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The capital city shimmered beneath the evening haze—its streets bustling with merchants closing their stalls, lanterns flickering to life one by one. Amid the crowd, two familiar figures wandered aimlessly, exhaustion written across their faces.
Leo dragged his feet, shoulders slumped. "Nothing. I can't find that person anywhere," he muttered, his tone heavy with frustration.
Beside him, Luca let out a long sigh. "Where could that person be hiding? We've searched every district by now."
"It's been ten days," Leo mumbled. "Ten days, and I still couldn't do anything."
Luca glanced down at the boy—his messy hair, tired eyes, and small clenched fists. "Leo, you're exhausted. Let's go back to the palace for today."
"No," Leo snapped. "Uncle, I need to find that person."
Before he could protest further, Luca suddenly leaned down, scooping him up in his arms with ease.
Leo squirmed instantly. "Uncle! What are you doing? Let me go!"
"If you don't want your mother to worry herself sick, then you're coming with me," Luca said firmly, starting down the stone road. "We'll continue searching tomorrow."
Leo huffed, crossing his arms. "Fine," he grumbled, glaring up at the sky. "Now put me down, will you?"
Luca only smiled mischievously. "No, I think I'll give you a piggyback ride instead."
Leo's voice rose an octave. "No! I'm fine—just let me go already!"
"It's just a piggyback," Luca chuckled. "Why are you like your father? You two hate affection so much."
He sighed dramatically, as though reminiscing. "He always acts the same whenever I show my love to him."
Leo turned his head with a straight face. "It's not called showing love. It's called clinging."
"Ouch," Luca gasped. "That hurts."
"Truth always hurts," Leo said flatly, earning a faint scowl from his uncle.
"Has anyone ever told you that you talk too much?" Luca grumbled.
Leo smirked. "I hear that every day."
"Of course you do." Luca finally set him down with a mock sigh. "Fine… you win."
As they started walking back toward the palace, Luca mumbled under his breath, "Like father, like son."
Leo heard him and only smirked faintly, the corner of his lips twitching upward as the palace lights shimmered in the distance.
---
(Royal Palace —Velmoria)
The night had settled softly over the palace by the time Luca and Leo returned.
Inside Luca's chamber, the two sat in calm silence—Luca leaning back in his chair while Leo swung his legs restlessly at the edge of the bed.
After a moment, Leo turned toward him. "Uncle… I didn't see Mother today. I'll go and meet her."
Luca nodded, rubbing the back of his neck. "Alright. Go on."
Leo hopped down and left the room, his small footsteps echoing faintly through the hall.
---
(Eva's Chamber)
Knock, knock.
Aranel's voice came from inside, cautious yet gentle. "Who is that?"
"It's me—Leo."
The door opened just a little before Aranel slipped out, shutting it quietly behind her. Her expression softened as she saw the boy.
"Leo, what brings you here?" she asked, lowering her voice.
"I came to meet Her Grace," he said, glancing past her toward the door. "Is she inside?"
"She is," Aranel replied carefully, "but you can't meet her now."
Leo blinked, confused. "Why?"
"She's resting," Aranel explained. "And she ordered me not to let anyone disturb her sleep."
"Oh…" Leo's shoulders dropped. "She's sleeping then. I'll come later."
Aranel gave him a small, reassuring smile. "Alright. Good night, Leo."
He nodded quietly, stealing one last look at the closed door before walking away down the corridor.
Once his footsteps faded, Aranel slipped back inside.
Eva sat upright in bed, her hand pressed over her abdomen, her face pale with strain. "Did he leave?" she asked in a weak voice.
"Yes," Aranel said softly, coming closer. "He's gone."
Eva's gaze fell to her lap, guilt flashing in her eyes. "I feel bad about sending him away."
I didn't even see his face all day… she thought
Aranel sighed, setting a hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry about Leo right now. Worry about yourself."
She studied her closely—Eva's trembling hands, the faint sheen of sweat on her temple.
"Your face is still pale. Are you sure you'll be alright with just rest?" Aranel asked worried.
Eva forced a faint smile. "I will," she whispered.
But her tone wavered, as if she were trying to convince herself more than anyone else.
