Eva tilted her head, uncertain. "Sister…?"
"Yes," Luca replied gently, his smile faint yet deliberate. "May I call you sister, Lady Eva?"
Her brows knitted in confusion. "But… we hardly know each other."
"That is true," Luca said with a soft sigh, lowering his gaze. "Yet every time I look at you, I am reminded of someone I once loved dearly. My sister." His voice cracked slightly, just enough to tug at the heart. "She's gone now. And in you… I see her again."
Eva's lips parted in surprise. "She… looked like me?"
"Very much," Luca murmured, his lashes casting shadows over his eyes. "When I see you, it feels as though she's standing before me again. I miss her terribly."
Eva's heart softened at the sight of his sorrow. "I'm sorry… that must be painful."
"I will endure it," Luca said, straightening a little, though his words trembled with restrained grief. Then, more quietly, "But if you would allow me… may I call you sister in her place?"
Luca's voice softened. "If you don't mind…"
Eva hesitated only a moment before nodding gently. "…If it eases your heart, then yes."
"I don't mind. You can call me sister, Master Luca."
"Not 'Master Luca,'" he corrected gently, a rare fragility in his tone. "Brother."
Eva blinked. "Brother? But how can I call you that—"
His gaze dropped, his shoulders heavy. "My sister used to call me brother… before she passed away." His voice cracked as though the memory still tore at him.
Eva's heart ached. Slowly, tenderly, she whispered, "…Brother."
Luca looked at her then, his eyes lighting with quiet joy. "That's better. So much better."
"Yes," Eva agreed softly.
"Then, sister," he asked with a hopeful smile, "would you join me for lunch today?"
"…Lunch? With you?"
"Yes."
She hesitated only a moment before nodding. "Alright. But I should wash my hands and face first."
"Of course," he said warmly. "Come to the palace. We'll dine together."
"…Yes, brother."
Luca's smile lingered as he turned and walked away, his figure composed, yet in the silence of the corridor, his whispered words trembled with hidden grief:
"'Brother'… sounds so much sweeter than 'Lucian' from my sister-in-law's mouth."
He chuckled under his breath, eyes narrowing with amusement. "Forgive me, Sister-in-law. I lied about my sister's death, i don't have a sister to begin with."
"But some lies are worth telling."
---
The door burst open with a sharp BANG! echoing against the chamber walls.
"Eyan! Let me tell you what just happened—" Luca's booming voice cut through the air, but he halted abruptly as his eyes fell on the guests seated beside Eyan.
Eyan's gaze hardened. "Luca. Keep your voice down. I am not alone."
Luca blinked, straightening his posture. "Ah… I thought you were alone. My apologies." His eyes moved to the strangers. "It seems you have guests."
Eyan gave a composed nod. "Yes. Allow me—this is His Majesty, Emperor Darius Solvarn of the Southern Dominion, and his daughter, Princess Amara Solvarn."
Luca inclined his head respectfully. "An honor. I am Luca Veyren, Master of Velmoria's Magic Tower."
At his introduction, Emperor Darius's eyes sharpened with recognition. "Luca Veyren… so the rumors were true. The Tower Master himself." A brief smile touched his lips. "Your name carries far, even in the Southern Dominion."
Amara smiled gently. "Father often spoke of you, Master Luca. It is surprising to finally meet the man behind the stories."
Luca gave a small, awkward smile, scratching the back of his neck.
Emperor Darius chuckled. "Come, Master Luca, have a seat. Let us talk."
Luca sat down beside Eyan.
Eyan arched a brow. "So, what brings you here?"
Luca crossed his arms with a straight face. "I came here for lunch."
Eyan blinked. "...Lunch?"
Luca nodded solemnly. "Yes. I'm hungry."
Just then, his stomach growled loudly in the silence of the hall.
A pause.
Then Emperor Darius burst into hearty laughter. "Looks like the great Master of the Magic Tower has a very mortal weakness!"
Princess Amara laughed softly behind her hand, unable to help herself.
