Kyel lowered his eyes, resisting the instinct to meet Velco's piercing stare. The last thing he could allow was to draw unnecessary attention.
Velco, meanwhile, was holding back the thrill that pulsed through his veins. His lips twitched with the shadow of a smile, but his voice remained smooth and composed.
"Princess Amara," he said suddenly, inclining his head, "I just remembered something important. I must take my leave."
Then his gaze shifted deliberately to Eva. "Lady Eva, let us meet again."
Eva bowed politely. "Yes, Your Highness."
Velco's eyes lingered a heartbeat longer before sliding to Kyel. "And you… you are Kyel, correct?"
Kyel inclined his head, keeping his tone steady. "Yes, Your Highness."
"Let us meet again, then," Velco said.
He offered a faint smile before stepping back. "I shall take my leave. You should enjoy yourselves."
Eva and Kyel bowed as he departed. Velco's figure cut through the bustling market crowd, his shoulders straight, his steps unhurried. His lips curved upward in quiet triumph.
Yes… let us meet again, Kyel. His thoughts hissed with satisfaction. "Or should I say… Eyan."
Beside them, Princess Amara adjusted her veil and offered Eva a warm smile. "Then, Eva, I too must take my leave. Enjoy your time with your husband."
Together, Eva and Kyel bowed as Amara departed, leaving them once more in the flow of the market's noise and color.
The moment she was gone, Eva leaned closer to Kyel, whispering, "I didn't expect to meet them here."
Kyel's brows furrowed slightly, his voice low. "Yes… neither did I."
A silence fell between them, heavy but brief, before Kyel spoke "Here," he said softly, "your favorite cookies. You didn't eat anything earlier."
Eva's eyes warmed as she accepted one and took a bite. But almost instantly, her expression faltered. Her lips pressed together, and she covered her mouth, unable to swallow.
"Eva?" Kyel's voice was sharp with concern. "What's wrong?"
A wave of nausea overcame her. She bolted, hand covering her mouth, and stumbled into a narrow alley nearby. Kyel was at her heels in an instant.
She bent forward and vomited, her body trembling. Kyel crouched beside her, one hand stroking her back in soothing circles. "Slowly," he murmured, steady and gentle.
When her body finally eased, Eva lowered herself to the ground, weak and pale. Kyel brushed a stray lock of hair from her face. "Stay here. I'll bring you water."
She gave a small, wordless nod. Moments later, Kyel returned with a flask. He knelt, lifting it to her lips. "Here—drink."
Eva sipped, her throat easing as she swallowed. Kyel searched her face, worry etched deep in his eyes. "Are you alright? Why were you vomiting?"
Eva managed a weak smile. "I… I didn't like the taste of the cookies."
His frown deepened. "No. We're going to the physician. I won't take chances with your health."
Too tired to argue, Eva only nodded. Without hesitation, Kyel swept her into his arms and carried her swiftly through the streets.
---
At the physician's chamber
Kyel waited outside the room as the physician examined Eva. His hands clenched, his body unable to stay still. He paced back and forth, the sound of his boots restless on the stone floor.
At last, the door opened.
Kyel rushed forward. "What happened? Is my wife alright?"
The physician's lined face broke into a warm smile. "She's fine. You don't need to worry, young man. And… congratulations."
Kyel blinked, breath catching. "Congratulations?"
"Yes," the physician said gently. "Your wife is with child."
For a moment, Kyel stood frozen. Then joy surged through him, flooding every vein like sunlight breaking after a storm. His lips curved into the most unguarded smile he had worn in years. He bowed his head quickly, his voice thick with emotion. "Thank you."
He didn't wait another heartbeat—he rushed into the room.
Eva looked up at him from the bed, anxiety flickering in her eyes. "Kyel… what did the physician say?"
Kyel didn't answer with words. Instead, he crossed the room in two strides, knelt before her, and pressed his hand tenderly against her stomach. His voice trembled with happiness.
"You are with our child."
Eva's lips parted, her eyes filling with tears that shimmered before they spilled down her cheeks. "A child…" she whispered, her hands covering his over her abdomen. "Kyel…"
He gathered her into his arms, holding her close as his voice softened against her hair. "Take it easy. Breathe… slowly. Don't cry too much, eva. This is happiness."
Eva nodded against his chest, still trembling with emotion. Their foreheads touched, both smiling through the tears that blurred their vision.
In that quiet moment, amidst the fragile beginnings of new life, the weight of their troubles seemed to lift. For once, the world felt soft, almost merciful.