Emperor Darius leaned forward, his expression softening.
"Well done, my daughter," he said, pride evident in his tone. "I taught you well."
Then he turned to Eva, his eyes carrying a rare weight of sincerity.
"Eva, I must apologize for what happened earlier."
Eva shook her head gently. "No, Your Majesty. You should not apologize to me."
"Please," Darius pressed, his voice quieter now. "Accept my apology—I owe you that much."
She lowered her gaze and gave a small nod. "Yes."
The emperor shifted his attention toward Luca. "And Master Luca, I must apologize to you as well. For what your sister endured… you must be furious."
Luca's jaw tightened, his fist curling beneath the table. "I am," he admitted, his tone restrained.
"But it's alright."
"Then let us enjoy our meal," Darius said with a smile.
"Yes… please," Eyan added.
At a signal, the servants began to place the dishes.
Luca leaned toward Eva with a warm smile. "Sister, allow me to serve you."
Eva returned the smile softly. "Alright."
Luca reached for the first platter—roasted pheasant glazed with honey.
The moment Eyan noticed, his boot pressed down sharply on Luca's foot beneath the table.
Luca flinched, glancing at him in surprise. What? his eyes asked silently.
Eyan gave the smallest shake of his head, discreet enough that no one else noticed.
"No."
Luca blinked, then looked at Eva. "Sister, is roasted pheasant to your liking?"
Eva frowned faintly. "No… I don't like it."
"Ah, so you don't like it." Luca murmured.
Luca set the dish aside at once, pretending to search carefully among the spread of platters. His eyes darted again toward Eyan in silent request for help.
Eyan's gaze flickered toward another dish, barely tilting his chin toward it.
Luca caught the signal instantly. He reached for a silver platter of buttered trout, its skin golden and crisp.
"Sister," he asked gently, "what about this one? Do you like it?"
Eva's smile lit her face. "Yes, that's my favorite."
"Then eat as much as you like," Luca said warmly, serving her with care.
Across the table, Emperor Darius let out a deep chuckle. "You care for your sister very well, young man."
Luca's lips curved into a smile. "She is an important person to me, Your Majesty."
As he spoke, his eyes flickered toward Eyan. And across the table, Eyan answered with the faintest, knowing smile.
It was a silent exchange—one that carried a meaning only the two of them understood.
----
The meal was about to end then a crystal bottle of wine was brought forward.
Eyan lifted his goblet, the candlelight glinting off the deep red liquid.
"This is the finest wine from our empire," he said, offering it with careful composure.
"I hope you enjoy it."
Emperor Darius smiled and raised his own cup. "Let us taste it."
He took a slow sip, savoring the flavor. His eyes brightened. "It's excellent. Truly excellent."
Eyan's lips curved into a faint smile. "I'll make sure to pack some for you when you return to your country."
Darius chuckled softly. "I would love that."
Clearing his throat, Luca spoke up, careful yet insistent. "Your Majesty… may I ask what brings you to Velmoria on such short notice?"
The emperor's smile faltered for a moment. "Ah… that. Yes, I had almost forgotten to mention it.
"Your Majesty Eyan, as you know, our kingdoms have long enjoyed friendly terms, and our countries have never waged war against each other."
Eyan inclined his head. "Yes, that is true."
"And our ancestors shared a strong bond," Darius continued. "Your ancestors and mine maintained a very good relationship."
Eyan nodded quietly.
Then the emperor leaned forward slightly, his voice firm yet measured. "Then… may I ask you for a favor?"
"Of course," Eyan replied cautiously. "If it is within my power, I will grant it."
Darius' lips curved into a small smile, though his eyes were sharp. "Then… "
"I ask you to Marry my Daughter."
Time seemed to freeze. Eyan's eyes widened, disbelief rooting him to the spot.
Luca's hand trembled as he knocked over the wine glass. "What… what did you just say?" His voice was sharp, disbelief lacing every word.
Eva's eyes widened, curiosity and shock on her face.
"Yes… please. Marry my daughter," Emperor Darius said firmly, his gaze unwavering.
Eyan's eyes flicked toward Eva for a fleeting moment before he shut them, stunned.
"Why me…?" he whispered.
"Who could be more suitable than you?" Darius continued, voice calm but commanding. "You are strong, handsome, intelligent, and disciplined."
"You carry yourself with honor and dignity."
He paused, giving a slight nod of reassurance. " and my Daughter Amara She is well-mannered, knows how to run a kingdom, and will be a wonderful wife. You have my word."
Eyan froze, words failing him.
Luca slammed his fist on the table, standing abruptly. "No… he cannot marry your daughter!" His fury was raw, radiating across the room.
Eyan's gaze met Luca's, cold and sharp, but Luca didn't flinch.
"That Emperor Eyan will decide, not you, Master Luca," Emperor Darius interjected.
"No."
"I will decide. who he marries!" Luca snapped, voice trembling with anger.
Eva stayed silent, watching the storm unfold, heart hammering.
"and I said no!" Luca's voice echoed, forceful and final.
Eyan stomped his foot on Luca's foot.
"You can take your daughter and go back to your country!" Luca shot back.
Another stomp from Eyan.
"Master Luca… do you even know what you are saying?" Darius demanded.
"Yes, I know exactly!" Luca spat.
A third stomp.
"This could lead to war!" the emperor warned.
"I don't care!" Luca roared.
Eyan stomped again.
