Eve's Arrival and the First Night
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Eve bowed gracefully, her voice soft and melodic. "I am Eve, at your service, Your Majesty."
Lucian Drake leaned back on the Imperial Throne, a faint smile tugging at his lips. His black hair, shoulder-length and sleek, caught the light as he tilted his head. "Unveil your face and let me see," he said with teasing authority.
"As you command, Your Majesty…"
Eve hesitated for a heartbeat — perhaps shy, perhaps cautious — then lifted her slender fingers to her veil. The silk slipped away slowly, fluttering down like a petal in spring wind.
What appeared beneath made even the air seem to pause.
Her hair, at first glance, looked black under the dim lanterns — but as the light touched it, it shimmered into shades of soft pink, glowing faintly like dawn breaking over rose-tinted clouds. Her eyes, the same vivid pink, seemed to hold both innocence and depth. Her nose was delicate, her lips full and crimson, her complexion smooth as carved jade. She had the figure of a sculpted dream — elegant shoulders, a narrow waist that curved into full hips and graceful thighs, each line an artist's masterpiece brought to life.
Lucian exhaled softly, an appreciative smile forming. "Truly… a delicate and lovely face. With such charm, you indeed deserve the title of the foremost beauty in the Ironforge Kingdom." His gaze softened, curious now. "But tell me — how is it that someone of such beauty, born even among commoners, remains unmarried?"
Eve lowered her eyes, her voice trembling like the edge of a string. "As the saying goes, beauty can bring trouble. Being beautiful is not a fault, but without strength to protect oneself… such beauty can attract calamity."
She paused, then whispered, "It's because this humble girl is said to be unlucky, Your Majesty."
Lucian's brows rose slightly. "Unlucky?"
"Yes…" Eve's pink eyes glistened with sorrow. "Since my birth, misfortune has followed me. My mother passed away giving birth to me. When I was three, my father fell ill and left this world as well. I had only my grandmother and two elder brothers to care for me."
Her voice trembled as she went on. "When I was seven, my grandmother succumbed to illness. At eleven, my second brother went into the deep mountains to chop wood — only to be slain by a wild black bear. When I turned twelve, my elder brother arranged a marriage for me. Yet, within days, our family was robbed by passing bandits… and everyone in that house was slaughtered."
She clasped her hands tightly. "At thirteen, my brother arranged another marriage, but two days after, that family too met with disaster. A third attempt ended the same way. Eventually, people began to say I was cursed — that I brought ruin to any man who drew near me. They called me the unlucky star… and shunned me."
Her voice broke, eyes brimming with tears. "Only my elder brother stayed by my side. But two years ago… even he fell ill and left me."
Her sorrow hung heavy in the hall, the quiet sound of her weeping echoing faintly against the pillars.
Lucian felt a pang in his chest — not only for her pain, but for the loneliness behind it. "Such a cruel fate," he murmured. "To live shunned for something beyond your control. No wonder you've survived by keeping your heart locked away."
He stood and stepped closer, his Imperial Robe brushing softly across the polished floor. With gentle strength, he helped her rise. "You've suffered long enough," he said. "From this day forward, you are no longer alone. You shall be my wife — and I shall be your only kin in this world."
Eve's breath caught. "But… Your Majesty," she whispered, shaking her head, "I fear I might bring misfortune upon you as well…"
Lucian's laughter was low and confident, filling the room like thunder chasing the rain. "I don't believe in such things. Let's see whether your fate is strong — or mine is stronger!"
Before she could speak, he swept her off her feet effortlessly.
"Your Majesty!" she gasped, her face flushing crimson. "Please—"
"Hold on," Lucian interrupted with a mischievous glint. His eyes flickered faintly with violet light as his mind connected to the (Empire Forging Map Game System).
He envisioned the Red Rock Iron Mine, then willed it — and the entire iron deposit beneath it — to shift beneath a distant mountain range.
(Extraction complete. Resources relocated successfully.)
Lucian's lips curved. "Now that the task is done…" His gaze returned to her, eyes warm and intense. "Let's continue."
He carried Eve through the corridor to his private chamber. The room glowed with soft golden lanterns, the scent of sandalwood lingering in the air. As the heavy doors closed, the world outside seemed to vanish — leaving only the sound of two beating hearts.
He set her gently upon the king-size bed. For a moment, neither spoke. Then Lucian leaned down, his voice a whisper close enough to stir her breath.
"Eve," he murmured, "look at me."
She raised her gaze, pink eyes meeting his violet ones. The air between them trembled, caught between hesitation and longing.
Lucian's hand brushed her cheek — hesitant, reverent. "You're trembling," he said softly.
"I… I've never…" she began, her voice barely a whisper.
He smiled, his eyes kind. "Then we'll take it slow."
He leaned in, and their lips met — awkward at first, soft and uncertain, like two strangers learning a language older than words. She made a small sound, half-surprise, half-surrender, and he drew back just long enough to look at her.
Her blush deepened, her eyes glimmering with shyness.
"Are you ready, my wife?" Lucian asked quietly.
Eve nodded, her voice barely audible. "Yes… Your Majesty."
The candlelight flickered, painting them in shades of gold and rose. Outside, the wind sighed through the palace eaves, carrying the night's secret away into the stars.
And as the curtain of dusk deepened, the world seemed to fade — leaving only the faint rhythm of breath, the warmth of two hearts, and the soft echo of destiny intertwining.