(Eyan's Study)-
Eva quietly entered Eyan's study, the soft click of the door echoing in the dimly lit room. She didn't lock it —.
She closed the door gently behind her and stood there for a moment, her breath unsteady.
Then, with slow fingers, she slipped off the long outer gown Aranel had given her. The sheer fabric fell soundlessly to the floor, pooling around her feet like mist. Beneath it, the delicate nightgown shimmered faintly under candlelight — soft, pale, and dangerously revealing.
Eva pressed a hand against her chest, trying to steady the flutter of her heart. What should I do now?
Her eyes roamed the study — the large velvet couch near the window, the high-backed chair by the fire, and his desk covered in papers and books.
Should I stand by the wall… and wait for him there? she wondered, imagining his eyes finding her silhouette in the dim light.
Or maybe… sit on the couch? She pictured herself waiting there.
Her gaze lingered on his desk. Or… should I sit there instead? The thought made her blush so deeply that she covered her face with both hands.
"What am I even thinking…" she whispered, half embarrassed, half thrilled.
The fire crackled softly, and her reflection glimmered faintly in the glass window — a woman both shy and brave, caught between longing and hesitation.
She finally took a deep breath and walked slowly toward the center of the room, her bare feet silent on the marble floor. The faint scent of Moonrose Whisper followed her — sweet, soft, and impossible to ignore.
----
Ten minutes later, Eva's ears caught the faint sound of footsteps approaching the study.
Her heart fluttered.
Eva smiled brightly. "He's finally here."
She quickly sat on the couch, straightened her gown, and adjusted her pose—just like Aranel told her. A little tilt of the shoulder, a soft smile… perfect.
But then—
Another pair of footsteps echoed in the hallway.
Then another.
Eva blinked, her excitement freezing in place.
"Wait… why do I hear more than one footstep?" she whispered, confused.
Her heart began to race. She tiptoed to the door and pressed her ear against it.
And then she heard it—Eyan's deep voice. But there were others too.
Multiple men speaking behind him.
Eva's blood ran cold.
"He's not alone! Someone's with Eyan!"
Her mind spun.
What do I do?! I can't let anyone see me like this!
She grabbed the long gown from the floor and held it against herself, eyes darting around the room in panic.
"Where should I hide? Think, Eva, think!"
The footsteps were getting closer—louder—right outside the door.
"Ah—!" she gasped, looking around desperately.
Then her eyes landed on Eyan's desk.
"…Under the table," she whispered, eyes widening. "Yes!"
Without another thought, she rushed across the room and ducked under the large wooden desk, curling up tightly in the narrow space.
Her heart pounded so loud she was sure they'd hear it.
The door opened.
Eyan entered, his boots clicking against the marble floor. Following behind him were Hans and four other men—Sir Calven of the Royal Guard, Lord Merek of Finance, Advisor Thorne, and Minister Garel.
Eyan walked to the couch and sat down, crossing one leg over the other.
"Now," he said calmly, "let's begin the meeting."
Eva's mouth fell open as she sat frozen under the table.
Meeting?
Eyan glanced at the clock. "It's already nine-thirty. We'll finish by three."
Under the table, Eva's eyes widened.
Three? Three in the morning?!
She clutched her knees, silently screaming.
I'm doomed.
Above her, papers rustled and chairs scraped. The discussion began—formal and serious.
Then Eyan suddenly frowned. He sniffed lightly.
"…What is this sweet smell?"
Hans sniffed the air as well. "You're right, Your Majesty. I can smell it too."
Eva froze, her eyes wide.
Then she sniffed her own gown.
Her soul nearly left her body.
Damn it… Aranel's perfume!
"Forget the smell," Eyan muttered, rubbing his temple. "Let's continue."
Eva exhaled quietly, shoulders slumping in relief.
Her relief didn't last long.
Her knees ached, her gown clung uncomfortably to her skin, and her heart hadn't stopped pounding since he walked in.
Three hours… under his table… while wearing this gown.
I'm never listening to Aranel again.
---
(Outside Eyan's study — hallway)
Aranel peeked from behind the corner wall, checking if Eva had managed to meet His Majesty yet.
But instead of silence, she froze at the sight before her.
Two royal knights were standing stiffly by the study door.
Aranel's eyes widened. "Why are there knights guarding the door?"
She stepped out and approached them quickly, her heels tapping against the floor.
"You two—what are you doing here? You shouldn't be guarding this hallway!"
One of the knights blinked in confusion. "What do you mean, Lady Aranel?"
Aranel frowned. "I mean, since when does His Majesty need guards outside his study?"
The knight exchanged a look with his partner, then replied politely,
"We are ordered to guard the door, my lady. There's an important meeting going on inside."
Aranel's brows furrowed. "A… meeting?"
Then it hit her.
Her face went pale.
"What—A meeting?!" she blurted out, voice rising.
Both knights flinched, startled by her sudden outburst.
"Wh–what's wrong, Lady Aranel?" one of them asked nervously.
