(Royal Palace of Velmoria — Night)
"Mother… Mother…"
Leo's soft voice echoed through the dark corridors of Eva's dream. His smile was gentle, bright like morning light breaking through mist.
"Mother, goodbye."
Her breath caught.
Eva's eyes flew open—wet with tears that streamed down her temples. Her chest heaved as she lay on the bed, heart aching with the memory of that voice that still lingered in the silence.
Beside her, Eyan sat slumped forward on the edge of the bed, his hand still wrapped tightly around hers. He stirred at her movement, opening his eyes.
"Eva," he whispered, relief flooding his voice. "You're awake."
Her voice trembled. "What… happened to me?"
Eyan reached out, brushing his thumb along her cheek where the tears still clung. "You fainted," he said softly. "After crying so much."
Eva's lips quivered as fresh tears welled up. "Eyan… I saw him again." Her voice broke. "My Leo… he was saying goodbye to me."
Her sobs filled the quiet room, fragile and raw.
Eyan pulled her into his arms, his own voice shaking. "I know you miss him," he murmured, holding her close. "But please don't cry anymore, Eva… You'll faint again."
"I can't stop," she whispered, her hands clutching his sleeve. "My heart hurts… My Leo is gone."
Eyan slowly drew back and took her trembling hand in his. "Eva," he said softly, eyes glistening, "Leo isn't gone."
He tapped lightly on her wedding ring, then guided her hand gently toward her belly.
"He's still with you."
A flutter. A small, tender kick beneath her palm.
Eva gasped—then broke down again, her tears now trembling with fragile joy. "You're right… my Leo is with me."
Eyan smiled faintly, brushing the strands of hair from her face. "Then stop crying, love," he said in a low, soothing tone. "You haven't eaten since morning. Let's go have something… Leo must be starving too."
Eva looked down, her fingers still resting over her stomach, and nodded quietly.
---
(Palace Hallway — Night)
The moonlight spilled through the tall windows, tracing silver patterns across the marble floor as Eva and Eyan walked down the quiet hallway.
Eyan's arm rested around her waist, steady and protective, while her hand lay gently over his.
For a moment, it felt peaceful—until Eva suddenly stopped.
Eyan turned to her, concern in his eyes. "What happened?"
Eva hesitated, her voice soft. "Eyan… where is Elena?"
"She's in her room," he answered.
"I want to see her."
Eyan nodded silently and guided her down the corridor. Their footsteps echoed softly as they stopped before a door carved with ivy motifs.
---
(In front of Elena's room)
Eyan lifted his hand and knocked gently.
A moment later, the door opened. Elena stood there in her nightgown, her hair a little disheveled, eyes rimmed red from crying.
She quickly bowed. "Your Majesty. Your Grace."
Her gaze shifted to Eva, and her voice softened. "Your Grace… you're awake. How's your health?"
Eva managed a faint smile. "I'm fine now."
Her eyes swept over Elena's face. "You're still awake."
Elena's lips trembled. "I can't fall asleep," she whispered. "I… I miss Brother."
The words pierced the silence like glass. Eva's eyes filled again, tears glistening under the torchlight.
Eyan saw the tears and sighed softly, reaching out to brush them away with his thumb. "Eva," he murmured, "please don't cry again."
But she couldn't stop—the pain in her chest too deep, too raw.
Eyan exhaled quietly. "It's already late," he said gently. "You can talk to Elena in the morning. For now, let's go."
He turned to Elena, his tone steady but kind. "Elena… I know you're going through a hard time. But don't cry too much. Leo wouldn't be happy if he saw you like this."
Elena's lips quivered as she nodded, tears slipping down her cheeks. "Okay…"
Eyan gave her a small nod. "Then we'll take our leave. Rest well."
Elena lowered her head. "Goodnight, Your Majesty. Goodnight, Your Grace."
Eva lingered for a brief moment, looking at her with trembling eyes—two hearts mourning the same soul—before Eyan guided her gently away down the corridor.
