
"Yes," Kyel said, his voice steady though guilt weighed each word. "But she's safe now. She only needs rest… and care."
Hans exhaled in relief, bowing again. "Thank the Goddess she was not more severely harmed. Very well, sire. I'll cancel today's duties and rearrange them."
"Good," Kyel murmured. "That will be all."
The light in the crystal dimmed, leaving the room silent once more. Kyel lowered the orb, his reflection ghostly in the fading glow.
"Attacked by a beast…" he whispered to himself. His hand trembled as he pressed it over his face. Yes, Hans. A beast. But that beast was me.