(Four and half months later)
(Royal Palace – Night)The palace, usually calm and dignified at night, was restless.
Footsteps echoed hurriedly through the quiet corridors.
A maid rushed into Eva's chamber, her breath uneven, her face pale with urgency.
"Your Majesty!" she called softly but urgently, bowing quickly. "Madam Aranel… she has gone into labor."
Eva's eyes widened instantly.
"What?" she whispered, already pushing the covers aside.
Without another word, she stood up, her heart beginning to race.
"Take me to her," Eva said, her voice firm despite the sudden worry gripping her chest.
________________________________
(Aranel's Chamber)The moment Eva stepped inside—
The air itself felt heavy. Tense. Filled with urgency.
Aranel lay on the bed, her body trembling, her hands gripping the sheets tightly as a pained cry escaped her lips.
"Ah—!"
Beside her, the physician worked swiftly, her expression serious and focused, while maids moved around the room carrying warm water, cloths, and herbs.
"Careful—hold her steady!" the physician instructed. "Her breathing—keep her breathing steady!"
Aranel gasped, her face pale, strands of hair clinging to her forehead with sweat.
"Eva…" she whispered weakly, her voice breaking.
Eva's chest tightened at the sight.
"Aranel!" she called, rushing forward without hesitation.
She moved to her side, gently taking her hand.
"I'm here," Eva said softly, her voice warm yet steady. "I'm right here."
Aranel turned her head slightly, her tear-filled eyes finding Eva.
"Eva…" she breathed, her grip tightening around Eva's hand. "It hurts…"
Eva swallowed, her heart aching for her.
"I know," she said gently, brushing the damp hair away from Aranel's face. "But you're strong… you can do this."
Another wave of pain hit—
Aranel cried out, her body tensing as she clutched Eva's hand even tighter.
"Ah—!"
The physician glanced at Eva briefly.
"Your Majesty, please stand aside—"
"No," Eva said firmly, not moving.
Her voice didn't rise. But it carried authority.
"I will stay with her."
The physician hesitated for a moment… then nodded.
"Very well. But do not let her lose focus."
Eva nodded.
She leaned closer to Aranel, her voice soft but firm.
"Look at me," she said gently. "Breathe… just like this…"
She guided her slowly.
"In… and out… slowly…"
Aranel tried, her breathing shaky, her body still trembling.
Eva squeezed her hand reassuringly.
__________________________________
(Outside Aranel's Chamber – Night)
The corridor was tense.
Aranel's cries echoed through the doors, making the silence outside even heavier.
Luca was pacing restlessly, running his hand through his hair again and again.
"…Why does it sound worse this time?" he muttered nervously. "Is she alright? Should I go in? What if something—"
"Stop walking in circles," Eyan said, leaning against the wall with folded arms. "You're making it worse."
Luca shot him an irritated look. "Easy for you to say! You're not the one whose wife is inside screaming!"
Before Eyan could reply—
"LUCA—!!"
Aranel's voice rang out from inside.
Luca froze.
Eyan raised an eyebrow, then smirked faintly.
"…Well," he said calmly, "your wife seems to be calling you."
Luca swallowed. "…I don't like that tone."
Eyan straightened.
"Go inside," he said. Then added casually, "And try not to faint this time."
Luca glared. "I did not faint."
"You collapsed."
"That is not the same thing!"
"Go."
Luca huffed and rushed inside.
________________________________
(Inside Aranel's Chamber)The room was filled with urgency.
Maids moved quickly. The physician gave instructions. Aranel lay on the bed, breathing heavily, her grip tight on the sheets.
Eva stood beside her, holding her hand.
"Aranel, breathe slowly—"
"Eva move…" Aranel said suddenly, her voice strained.
Eva blinked. "What?"
"Move aside," Aranel repeated, her eyes shifting toward the door.
Confused, Eva stepped back.
At that moment, Luca rushed in.
"Aranel, I'm here—"
Aranel's expression changed instantly. Her eyes softened.
"Luca…" she called, almost sweetly.
Luca immediately moved closer, relief washing over him.
"I'm here, don't worry—"
"Come closer…" she whispered.
Without thinking, Luca leaned in.
"I'm right—"
Suddenly—
Aranel grabbed his hair.
Hard.
"AH—!"
Luca yelped.
"This is YOUR fault!" Aranel snapped, her voice full of fury. "You did this to me! I'm the one suffering and you're just standing there—!"
"Aranel—wait—my hair—!"
She tugged again.
"You think this is easy?!"
Eva rushed forward. "Aranel, calm down—let him go—"
Luca quickly raised his hand.
"No, no—Sister, stay back!" he said urgently. "Don't come closer or you'll get hurt!"
Eva stopped instantly.
"…Alright, I'll stay right here."
Meanwhile—
"Aranel, please, I need that hair!" Luca groaned.
"Then you shouldn't have caused this!" she shot back.
"I didn't cause this alone!" he protested.
The physician spoke firmly, unfazed by the chaos.
"Your grace, focus. You're almost there."
