Aranel had just exited the room, the door clicking shut behind her.
Eyan cleared his throat and sank back onto the couch, forcing a faint, composed smile.
"Gentlemen," he said, voice calm but edged with fatigue, "can we discuss this matter tomorrow? Suddenly, I'm feeling a little tired."
Hans frowned. "But Your Majesty, it was you who insisted the meeting be held tonight."
Eyan muttered under his breath, his voice low and barely audible.
And now I regret it…
Hans cocked his head. "Your Majesty, did you say something?"
"Nothing," Eyan replied, straightening. He sighed, then glanced at the clock. "Alright, let's continue for another thirty minutes."
Hans frowned again. "But Your Majesty, it will take longer than thirty minutes."
Eyan's voice sharpened like a blade. "Hans, finish it in thirty minutes. Is that clear?"
The room fell silent. Every man present swallowed nervously.
"Yes, Your Majesty," they chorused.
The meeting resumed. Ten minutes later, Eyan tapped his fingers on the table, each strike louder than the last.
Damn it… only ten minutes have passed, but why does it feel like forever? he thought.
His gaze flicked toward the table. She's still there… I hope she's all right.
Under the table, Eva shifted slightly.
My leg hurts… she thought, attempting to stretch it carefully.
But she misjudged the space and banged her head against the underside of the desk.
"CRACK!"
Every man in the room froze.
Hans frowned. "What was that sound?"
Eyan's eyes widened. Panic prickling his skin. "I—I didn't hear anything, Hans. You must have imagined it."
Another voice chimed in, anxious. "Your Majesty… we heard it too."
Hans muttered, "Yes, Your Majesty. I can't be wrong. It sounded like it came from under the table. I should check."
Eyan's chest tightened. "Hans!" he shouted sharply.
Hans froze, startled. "Your Majesty, why did you—"
"I'll check myself. Stay here!" Eyan snapped, rising from his seat.
Hans took a cautious step forward. "Your Majesty, I can—"
"Shut your mouth and don't move! Stay exactly where you are!" Eyan barked.
Hans froze. "As you wish, Your Majesty."
Eyan strode toward the desk. And bent down, his voice low and filled with worry.
"Eva… what happened?" he whispered.
Eva pressed her hands to her head, tears glistening in her eyes.
"I… I hit my head," she whispered back.
Eyan's brows knitted in concern. "Let me see."
He gently pressed his hand to her temple, careful, his touch light.
"Where does it hurt?" he asked softly.
"A little… on the right," she murmured.
Eyan's fingers moved to the right side of her head, pressing gently to examine the spot.
"Aw—!" Eva tried to cry out, but Eyan quickly covered her mouth with his hand.
Then, with a soft, commanding touch, he placed a single finger on her lips.
"Shhh… don't make a sound," he whispered.
Their eyes met, the closeness suddenly overwhelming. His heart thundered in his chest. His throat went dry from how near she was.
From behind, Hans cleared his throat nervously. "Your Majesty… what happened?"
Eyan snapped out of his daze, but in his panic, he banged his own head against the underside of the table.
"Ahh!" he exclaimed.
Hans stepped forward instinctively. "Your Ma—"
"Stay there! I'm fine!" Eyan snapped sharply.
Eva couldn't contain herself any longer and let out a soft, muffled laugh, covering her mouth.
Eyan smiled, rubbing the back of his head.
"You are driving me crazy," he whispered under his breath, his voice low and rough.
Eva's cheeks flushed a deep crimson.
Finally, Eyan exhaled heavily and straightened up.
"I can't take this anymore," he said, his voice firm.
"Everyone out! This meeting ends here!"
Hans opened his mouth, startled. "But your m—"
"I said get out, Hans!" Eyan snapped.
The rest of the men jumped, quickly standing and bowing.
"Good night, Your Majesty," they chorused nervously.
Hans bowed deeply. "Good night, Your Majesty."
Eyan strode to the door. "You two can go now," he said to the knights posted outside.
They bowed and left. Eyan turned back, shutting the door with a decisive click and locking it.
Then he exhaled and spoke softly, a small, rare smile tugging at his lips.
"You can come out now."
Silence...
"Eva… you can come out now. Everyone is gone."
But she didn't move.
He leaned closer to the table. "Eva? What's wrong? Come outside… they're gone."
Her eyes darted nervously, refusing to meet his.
Gently, he reached for her chin and tilted her face toward his. "What happened?"
Her lips trembled, a soft blush painting her cheeks.
"I… I can't come out," she whispered.
"Why?" he asked, voice laced with curiosity and concern.
"My gown… it's too short," she admitted, eyes dropping.
Eyan's gaze lingered on her legs, a slow, amused smile curving his lips.
"Are you shy?"
She nodded, cheeks burning hotter.
He chuckled softly, the sound low and dangerous.
"Then why did you wear it?"
Her voice was barely audible. "Aranel told me… if I wanted to tempt you, I should wear it."
Eyan's eyes darkened, desire threading through his expression.
"You wore it… to tempt me?"
She nodded again, her hands clenching the edge of the table.
"Then congratulations," he murmured, his lips brushing hers in a whisper, "you have successfully tempted me."
Before she could respond, he closed the distance, capturing her lips in a searing, possessive kiss. Eva's eyes fluttered shut, her body responding instantly to his touch. His lips moved slowly against hers, tasting, teasing, claiming.
He pulled back, breathless, and lifted her effortlessly to her feet. Without a word, he guided her to the table and sat her down.
"Let me see you properly," he murmured, his eyes dark with hunger.
Eva's fingers clutched at the jacket draped over her shoulders, slipping it off. It fell silently to the floor, leaving her in the thin, see-through gown.
Eyan's gaze lingered, burning and unrelenting. Her cheeks flushed crimson under the weight of his desire. His breath caught. His eyes widened, swallowing her in a single glance.
He stepped closer, pressing her against him, his hands gripping her waist. His voice was a hoarse whisper, trembling with need.
"I don't think I can wait until we go to our bedchamber."
Then his lips claimed hers again — deeper, harder, desperate. Eva moaned into the kiss, melting against him. His hands roamed hungrily, slipping the sleeve of her gown from her shoulder, his lips following the curve of her neck.
Her body shivered in his arms as he lifted her effortlessly, wrapping her legs around his waist. Every movement spoke of raw, urgent longing.
He laid her down on the couch, never breaking the kiss, drinking her in, every touch and sigh entwining them tighter.
Eyan pulled back just enough to undo his shirt, removing it entirely. His chest rose and fell rapidly, eyes dark with desire. Leaning down, he hovered over her lips once more.
"Eva… how much do you want me to love you tonight?" he whispered, his voice both commanding and tender.
"All night… love me all night," she breathed, trembling against him.
A slow, wicked smile curved his lips. Then, without a word, he kissed her again — deeper, hotter, the world outside dissolving until there was only heat, longing, and them.
The study, the meeting, the palace — all faded into shadow.
Only the two of them remained, tangled together, bodies and hearts ignited, and the world outside vanished into black.
---
Fade to black.