Luca's ears turned red. "Tsk…"
Eyan dragged a hand over his face. "Forgive him, Your Highness. His behavior is… unusual at times."
Darius waved a hand warmly. "No, no—it's quite refreshing." He leaned back with a grin. "Come now, it is time for lunch. Let us eat first."
Eyan exhaled and nodded. "Very well. I'll have the servants arrange the table."
At his call, a servant hurried off to prepare the meal.
---
The dining table was quickly set with roasted pheasant, warm bread, fresh fruits, and a few rich stews steaming in silver bowls. A decanter of red wine gleamed at the center.
Eyan and Emperor Darius Solvarn sat at the head of the table, opposite each other. To Eyan's right sat Princess Amara Solvarn, and to his left, Luca Albrecht Veynar, who couldn't help but eye the dishes hungrily.
Emperor Darius lifted his goblet. "Velmoria's table is as fine as its reputation."
Eyan inclined his head. "It is an honor to host you, Your Majesty."
Eyan leaned back slightly, his tone calm but commanding. "Then please, begin to eat."
"Wait…" Luca's voice stopped everyone mid-motion.
Eyan raised an eyebrow. "What happened now? You were hungry just a minute ago."
"I have a guest with me."
"Guest? Who?"
Luca looked toward Emperor Darius. "I invited my sister for lunch today. So, if you don't mind, may she join us?"
Emperor Darius smiled warmly. "Of course, you don't have to ask for permission, Master Luca. My daughter will have company if your sister joins us, won't she, Amara?"
Princess Amara nodded politely. "Yes, Father."
"Thank you," Luca said softly, relief flickering across his face.
Eyan leaned slightly toward Luca, curiosity in his eyes. "I didn't know you had a sister."
"Oh, I have one now—from today," Luca replied casually.
"From today?"
"Yes."
Eyan's eyes narrowed slightly. "Do I know your sister?"
"Yes, you know her very well."
Eyan frowned. "I don't remember meeting her before."
"Oh, you'll remember everything once you see her," Luca said with a small grin.
Eyan's confusion deepened. "Okay…"
The door opened, and Luca's voice brightened. "Oh, my sister is here."
All eyes turned to the entrance.
Eva stepped in, a little flustered. "Sorry, brother, I'm late…"
Her gaze froze mid-step.
Eyan's voice caught in his throat. "Eva…?"
Luca stood immediately, walking toward her. "Oh, sister, don't apologize—you are not late. Come here."
Eva hesitated. "There are so many people…"
Luca gestured politely. "Oh, let me introduce you to Emperor Darius and Princess Amara."
Realizing the situation, Eva bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Your Majesty, Emperor Darius, and Her Highness, Princess Amara."
Emperor Darius inclined his head. "Oh, we were waiting for you, Lady."
Eva blinked, confused. "For me?"
"Yes, have a seat," the emperor said with a reassuring smile.
Eva sat beside Luca, trying to calm her nerves.
Eyan, still staring, whispered to Luca, "She's the sister you were talking about?"
Luca smiled. "Yes."
Eva's voice trembled slightly as she looked at Eyan. "Oh… Your Majesty, I didn't know you would be here too. Brother told me—"
"Brother?" Eyan's shock was audible.
"Yes. Brother asked me to have lunch with him."
Eyan's gaze shifted between Eva and Luca, confusion written across his face. "Did I miss something?"
Luca chuckled. "Oh, you missed an entire story."
Still processing, Eyan muttered under his breath, "When did this happen…"
Eva shifted nervously in her seat. Emperor Darius's voice broke the tension. "Lady, please, don't be nervous."
"It's just… I didn't expect to see you all here," Eva admitted softly.
"Oh, nervous because of that?" The emperor smiled gently. "Don't worry. Master Luca told us beforehand about your arrival."
"He did?"
"Yes," Darius replied, nodding. "Master Luca, I have to say—your sister is quite a beautiful lady."
Eva's cheeks flushed crimson. "Oh… no, no."
Luca grinned. "Yes, she is… right, Eyan?"