Aranel finally let go of Luca's hair.
He stumbled back, fixing his now completely ruined hairstyle.
"…I think I lost half of it," he muttered.
Then—
Another wave of pain.
Aranel cried out—
And suddenly—
A sharp cry filled the room.
A baby's cry.
Everything stilled.
The physician carefully lifted the newborn, a small smile forming.
"…It's a boy."
Eva's face brightened instantly.
"A boy…" she whispered.
She gently took the baby into her arms, her expression full of warmth.
"He's so tiny…"
Luca stepped closer, staring at his son in awe.
All his panic melted away.
He reached out, gently wiping the sweat from Aranel's forehead.
"You did well," he said softly.
Aranel gave a weak but happy smile.
The physician then spoke again,
"Please take the child outside. We need to tend to her."
Eva nodded.
"Come, Brother."
_________________________________
(Outside the Chamber)Eyan looked up the moment the door opened.
Eva stepped out, holding the baby carefully.
A soft smile on her face.
"…Eyan," she said, "your nephew."
Eyan stepped forward, his expression softening as he looked at the child.
Then his gaze shifted to Luca—
And paused.
"…What happened to you?"
Luca straightened immediately.
"…Nothing," he said seriously. "I was assisting during the birth."
Eyan stared at his messy hair.
"…I see."
Eva turned away slightly, hiding her smile.
Eyan then gently took the baby into his arms, holding him with surprising care.
Luca folded his arms with a small sigh.
"We were hoping for a little sister for Nayra…" he said. "She might be disappointed… but it can't be helped."
Then he looked at Eva with a faint grin.
"So now, Sister… it's your responsibility."
Eva raised an eyebrow. "Mine?"
"Yes," Luca nodded. "You have to give Nayra a little sister."
Eva laughed softly. "I'll keep that in mind."
Then she smiled warmly.
"…Congratulations, Brother."
Luca smiled back, softer now.
"…Thank you! Sister."
And inside the palace—
A new life had just entered the world.
__________________________________
(5 Days Later)
(Royal Palace of Velmoria – Night)(Eyan & Eva's Chamber)Since Aranel's childbirth…
Eyan hadn't been the same.
Every small movement, every breath Eva took—he noticed it all.
He barely slept. Barely ate.
His eyes followed her constantly, filled with quiet fear.
__________________________________
Eva sat on the bed, watching him pace the room for the hundredth time.
Back and forth. Back and forth.
Her lips curved into a tired smile.
"Honey…" she called softly, her voice gentle but slightly amused, "if you keep walking like that, you're going to wear out the floor before I even go into labor."
Eyan stopped instantly and looked at her.
His eyes sharp. Worried.
"I'm not pacing," he said, a little too quickly. "I'm just… staying alert."
Eva raised an eyebrow.
"You've been 'alert' for five days straight."
Eyan didn't reply. Because she wasn't wrong.
Eva sighed, patting the space beside her.
"Come here."
Eyan walked over immediately. She reached up and touched his cheek softly.
"You need to rest," she said gently. "Go take a bath. Calm down a little. Nothing is going to happen in a few minutes."
Eyan frowned. "I don't want to leave you alone."
Eva smiled faintly. "You're not leaving me. You're just going to the bathroom."
He hesitated. Still unsure.
Eva leaned forward slightly and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek.
"Go," she whispered. "I'll call you if something happens."
After a long pause…Eyan finally nodded.
"…Fine. But call me immediately."
"I will."
He gave her one last lingering look—Then walked into the bath chamber.
__________________________________
For a moment—
Everything was quiet.
Too quiet.
Eva let out a small breath and leaned back.
"…See? Nothing happ—"
Her words cut off. A sharp pain hit her. Her body stiffened.
"…Ah—"
Another wave. Stronger. Eva gripped the bedsheet tightly, her breath trembling.
"…Eyan…"
She tried to stand—but couldn't. Pain shot through her again.
This time she cried out—
"H—honey!"
She rushed to the bathroom door, knocking weakly but urgently.
"Eyan… it's time… call the physician…"
_________________________________
Inside—
The moment he heard her voice—
Eyan froze. Then panic exploded.
The door burst open. Eyan rushed out, still in his bathrobe, his hair damp, water dripping from his skin.
"Eva!"
He reached her in seconds, catching her as she nearly collapsed.
His heart pounded violently.
"It's starting?" he asked, his voice shaking.
Eva nodded weakly, clutching his arm.
Eyan didn't waste another second.
He lifted her carefully and carried her to the bed, laying her down gently.
"Stay here… you will be fine… you will be fine…" he kept repeating, more to himself than to her.
Then—
He turned to Leo, who had woken up, confused and scared.
"Mother! What happened to you!."
"Leo," Eyan said quickly, kneeling in front of him, "Mother is fine. I'm going to take you to your uncle."
Leo nodded, still half-asleep.
Eyan picked him up and rushed out of the room.
_________________________________
(Outside – Palace Corridor)Eyan ran through the halls, his heartbeat loud in his ears.
