Eyan paced his office restlessly, his steps sharp and uneven. What's taking Luca so long…
Hans entered, bowing slightly. "Your Majesty."
Eyan's head snapped toward him. "What happened? Where are Luca and Eva?"
Hans kept his voice steady. "Her Highness returned home, and Master Luca went back to the Magic Tower."
Eyan's brows knitted. "Why didn't he inform me before leaving?"
Hans lowered his gaze. "I was told that Her Highness and Master Luca went to the royal physician."
Eyan froze. "The physician? Why?"
"Because of Her Highness's injury on her wrist."
Eyan's chest tightened. "Her injury? But I told Luca to heal it. Why didn't he do it instead of taking her there?"
Hans shook his head. "I don't know the reason, Your Majesty."
Eyan's voice grew hard. "Bring the royal physician here."
Hans bowed and departed quickly. After some time, he returned with the physician, who bowed deeply. "You called, Your Majesty?"
"Yes," Eyan said sharply. "Luca and Lady Eva came to you for her injury, correct?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"What happened to her wrist? Did you treat her?"
The physician hesitated. "I did, but…"
Eyan's eyes narrowed. "But what?"
The physician's words came slow, reluctant. "Her wrist is fractured. It will take time to heal."
Eyan's heart lurched violently. "Fractured…" he whispered, his voice breaking under the weight of the word.
"Yes, Your Majesty," the physician confirmed quietly.
Hans glanced at Eyan, worry etched across his features. Then, gently, he dismissed the physician. "You may go."
The man bowed again and hurried out.
The silence that followed was thick, suffocating.
Hans stepped closer. "Your Majesty… are you all right?"
Eyan's shoulders trembled, his voice low and raw. "Hans… I want to protect her. But in the end, why is it always me who hurts her?"
Hans shook his head firmly. "It's not your fault."
"It is," Eyan insisted, eyes shadowed with guilt. "You weren't there when it happened. I… I grabbed her hand too tightly. I was furious, and I lost control. I hurt her again."
Hans tried to soothe him. "But Your Majesty, you were angry at Master Luca, that's why—"
Eyan cut him off, his tone bitter. "Hans, after what happened today, I realized something."
Hans leaned forward. "What is it, Your Majesty?"
Eyan's gaze darkened. "I thought when the time came, I would tell her the truth. But now… I don't think I can. I'm afraid. Afraid she'll never forgive me. Afraid I'll lose her." His hands clenched tightly at his sides. "So I've decided—I'll never tell her. Not now, not ever."
Hans looked troubled. "Your Majesty, you think you can hide it forever? What if Her Highness discovers it somehow? Then what will you do?"
Eyan's jaw tightened. "She won't. No one knows the secret but you and Luca. I'll make sure it stays that way."
Hans fell silent, the weight of Eyan's words pressing between them.
Eyan turned away, his voice hoarse. "Hans… where's my ring?"
Hans hesitated. "Are you planning to go to Her Highness?"
"Yes. She's hurt. I need to be there."
Hans bowed his head. "Forgive me, but I must advise against it. We still have guests in the palace. You cannot leave, not now."
Eyan sighed harshly, slamming his palm onto the desk, the wood trembling under the impact.
Silence.
Behind the mask of his composure, a storm churned. He had sworn to protect her, yet it was always his hands that left her wounded. And now, bound by fear, he chose to bury the truth rather than risk her hatred. He told himself it was for her sake, but deep down he knew—it was because he could not bear to lose her.
But secrets do not sleep forever. Sooner or later, they rise, clawing their way into the light. And when that day came, when Eva finally uncovered what he hid so desperately, it would shatter not only her trust, but the fragile bond that still held their fates together.
And somewhere beyond his knowing, destiny was already weaving a new thread into their lives—quiet, unseen, yet strong enough to change everything when the moment arrived.
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