Eyan, lost in thought, blinked before realizing Luca was addressing him. "What?"
"My… sister. She is beautiful, right?"
Eyan's eyes widened as he looked at Eva. "Oh… your sister… yes, she is—beautiful." He cleared his throat, attempting composure.
Luca's smile widened.
Emperor Darius chuckled. "But I must say, you two look nothing alike."
Eva smiled faintly. "Your Majesty, that's because we are not blood-related."
"You are not?"
"No, Your Majesty."
The emperor inclined his head thoughtfully. "Lady, may I ask your name?"
"It's Eva, Your Majesty."
"And your family name?"
"I… I don't have one. I'm a commoner, Your Majesty."
"A commoner?"
"Yes."
The room fell silent.
The Southern Envoy suddenly stepped forward, his voice sharp and disdainful.
"What a disgrace to our king! How can a commoner sit and eat among royals?"
The words struck Eva like a blade. Her eyes widened, fear rushing through her as she stumbled to her feet.
"I… I apologize," she whispered, her hands trembling at her sides.
Eyan's jaw tightened, fury blazing in his eyes as his fist curled against the table.
Luca's face darkened, his anger barely contained, though he remained silent.
Eva turned to him, her voice small and breaking. "Brother… we can eat together another time. I… I shouldn't be here."
"But—" Luca tried, his voice strained.
She shook her head, forcing a brittle smile. "I should take my leave."
Eyan's chest tightened painfully. The look on her face—so fragile, so humiliated—sent his heart sinking. He opened his mouth, his voice almost breaking.
"Ev—"
"Lady Eva."
The firm voice cut through the hall. Eva froze mid-step and turned. Princess Amara was staring at her, her expression steady and commanding.
"Come back here," the princess said.
Eva blinked, startled. "Your Highness?"
"I told you to come back here."
Hesitant, Eva returned to her place and bowed her head. "Yes, Your Highness."
"Take a seat."
Eva faltered. "But—"
"I said, take a seat."
Eva glanced at the envoy, her heart pounding.
The envoy's lips curled, venom still on his tongue. "But Your Highness, she is a commo—"
Crack!
The sound of a slap rang through the chamber.
Eva gasped, her eyes snapping up in shock.
Princess Amara's palm lingered in the air, her expression furious. "How dare you insult her? Lady Eva is Master Luca's sister.
"Do you think so little of our dignity that you would dare to humiliate her before us?"
The envoy staggered back, bowing deeply. "Forgive me, Your Highness… I spoke out of turn."
"I will not forgive your insolence so lightly," Amara snapped.
"You will be punished for your insolence," Amara declared coldly.
Then her tone softened as she turned to Eva. "Lady Eva, forgive my foolish servant. I will see that he receives what he deserves."
Eva shook her head quickly, flustered. "No—no, Your Highness, you don't have to do that. Please."
But Amara's gaze did not soften. She turned back to the envoy, her voice ice. "Get out of my sight now."
"Yes, Your Highness." He lowered his head and retreated from the chamber.
Silence settled before Amara spoke again, her tone gentle this time. "Please, have a seat and eat, Lady Eva."
Eva bowed her head nervously. "Your Highness… please don't call me 'Lady.' Just… call me Eva."
The princess tilted her head, a faint smile tugging her lips. "No, I cannot do that."
Eva's voice wavered. "Please… Your Highness."
Amara studied her for a long moment before conceding. "If you say so… then let's eat together, Eva."
Eva's lips curved into a small, grateful smile. "Thank you."
She sat again, though her hands still trembled faintly in her lap.
Across the table, Eyan's gaze never strayed from her. Every flicker of her lashes, every nervous shift of her fingers, every tremor of her hands struck something deep inside him.
Under the table, a small nudge startled him. He glanced at Luca, who had pressed his leg against his in silent reassurance.
Luca's gaze met his, and with the faintest gesture, he mouthed, Don't worry. I'll take care of him.
Slowly, Eyan unclenched his fists. The storm in his chest eased—though not completely.