(Prince Velco's Chamber)
The heavy drapes of Prince Velco's chamber muted the torchlight, leaving the room steeped in shadow. A spy slipped in silently, bowing low.
"Your Highness, Prince Velco."
Velco did not rise from his chair. He lifted his eyes lazily, voice edged with impatience.
"What now?"
The spy stepped forward, producing a small object from his cloak. A silver ring bound to a chain, gleaming faintly in the dim light.
"Your Highness, I found this in Emperor Eyan's office… hidden inside his drawer."
Velco took the chain, turning the ring between his fingers. His lips curved faintly.
"This… carries disguise magic."
The spy shifted uneasily. "Exactly, Your Highness. I thought it strange, so I brought it to you. Why would the Emperor keep such a thing hidden?"
"There is nothing strange about it," Velco said coolly.
The spy blinked. "But… it is powerful magic—"
Velco's voice cut sharp. "From time to time, the Emperor inspects his lands. He cannot reveal his face wherever he goes. That is why he keeps such a tool—to pass among his people unseen."
The spy lowered his head. "I see."
Velco studied the ring a moment longer. "The enchantment is strong. No doubt the Master of the Magic Tower crafted it."
"Master Luca?"
"Yes." Velco's tone hardened. "He and the Emperor share a dangerous closeness."
Abruptly, Velco tossed the chain back. "Return it. If the Emperor discovers it missing, both our lives are forfeit."
"Yes, Your Highness." The spy caught it quickly, clutching it as though it burned.
Velco leaned forward, his expression darkening. "And the marble? Any trace?"
The spy hesitated. "None, Your Highness."
Velco exhaled slowly, irritation flashing across his face. "How long must I wait? My patience wears thin."
Fear crossed the spy's features. "Forgive me, Your Highness—"
"I want no apologies," Velco snapped. His eyes gleamed with hunger. "I want the Dragon King."
The spy bowed lower. "Yes… understood."
"Then leave me."
The spy froze, hesitant. "There is… one more thing. About Lady Eva."
Velco's gaze sharpened instantly. "Speak."
"You commanded me to report all matters concerning her. Earlier, I saw Emperor Eyan drag Lady Eva by the wrist. He locked her inside his chamber."
Velco's composure faltered. "Locked her…?"
"It is true. Later, I witnessed him strike Master Luca."
Velco frowned deeply. "Luca? They are allies. Why would he attack him?"
"I do not know, Your Highness. They were dining with the Southern Emperor and the princess. Suddenly, tempers broke. Lady Eva placed herself between them… shielding Master Luca."
Velco's eyes narrowed, his voice low. "Protecting him? And why?"
"They call each other brother and sister," the spy answered carefully. "And… it was Master Luca who invited Lady Eva to that lunch."
Velco leaned back, lips curling into a dangerous smile.
"Brother and sister… how curious."
For a long moment, silence filled the chamber. Then Velco rose, cloak sweeping across the stone floor. His voice carried the weight of cold intent.
"Stay in the shadows. Watch. Report everything."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Velco's eyes glinted, a dangerous smile tugging at his lips.
"Perhaps it is time I pay a visit… to this so-called brother and sister."
And with that, Prince Velco strode from his chamber, the spy left trembling in his wake.
---
(At the Royal Physician's office)
the sharp scent of herbs filled the air as the physician tied the last part of the bandage around Eva's slender wrist.
"There. It's done," he murmured with a bow.
Eva flexed her fingers slightly, testing the wrapping. "Thank you."
Luca's eyes never left her face, searching for the faintest sign of discomfort. "Are you not in pain, sister?"
She lifted her gaze, trying to offer him reassurance. "I feel a little pain… but it's fine."
His jaw tightened. That answer was not enough. His gaze snapped toward the physician, dark and accusing. "why is she still in pain? Did you not treat her properly?"
The royal physician faltered, his hands trembling as he tried to defend himself. "N-no, Master Luca… I treated the lady with utmost care—"
But Luca's temper surged. His hand shot forward, closing around the man's throat like an iron clamp. The physician's eyes bulged as he struggled for breath.
"Then why," Luca hissed, "is she still suffering?"
"Brother!" Eva gasped, rushing to his side. Her small hands clutched his wrist, tugging at him. "How can he explain if you're choking him? Please—let him go. You're scaring him."
The sound of her voice pierced the haze of his anger. Luca's grip slackened, then fell away entirely. The physician collapsed against his desk, coughing violently.
"Master Luca," the physician rasped between breaths, "the cause of the pain… is her broken bone."
The words hit Luca like a sword. His chest tightened. "What… broken bone?"
"Yes," the man said gravely, "her hand is fractured."
Luca's expression crumbled, his anger replaced by alarm. He turned back to Eva, his eyes wide. "Sister… does it hurt that much?"
Eva tried to smile, but her voice wavered. "It wasn't hurting so badly before… but now that I know the reason, suddenly… it feels worse."
Her attempt to sound light only made his heart twist tighter. He had never felt so helpless.
The physician cleared his throat. "Lady Eva… how did you receive an injury this severe?"
Eva hesitated, lowering her gaze. "…Someone grabbed my hand."
The physician frowned deeply. "Who was the fool who dared to grip a lady's hand so tightly that it broke her bone?"
Her lips trembled as she whispered, "It was… His Majesty."
The room fell silent, the words heavy and unforgiving.
The physician's face blanched, his body trembling. His eyes darted to Luca in terror. "M-Master… I didn't know it was His Majesty when I spoke so carelessly. Please, forgive me—please don't kill me!"
Luca's voice came out low and cold. "Why would I kill you for speaking the truth? You're right. Eyan is an idiot." His fists clenched. "How could he grip her hand so tightly…?"
But inside, his thoughts burned far deeper. If only my magic could heal her, this wouldn't matter. She wouldn't be hurting. And when Eyan finds out… His chest tightened painfully. He will despise himself.
Luca looked at Eva again, his expression softening despite the storm in his heart.
"Brother? What's wrong?" she asked, tilting her head gently, sensing the shift in him.
"Nothing," he lied, forcing a small smile.
The physician, still pale, cleared his throat. "D-don't worry, Master Luca. I've given her medicine. Lady Eva will recover in time."
"How long?" Luca demanded.
"Fifteen to twenty days."
"That long?" Eva's eyes widened. "But I want to continue my training. Isn't there a faster way?"
The physician shook his head regretfully. "If you had magic in your body, Lady Eva, it would have been possible. But since you do not… I fear there is no other way."
Eva's shoulders slumped, her lips pressing into a pout. "Oh…"
"Don't be sad, sister," His voice softened with unusual warmth. "I'll make a magic healing potion just for you. If you drink it, you'll recover quickly."
Her eyes brightened. "Really?"
"Yes." He forced a smile."So don't be sad anymore."
Eva rose carefully from her chair, adjusting the sleeve over her bandaged hand. "Then let's go."
Together, they stepped out of the physician's chamber, leaving behind the heavy smell of herbs. But as they walked, Luca's mind was a battlefield.