Luca jabbed a finger under the table. "Stop hitting me! And Say something! Why are you so quiet, Eyan?"
Eyan's voice trembled. "Oh… yes… I… if… well… yeah…"
"Say it clearly!" Luca barked.
Eyan sighed, turning his gaze toward Eva. She met his eyes, concern etched on her face.
Finally, he addressed the emperor. "I… I will think about your proposal."
Luca's face twisted in disbelief. "What did you just say?! You… you will what?"
"Eyan, are you out of your damn mind?" Luca shouted. "There's nothing to think about! Just say no!"
"Luca Calm down," Eyan said, struggling to maintain composure.
"How can I calm down Eyan?!" Luca snapped.
Princess Amara's quiet voice cut through the tension. "Master Luca… do you not like me?"
"No! I don't like you at all," Luca replied sharply.
Eyan's eyes flashed. "Luca, stop speaking to Princess Amara like that."
Luca's bitterness twisted into a grin. "Oh… so now you're taking her side."
"Yes," Eyan admitted quietly.
"Ah… a change of heart, is it?"
"What do you mean by that," Eyan asked.
Luca said, voice low and sharp. "What i mean is Are you… in love with her now?"
Eyan's face went pale. "What…"
"Answer me are you in love with her now?" Luca pressed, pointing at Amara.
Eyan stayed silent.
"I see you have nothing to say…" Luca's grin turned dangerous.
"Fine. Go marry her, make her your wife."
"But before that… I'll reveal your little secret."
Eyan's face went pale. "Luca… stop!"
Luca turned to Eva. "Sister… do you want to know his secret?"
"Luca! Shut your mouth!" Eyan roared.
Eva froze, confusion across her face. "Brother… what are you talking about? What's wrong?"
Luca's finger jabbed at Eyan. "Sister I know his secret. Do you want to know too?"
"Luca! Stop, or I'll punch you!" Eyan roared.
But Luca didn't stop. "He is your—"
"Smack"
A fist slammed into Luca's face before he could finish.
Eva gasped, clutching her mouth.
"I told you to shut your damn mouth!" Eyan's rage exploded.
Luca crumpled to the floor, blood trickling from his split lip.
"Eyan… you think you can stop me?" he coughed.
He struggled to rise. "Sister… he is—"
Another fist smashed into his face.
Smack.
And then another
Smack.
Smack.
Eva lunged forward, shoving Eyan with all her strength.
"No! Stop hitting him!" she cried.
Eyan stumbled backward and fell to the floor.
Luca collapsed to the floor, coughing up blood, his hand pressed against his chest.
Panic surged through Eva as she knelt beside him. "Brother… are you all right?"
Eyan rose, towering over them, his eyes dark and dangerous.
He fixed Luca with a cold glare. "Try opening your damn mouth again, and see what happens next," he warned.
"You bastard," Luca spat, teeth gritted.
Eva turned to Eyan, her voice shaking with disbelief.
"Your Majesty, he is your friend! How could you strike him like that?"
"Yes, he is a friend," Eyan said evenly, his tone sharp as a blade.
"That is exactly why I used my fist and not my sword."
His eyes cut to Luca. "That is why he is still breathing because he is my friend."
Eva's chest tightened, her heart pounding painfully.
"Eva..get away from him now," Eyan ordered, his voice low and commanding.
"No…" she whispered, refusing to step back.
Without warning, Eyan seized her wrist and yanked her away from Luca.
"Guards!" Eyan shouted.
The armored men rushed in, bowing quickly. "Yes, Your Majesty!"
"Take him," Eyan commanded, his gaze unwavering.
"Confine him in his chambers. And make sure he cannot use his magic—bind his hands."
Eva's eyes widened in shock. "No! Don't take him!"
she shouted, her voice desperate. "Your Majesty Why are you doing this?"
The guards grabbed Luca, moving him toward the door.
Eva ripped herself free from Eyan's grasp and sprinted after them, throwing herself in front of the guards to block the entrance.
"No! You can't take him!" she cried.
"Eva, out of the way now," Eyan commanded.
"No," she shouted, trembling. "I won't let you take him."
"Eva do you want to end up locked away like him too?" His voice was sharp, threatening.
"Do whatever you want, Your Majesty. I will not move," she said, her body trembling but firm.
Eyan leaned closer, his gaze burning with fury. "Eva I am very angry right now, and even I do not know what I might do to you."
"So don't test my patience And mov—."
"I will not move," she repeated, her voice quiet but defiant.
"Eva are you not afraid of me?" Eyan asked.
Her lips quivered, but her eyes met his steadily. "I'm not afraid of you, Your Majesty."
"You should be," he said, his hand gripping her wrist tightly.
He dragged her from the room, ignoring her desperate protests. "Eyan! Let go of my hand!"
"You're hurting me!" she cried, but he did not listen, pushing her into his chamber.
She collapsed to the floor, clutching her wrist.
"Stay right here," he ordered, turning to lock eyes with the guards. "Keep your eyes on her and don't let her speak to luca."
"Yes your majesty."
Eyan left Eva there, silent and trembling, before returning to the dining hall.
There, he seized Luca from the guards and dragged him down the corridor.
"How could you do this to her?" Luca wheezed, voice strained from blood and pain.
"Shut up," Eyan snapped.
He flung open a room door and shoved Luca inside. "I will deal with you later," he said, his tone final.