---
(Royal Palace — Night)
The grand doors of the palace opened with a low creak as Eyan stepped inside, his boots echoing faintly against the marble floor. The night air still clung to his cloak, cool and damp, carrying with it the scent of rain. Hans followed a step behind, weary but alert.
A servant hurried forward, bowing deeply. "Your Majesty, welcome back."
Eyan gave a curt nod, his eyes scanning the hall instinctively. The soft candlelight flickered across the corridor walls—empty. No trace of her.
His brow furrowed. She didn't come to welcome me…
Every evening since their marriage, Eva had waited near the entrance, her gentle smile greeting him before he could even remove his gloves. But tonight, only silence met him.
The servant straightened nervously. "Your Majesty should take a bath. I'll prepare dinner immediately."
Eyan's gaze lingered a moment longer down the quiet hallway, as if expecting her to appear at any second.
"Fine," he said finally, voice low.
He turned away, unfastening his cloak as he disappeared into his chamber. The heavy door shut behind him with a dull thud.
---
(At the Dinner Table — Night)
The scent of roasted herbs and warm bread filled the grand dining hall. Eyan entered, freshly bathed, his dark hair still damp and his expression calm but distant.
The servants immediately bowed. "Welcome, Your Majesty."
Luca and Leo rose from their seats.
"Welcome back, Eyan," Luca greeted with a faint smile.
"Welcome, mister," Leo added politely.
Eyan gave a small nod and took his seat at the head of the table.
"When did you arrive?" Luca asked.
"Not long ago," Eyan replied, adjusting the cuff of his sleeve.
His gaze softened as he looked at the boy. "Leo, how was your day? Did you have fun today?"
Leo brightened a little. "Yes. It was great."
"Good," Eyan said, a small smile touching his lips.
Just as the servants began to place dishes before them, Eyan raised a hand.
"Wait."
Everyone froze.
His tone turned sharp. "Why aren't you waiting for the Queen? She's not here yet."
The servant hesitated, lowering his head. "Your Majesty, the Queen will not be joining you for dinner tonight."
Eyan's brow furrowed. "Why?"
"I... do not know, Your Majesty. That was the order of Lady Aranel."
A faint heaviness crept into his chest. "I see…"
From behind, the royal chef stepped forward nervously, wringing his hands.
"Your Majesty, if I may speak—"
"Go on," Eyan said.
"Her Grace did not eat anything this morning," the chef said cautiously.
Eyan's expression darkened. "What?"
"I prepared her favorite dishes for lunch, but she did not touch them either," the chef continued, bowing lower. "Usually, she visits the kitchen herself every morning to tell me what to prepare, but today… she did not come out of her chamber at all."
Eyan's heart clenched. "You should have told me sooner."
The chef quickly bowed deeper. "Forgive me, Your Majesty."
Leo's small voice broke the silence. "I didn't see her either."
Eyan turned sharply toward him. "You didn't?"
Leo shook his head. "No. I went to meet her, but Lady Aranel said she was sleeping."
The chef nodded. "That is what I was told as well, Your Majesty."
Eyan pushed his chair back suddenly, the legs scraping against the floor. "I'll go check on her."
"I'm coming with you," Luca said, rising immediately.
Leo stood too. "Me too! I want to see her!"
Eyan looked between them, then nodded once. "Alright. Let's go."
Together, the three left the dining hall, the half-served meal left untouched behind them.
---
(In Front of Eva's Chamber — Night)
The corridor outside Eva's chamber was dimly lit, the torches flickering softly against the marble walls.
Knock, knock.
The door opened slightly, and Lady Aranel stepped out, quickly shutting it behind her. She bowed deeply.
"Greetings, Your Majesty."
Eyan's tone was calm but direct. "Lady Aranel, where is Eva?"
"She's inside, Your Majesty," Aranel replied softly.
Eyan nodded and reached for the door handle—but Aranel immediately stepped in front of him, blocking the way.
Eyan frowned. "What are you doing?"
"Forgive me, Your Majesty," Aranel said firmly, "but you cannot go inside."
Eyan's brows drew together. "What?"
