The soft golden light from the bedside lamp bathed the room in a gentle glow. Eva sat quietly beside Leo, her fingers combing through his soft hair as he slept soundly, his small breaths even and peaceful.
"Where did your uncle take you today?" she murmured, smiling faintly. "You came back all tired and fell asleep right away."
Her gaze drifted toward the clock on the wall — the hour hand had long passed nine.
"It's getting late," she whispered. "Eyan still isn't back…"
Her eyes softened as she looked at Leo again.
It was such a beautiful sight this morning, she thought, her lips curving in a tender smile. He was sleeping in Eyan's arms…
She chuckled quietly. "Didn't I tell you, Leo? You'd come to like him."
Her fingers lingered gently on his cheek. Even though Eyan doesn't know the truth… he still treats you so well.
A pang of longing crossed her heart. I want to tell him so badly… that you're his child. But I can't. Not yet.
Her eyes dimmed for a moment. He'd be furious if he learned that I came back in time by sacrificing myself… and our child.
Then her thoughts drifted to the unfulfilled wish that still bound her fate. My second wish will only be granted when I conceive this time…
Her cheeks flushed. But we haven't shared a bed since our wedding night.
She bit her lower lip, her pulse quickening. It will take time… and effort…
Her face turned warm. I should try again tonight.
She glanced at Leo, sleeping peacefully under the blanket. He's already fast asleep…
I need to prepare myself.
Rising silently, Eva leaned down and placed a soft kiss on Leo's forehead.
"Forgive me, Leo," she whispered. "Mother can't stay with you tonight."
Her blush deepened as she stepped out of the room. "Tonight… I belong to your father."
With that, she gently closed the door and turned the key, locking it from the outside. The soft click echoed faintly through the quiet corridor as she walked away, her heart beating faster with every step.
----
Eva entered her room, closing the door softly behind her. Her eyes sought Aranel immediately.
"Aranel… I need your help," she said, lowering her voice.
"Just ask, Eva," Aranel replied.
Eva leaned closer, her cheeks flushing. "Can you… make me look… tempting for His Majesty?"
Aranel's smile widened, full of mischief. "Of course, Your Grace."
She pulled out an assortment of delicate nightgowns, laying them across the bed.
"Here," Aranel said, gesturing to the array. "First, choose what you want to wear."
Eva's gaze swept over the fabrics, each more luxurious than the last, before she pointed to a particularly revealing gown.
Aranel blinked. "You want to wear that to tempt your husband?"
Eva blinked back innocently. "Why not?"
Aranel sighed dramatically. "Because, dear Eva, you're not going to the temple — you're going to his bedroom. Wait, I'll choose for you."
She rummaged through the rest until she pulled out a silvery gown that shimmered faintly under the candlelight.
"Here," she said with satisfaction. "This one is perfect."
Eva's eyes widened. "It's… see-through."
"So?"
"It's too revealing," Eva stammered, her blush deepening.
Aranel folded her arms. "Do you want to tempt His Majesty or not?"
Eva hesitated. "…I do."
"Then wear it. No questions."
Eva slipped into the adjoining room and changed. When she returned, her steps were hesitant, her cheeks glowing like rose petals.
"How do I look?" she asked softly.
Aranel's eyes sparkled. "You look stunning."
Eva bit her lip, tugging at the hem. "Are you sure? Don't you think it's a little too short?"
"The shorter, the better," Aranel said with a wink.
Eva's blush deepened.
"Oh—and one more thing." Aranel reached for a small crystal bottle from her vanity and sprayed a fine mist into the air. A sweet, deep fragrance filled the room.
Eva inhaled gently. "What is that scent? It's lovely."
Aranel smiled. "Moonrose Whisper. I'm sure His Majesty will like it."
Eva smiled shyly, her heart fluttering.
"Now, open your hair," Aranel instructed.
Eva pulled the pins loose, and her soft black-colored hair cascaded down her shoulders.
"Like this?"
"Perfect," Aranel said approvingly.
Eva took a steadying breath. "Then… I should go wait for him in our bedchamber."
"Wait, Eva," Aranel stopped her.
Eva turned. "What is it?"
Aranel hesitated. "A knight came a few minutes ago. He said His Majesty will return in fifteen minutes — but he won't come to the bedchamber tonight. He'll go straight to his study for work."
Eva's face fell. "Aranel, why didn't you tell me that earlier?"
She looked down at herself — the sheer gown, the shimmer of perfume, the hope that had bloomed too quickly.
"Now I have to change again," she sighed.
"Why?" Aranel asked with mock innocence.
"What do you mean, why?" Eva frowned. "I wore this for him. If he's not coming, what's the point?"
Aranel grinned slyly. "If His Majesty can't come to you, then you go to him."
Eva blinked. "What?"
"Yes. Go to his study," Aranel said firmly. "Wait for him there. When he walks in, he won't be expecting you dressed like this."
Eva blinked, flustered. "What? But… didn't he say he'd be working tonight?"
Aranel crossed her arms, smiling knowingly. "Eva, do you really think His Majesty will be able to work after seeing you in that gown?"
Eva's blush deepened as she shook her head quickly, unable to meet her friend's gaze.
Eva swallowed, her heart fluttering. "Are you sure?"
"Absolutely," Aranel replied without hesitation.
Aranel picked up a long, sheer robe and draped it over her shoulders. "Here — wear this on top. It'll cover you until the right moment."
She glanced at the clock. "Now go. His Majesty will be here soon."
Eva nodded nervously. "Alright."
"Eva," Aranel called as she reached for the door.
Eva turned, her hand on the handle. "What?"
Aranel's lips curved into a teasing smile. "Have a wonderful night… with your husband."
Eva's cheeks flamed. "O-Okay."
With that, she opened the door and stepped out, her heart thudding in her chest as she made her way toward Eyan's study — the scent of Moonrose Whisper trailing softly behind her.
-----