---
(One Month Later — Palace Garden)
The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of roses and wet earth. Eva sat quietly on the stone bench beneath the pale winter sun, her hands resting over her growing belly as she stared at the sky.
Footsteps approached from behind, soft against the grass.
"Eva! You're here—I was looking everywhere for you," Aranel called, her voice carrying its usual mix of warmth and exasperation.
Before Eva could respond, Aranel draped a soft shawl over her shoulders. "It's cold. You shouldn't be sitting out here in the open like this."
Eva smiled faintly, pulling the fabric closer around her. "I like it here… it's peaceful."
Aranel frowned, crossing her arms. "And what if you catch a cold, hm?"
Eva shook her head lightly. "No, I won't—"
"Achoo!"
Aranel blinked, then sighed with mock annoyance. "Looks like you already did catch one."
She bent down and took Eva gently by the shoulders, helping her stand. "Come on, that's enough fresh air for today. Let's go inside.
Eva nodded. "Okay."
She took a step forward but then paused, her gaze drifting upward toward the dusky sky. The clouds had thinned, and the first stars began to shimmer faintly in the blue-gray heavens.
Aranel tilted her head. "Eva, what is it?"
Eva smiled faintly, her eyes still on the sky. "Nothing," she whispered.
---
(Eva's Point of View)
It's been one month since Leo left me.
And just as he said… Elena vanished into light a week later.
The memory still haunts me—the way her tears sparkled like crystal before she faded into the air, smiling as if she had finally found peace. I wish… I wish we had more time to spend together.
It took me a long time to steady myself after that.
Eyan was so worried about me. He tried to stay strong, to smile for my sake—but I could see the exhaustion in his eyes, the way he'd hold my hand a little longer before leaving my side.
I sighed softly, wrapping the shawl tighter around myself. I always make him worry.
It's been so long since I've seen him…
I wonder what he's doing right now.
My Eyan…
----
(Palace Hallway — Afternoon)
The soft light from the high windows poured over the long corridor as Eva and Aranel walked side by side, their steps slow and steady. The faint rustle of their gowns echoed against the marble floor.
Suddenly—
A swirl of light shimmered before them, and Luca appeared out of nowhere, his usual grin wide across his face.
"Sister-in-law!" he exclaimed joyfully.
Eva jumped back with a startled gasp, clutching Aranel's arm. Aranel, equally startled, placed a hand over her chest.
"Are you crazy?" she snapped. "You nearly scared her to death!"
Luca blinked, then scratched his head, sheepish. "Ah—sorry! I just… got too excited to tell the news!"
Aranel turned to Eva immediately, her voice softening. "Eva, are you alright?"
Eva nodded, still catching her breath. "Y-Yes, I'm fine."
Luca's expression turned concerned. "Sister, I truly apologize. I didn't mean to frighten you."
"I said I'm fine," Eva said gently, smiling to ease his worry.
But Aranel was still glaring daggers at him.
Luca threw up his hands. "Lady Aranel, please! Stop looking at me like that—my sister-in-law already forgave me!"
Aranel huffed and turned her head away, crossing her arms. "Hmph."
Eva chuckled softly, the tension breaking. "Alright, brother," she said. "What was the news you were so excited to share?"
Luca's eyes sparkled. "Oh! Right! I came to tell you—Eyan won the war against the Dravareth Empire! (Prince Velco's Empire)"
Eva's eyes widened, her lips parting in disbelief. "Really?"
Luca nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! And he'll be back in five days!"
A radiant smile spread across Eva's face, her eyes glistening. "That's wonderful… I was so afraid he might not make it back before—before I give birth."
Luca nodded gravely. "I was worried too. The baby's growth doubled in the last fifteen days—he's nearly nine months now."
He looked between the two women with brotherly seriousness. "You must be careful, Sister. And Lady Aranel, please stay by her side at all times. We never know when the time might come."
Aranel straightened, her expression softening. "Of course. I'll stay with her."
Eva placed a hand over her belly, feeling the faint movement within, her heart full of both relief and longing. "Five more days…" she whispered. "Just five more days, And i can see him again."
---