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(Eyan's Study — Early Morning, 5 AM)
The pale light of dawn filtered softly through the tall windows, casting long, slender shadows across the scattered papers and the dark wood of the study. Eva stirred, blinking slowly, and immediately felt the weight and warmth of Eyan's arms wrapped securely around her.
They were still tangled together on the couch, no space left between them, his chest pressed against hers, his steady breathing a stark contrast to the fluttering in her own heart.
"I… I can't believe we did it here… in his study," she thought, cheeks warming at the memory, her pulse quickening despite the quiet morning.
She lifted her eyes to his face, peaceful in sleep, hair tousled, lips relaxed, and felt a small, stunned smile tug at her own. "He didn't stop after the first time… I don't even remember how many times we…" Her heartbeat skipped as the thought made her shiver.
A sudden twinge in her legs reminded her of reality. She tried to stretch—pain shot through her muscles.
"Ahh…" she whispered, pressing her lips together to keep from making a sound.
"It was… incredible last night, but my legs are killing me," she admitted silently.
Carefully, she wriggled free from his tight embrace, mindful not to wake him. His arm instinctively tightened around her waist, and her chest fluttered at the possessiveness of his touch, even in sleep.
Finally, she slid out of his hold, grabbed her gown from the floor, and slipped it on, wincing as she bent and stretched her stiff limbs. One foot touched the floor… then the other.
"Ahh… I don't think I can walk," she muttered under her breath, biting her lip to hold back a soft laugh at her own predicament.
"But I have to… before anyone finds us like this."
Step by shaky step, she moved toward the door, glancing back at Eyan one last time.
Peeking into the empty hallway, she carefully stepped out, closing the door behind her with a quiet click, leaving the study—and Eyan—behind, still asleep, while the memory of last night lingered like fire in her veins.
---
(Eva's Chamber — Early Morning)
Eva entered her chamber, each step careful and slow. A sharp twinge ran through her legs, and she hissed softly,
"Ahh… my legs… they hurt."
Finally reaching the bed, she sank onto the soft mattress, letting out a quiet sigh. She curled slightly under the blankets, wincing at the lingering ache.
"I should rest today… I can't let Eyan find out about the pain," she thought, pressing a hand to her leg. "If he knows, he'll probably avoid me and keep his distance for days… just like last time."
With a deep breath, she closed her eyes, allowing herself to drift into the safety of sleep, the warmth of last night's memories lingering in her mind.
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(Eyan's Study — 6:00 a.m.)
A faint morning light spilled through the curtains, brushing over the disordered couch where Eyan lay half-asleep. He stirred, his hand reaching out instinctively to the other side — searching for warmth that was no longer there.
His brows furrowed slightly as his palm met only cool fabric. He opened his eyes fully, the realization dawning on him.
"Eva?" he called softly.
Silence answered him.
Eyan exhaled a quiet laugh and leaned back against the couch, a crooked smile tugging at his lips.
"She left me alone like this…" he murmured, shaking his head. "The first thing I wanted to see after waking up was her face."
He sighed, running a hand through his messy hair.
"She must've been tired," he whispered, and then paused as flashes of last night stirred in his mind — the way she'd looked at him, her voice, her breath against his skin.
A flush crept up his neck.
"I got… completely out of control," he muttered under his breath. "How many times was it? Five… or six? No—seven?"
He covered his face with both hands, groaning in embarrassment.
"I hope I didn't overdo it and hurt her…"
Straightening his posture, he finally stood.
"I should check if she's alright," he decided.
He dressed quickly, fastening the last button of his coat before stepping toward the door—
Knock. Knock.
Eyan paused. "Who is it?"
"Your Majesty, it's me—Hans," came the familiar voice.
Eyan opened the door, meeting his steward's polite bow.
"Good morning, Your Majesty."
"Good morning," Eyan replied, his voice calm though faint traces of fatigue clung to it.
Hans's eyes flicked over Eyan's face — his uncombed hair, the faint marks of sleeplessness.
"Your Majesty… did you sleep here last night?"
"Yes," Eyan said simply.
Hans frowned. "Did you work through the entire night?"
Eyan smiled faintly. "You could say that."
Hans sighed. "Your Majesty, you shouldn't drain yourself like this. I know your duties are important, but so is your health."
"I know, Hans," Eyan replied, glancing away with a small smile. "But the matter was urgent — I couldn't ignore it."
Hans hesitated. "Still…"
"Hans," Eyan cut in gently. "Don't worry about me. Tell me why you're here."
"Oh, right!" Hans straightened quickly. "Your Majesty, there was an attack last night — from the kingdom of Drakthorn."
Eyan's expression hardened instantly. "Drakthorn? King Jorick again?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. The imperial army is waiting for your orders. They've gathered in the eastern camp."
Eyan rubbed his temple, muttering, "That fool never learns his lesson."
For a brief moment, his thoughts drifted — I wanted to check on her first…
He sighed quietly, masking the worry behind composure.
"Prepare for departure, Hans," Eyan ordered, his voice firm once more.
"As you wish, Your Majesty." Hans bowed and hurried out.
An hour later, armored and composed, Eyan left the palace to join the imperial army — the lingering warmth of last night fading behind the weight of a king's duty
----
(Afternoon — Eva's Chamber)
The golden light of afternoon filtered through the lace curtains, falling softly over Eva's pale face. She lay sprawled on the bed, her legs barely moving beneath the sheets. Each breath came slow, laced with a faint ache that made her wince.
Aranel sat by her bedside, worry etched across her delicate features.
"Eva, are you sure you're all right?" she asked quietly, her voice filled with concern.
Eva forced a small smile, though the effort alone seemed to tire her.
"I'm fine, Aranel. I just… need a bit of rest."
Aranel frowned. "But Eva, your face is pale, and you look exhausted. You should see a physician."
Eva immediately shook her head. "No. If I go to the physician, His Majesty will find out… and I don't want that."
Aranel hesitated. "But—"
"Aranel," Eva said softly but firmly. "I know you're worried. But please… I can't let him know."
There was something in her tone that made Aranel stop insisting. After a brief pause, she sighed and nodded.
"All right… as you wish."
A moment of silence hung between them before Aranel spoke again.
"What about lunch? You didn't eat breakfast either."
"I don't feel like eating," Eva murmured, her hand resting over her abdomen as if the thought alone made her weary.
"Then what about fruits?" Aranel offered gently.
Eva gave a faint nod. "Fruits are fine."
"Good. I'll go and get some for you," Aranel said, standing from her chair.
As she reached the door, Eva's voice called weakly after her.
"Aranel."
Aranel turned back. "Yes?"
"One more thing," Eva said, lowering her gaze. "I don't want anyone to see me like this. So if Leo or Brother Luca come looking for me, don't let them in."
Aranel nodded. "Of course."
"And…" Eva hesitated, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Don't let His Majesty enter either."
Aranel blinked, startled. "Eva, how can I stop His Majesty from entering his wife's chamber?"
Eva met her eyes with quiet seriousness. "Just tell him it's my order — that I don't want to see him right now."
Aranel looked conflicted but finally bowed her head.
"…All right," she said softly. "I'll do as you say."
She left the chamber, the sound of the door closing gently behind her — leaving Eva alone in the still air, her heart heavy with the pain she hid from the man she loved.
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