From behind him, Luca's voice thundered, "Lady Aranel, have you lost your mind? Do you realize who you're speaking to?"
Aranel's tone remained composed. "Master Luca, I know very well who stands before me."
"Then move aside!" Luca snapped.
Eyan tried to reach for the handle again, but Aranel's voice rose sharply. "Your Majesty, you cannot meet Her Grace."
Eyan froze, his confusion deepening. "Why? Why can't I see her? And why are you blocking my way?"
Aranel hesitated, her eyes lowering. "Forgive me, but… it is the Queen's order not to let any of you enter her room."
Eyan's heart sank. His voice came out softer, almost hurt. "She said that?"
"Yes, Your Majesty…"
Luca clenched his fists. "Lady Aranel, I understand if you don't allow me or Leo, but Eyan is her husband. At least let him see her."
Eyan's voice grew pleading. "Yes… Lady Aranel, I only want to see her face once. That's all."
But Aranel shook her head. "No, Your Majesty. Please… respect Her Grace's request."
Luca's patience snapped. "Eyan, let me handle her."
He stepped forward, gripping Aranel's wrist. "Lady, move out of the way."
Aranel winced but stood her ground. "No, I'm not moving. Do whatever you wish, but I will not disobey her Grace's command."
Luca's jaw tightened. "You—"
"Luca," Eyan interrupted quietly but firmly. "Let her hand go."
"But Eyan, she—"
"I said let her go."
Luca exhaled harshly and released her. Aranel rubbed her wrist, her head bowed.
Eyan's voice softened. "Lady Aranel… forgive him for his behavior."
"It's all right, Your Majesty," she murmured.
Eyan took a slow breath, his expression weary. "Fine. If Eva doesn't wish to see me, I'll respect her choice."
He paused before turning away. "But tell me one thing, Lady Aranel… is she all right?"
Aranel hesitated, glancing at the closed door behind her. "…Yes, Your Majesty. She's all right."
Eyan's shoulders relaxed slightly, though his eyes held quiet pain. "Good. Then I'll take my leave."
He turned toward the corridor. "Leo, Luca—let's go."
The three walked away, their footsteps echoing down the silent hall, leaving Aranel standing by the door—her hand pressed against her heart, guilt clouding her face.
---
(Royal Dining Hall — Late Night)
The grand dining hall stood quiet, the golden chandeliers dimmed low. The long table, usually filled with laughter and chatter, felt strangely empty tonight.
A servant stepped forward nervously as Eyan, Luca, and Leo entered.
"Your Majesty, please… sit and eat," the servant said softly.
Eyan's expression was unreadable. "No. I'm not eating tonight."
He turned slightly. "Take my plate away."
Leo lowered his gaze. "I don't want to eat either."
Luca folded his arms. "Then count me out too."
Eyan looked toward Leo. "Leo, you should eat."
But Leo's small voice came firm. "No, I don't want to. I want to see her Grace."
Eyan's eyes softened, guilt and confusion flickering in them.
"I get it that she doesn't want to see me or Luca," he thought bitterly, "but why Leo? Why won't she even let him in?"
Luca broke the silence with an irritated sigh. "Eyan, I'll say it plainly—I don't like that Lady Aranel. She might be sister-in-law's friend, but she's got some attitude."
He shook his head. "How could she even stop you, the Emperor, from entering your wife's room?"
Luca leaned back in his chair with mock pity. "I pray for whoever marries her someday… poor, poor soul."
Leo couldn't help a quiet laugh escaping him.
Luca frowned. "And what's so funny, kid?"
Leo shrugged. "Nothing."
Eyan exhaled deeply, running a hand through his hair. The silence that followed was heavy.
Luca leaned toward him again. "Eyan, tell me honestly—did you two fight? Is that why she refused to see you?"
Eyan's throat tightened. His voice was low, almost hesitant. "No… we didn't fight."
He paused, his gaze drifting to the untouched food before him.
In fact…
A faint warmth spread across his face at the memory that flashed in his mind.
He exhaled again, quieter this time.
In fact… we had a great night together.
But his chest ached as he whispered under his breath, almost too softly to hear—
"Then why does it feel like I lost her this morning?"
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