Aranel forced a shaky smile, waving her hand quickly. "N–nothing! Absolutely nothing!"
But inside, her mind was spinning.
Eva is going to kill me.
She took a deep breath, trying not to panic.
She's still in there. Oh Goddess, please tell me no one saw her…
Aranel glanced at the closed study doors, fidgeting.
If she's hiding, then I need to help her somehow. Before anyone finds out.
She clenched her fists, whispering under her breath,
"Hold on, Eva. Don't move. I'm coming."
----
Inside the study, the meeting was still going on. Papers rustled, quills scratched, and Eva—hidden under the grand oak table—sat stiff as stone, barely daring to breathe.
Then—
Knock, knock.
Hans paused and went to open the door.
A knight stepped inside and bowed deeply. "Your Majesty, Lady Aranel is here to see you."
Eyan lifted his gaze from the documents, brow furrowing. "Lady Aranel?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Eyan leaned back in his chair. "Let her come in."
The knight bowed again and exited. Moments later, Aranel entered gracefully, her face calm but her eyes darting around the room.
"Greetings, Your Majesty," she said, bowing.
Eyan nodded politely. "What brings you here at this hour, Lady Aranel?"
While Eyan spoke, Aranel's gaze swept over every corner of the study—the couch, the shelves, the walls—until her eyes landed on the table.
There you are, she thought, hiding her relief. She's under the table. I can tell.
"Lady Aranel?"
Aranel blinked, realizing she hadn't answered. "Ah—! I apologize, Your Majesty. My thoughts were… elsewhere."
Eyan gave a faint smile. "It's quite all right. Now, tell me—what brings you here?"
Aranel thought quickly. Come on, Aranel, think of something!
"Oh! Yes, Your Majesty. I came… for an earring."
Eyan raised an eyebrow. "An earring?"
"Yes," she said quickly, nodding. "The thing is—Her Grace came here earlier today while you were out for work, and she um.., Aranel continued nervously, "she lost her earrings somewhere here, Your Majesty."
Eyan frowned slightly. "She dropped them in here?"
"Yes, Your Majesty." Aranel nodded quickly. "So… could you please look for the earring?"
She pointed toward the grand desk. "There—Your Majesty, I think Her Grace might have lost it near your table."
Before Eyan could respond, Hans stepped forward. "Lady Aranel, why trouble His Majesty over such a small matter? I'll look for it myself—"
Before he could finish, Aranel grabbed his wrist sharply.
"No!" she said—too loudly.
Everyone in the room turned to look at her.
Realizing her mistake, Aranel quickly let go, clearing her throat and bowing deeply. "I—I apologize, Your Majesty, for raising my voice."
Eyan's lips curved slightly. "It's all right."
Aranel looked at him, eyes pleading now. "Your Majesty, could you please look for it instead?"
Eyan studied her face, noting the strange desperation in her tone.
Finally, he nodded. "Very well. I'll take a look."
Aranel let out a silent breath of relief. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Eyan walked toward his desk, the faintest crease forming between his brows. He knelt down to look beneath it — and froze.
His eyes widened. "...Eva?" he whispered, disbelief and shock mixing in his voice.
Under the table, Eva hid her face in her hands, her cheeks flushed crimson.
From behind, Aranel called out, "Your Majesty, do you see it?"
Eyan cleared his throat quickly, forcing composure. "Y-Yes… I see it."
Aranel smiled in relief. "Then can you pick it up for me?"
Eyan hesitated, glancing back at her. "Wait… I'll need to go under the table."
He bent lower, ducking under the table's edge. The moment his eyes met Eva's again, his breath caught.
"Eva," he whispered sharply, voice low enough only for her to hear, "what are you doing here? Since when have you been hiding?"
Eva's eyes darted away, her hands clutching the thin fabric of her gown.
Eyan's gaze faltered — noticing what she was wearing — and his throat went dry.
"...And what are you wearing?" he whispered, half shocked, half flustered.
Eva shrank back, covering herself with her arms. "I'm sorry," she whispered softly.
Eyan exhaled slowly, trying to gather himself. "Wait… just stay there. Don't move."
She nodded faintly, eyes downcast.
He looked at her again, this time more carefully — her shoulders trembling slightly. His voice softened. "Are you cold?"
Eva nodded once.
Without a word, Eyan removed his jacket and gently draped it over her shoulders.
"Stay hidden," he murmured. "I'll handle this."
"Your Majesty?" Hans called from behind. "Did you find the earring? Should I come help?"
Eyan's eyes widened in panic. "No! Just stay there. I can find it myself."
Eva looked around quickly, realizing he needed proof. She slipped off one of her earrings and held it out to him.
"Here," she whispered.
Eyan took it carefully, his fingers brushing hers for a brief moment before he straightened up. Holding it up, he said aloud, "Found it."
Aranel let out a very audible sigh of relief. "Thank goodness."
Eyan walked back to the couch and handed the earring to her. "Here, Lady Aranel. Take it."
Aranel took it with a deep bow. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
----