His mind racing.
Nothing will happen… Nothing will happen…
__________________________________
(Luca & Aranel's Chamber)BANG! BANG! BANG!
Eyan knocked loudly on the door.
"LUCA!"
Inside, footsteps hurried—The door opened.
Luca stood there, startled.
"Eyan? What happ—"
Before he could finish—
Eyan pushed Leo into his arms.
"Take him," he said quickly, his voice tight with panic. "Eva is in labor."
Luca's eyes widened instantly.
"What—already—?"
But Eyan was already turning away.
"I'm going to get the royal physician!"
And without waiting—
He ran. Fast. Desperate. Driven by fear.
__________________________________
(Eva And Eyan's Chamber)The doors burst open.
Eyan rushed inside with the royal physician, his breath uneven, his heart pounding wildly.
Behind him, maids hurried in—carrying hot water, clean cloths, everything needed.
The room quickly filled with movement and urgency.
"Prepare everything!" the physician ordered firmly. "Quickly!"
The maids obeyed at once.
But Eyan…He didn't move. He stood frozen near the door.
His eyes locked on Eva. On her pale face. On the pain written across it.
His hands trembled. His breathing turned shallow.
For a moment—
He wasn't in the present anymore. He was back there… That day.
That same pain. Eva… lying still. Not breathing.
Gone.
"…No…" his lips parted slightly, barely a whisper.
On the bed—Eva turned her head slowly. Her eyes found him.
And instantly—
She understood. His fear. His pain. His memories.
"…Eyan…" she called softly, her voice weak but gentle.
She lifted her hand toward him. "Come here… please…"
Eyan didn't move at first. His body felt heavy. Frozen.
But her voice pulled him back.
Step by step—He walked toward her. Slowly. He reached her side.
His hand—shaking uncontrollably—reached for hers.
The moment their fingers touched— He held on tightly. Too tightly.
Eva smiled faintly despite the pain.
"Honey…" she whispered softly, her thumb brushing against his trembling hand, "don't be afraid…"
Eyan lowered his head. His eyes shut tightly. But the memories didn't stop.
They crashed into him—
Her lifeless body. Her silence. The emptiness that followed.
His grip tightened.
"…I can't…" his voice broke.
Another wave of pain hit her—
Eva gasped softly—but still, she looked at him.
"Eyan… look at me…" Her voice, though weak, was firm. "Look at me."
Slowly—
Eyan opened his eyes. And met hers
"Don't worry too much," she whispered. "Nothing will happen to me…"
Eyan took a shaky breath. Then another.
He nodded faintly.
This time— He held her hand with strength. Not fear.
The physician's voice cut through the moment.
"Your Majesty, it's time. You need to push."
Eva nodded weakly. She tightened her grip on Eyan's hand.
"Don't let go…" she whispered.
"I won't," Eyan said immediately, his voice firm despite the tears in his eyes.
"Push!" the physician instructed.
Eva cried out softly, her body straining. Eyan felt every bit of it through her hand. His heart clenched.
"Again!" the physician urged.
Eva took a breath and pushed again.
Time blurred. Minutes felt like hours.
Pain.
Breath.
Effort.
Eyan stayed beside her through it all.
Not letting go. Not looking away.
"Just a little more!" the physician said.
"Eva… you can do this," Eyan whispered, his voice breaking. "I'm right here… I'm right here…"
One final push—
A sharp cry filled the room.
WAAAH—!
The sound echoed.
Clear.
Strong.
Alive.
Everything went still.
Eva's body relaxed, falling back onto the pillow, completely exhausted.
Her chest rose and fell rapidly. For a moment, she couldn't even move.
Then slowly—
She turned her head. Her eyes found Eyan. Tears slipped down her temples.
But she smiled. Weak. Gentle.
"I told you…" she whispered softly, her fingers lifting to touch his face, "…I would be fine…"
Eyan broke. Tears streamed down his face freely.
He grabbed her hand and pressed it against his lips, kissing it again and again.
"Thank you…" he whispered, his voice trembling with emotion. "Thank you… Eva… thank you…"
He rested his forehead against her hand, crying openly—
Not from fear. But from relief. From gratitude. From love.
And this time—She was still here.
The baby's cry still echoed in the room when the physician gently lifted the newborn into her hands.
A soft smile spread across her face.
"Your Majesty…" she said warmly, "a princess has been born."
For a moment—
Time seemed to stop.
Eyan's eyes widened slightly. Eva, still weak and breathless, let out a soft, relieved laugh.
"A… daughter…" she whispered.
Eyan slowly stood up, his legs almost unsteady beneath him. His hands trembled as he reached out.
"…May I…?"
The physician carefully placed the tiny baby into his arms.
The moment Eyan held her—
His breath hitched.
So small.
So fragile.
His daughter.
The baby let out a soft cry, her tiny hands curling slightly.
Eyan froze for a second, afraid to even move.
Behind him, Eva's tired but curious voice reached him—
"Honey…" she called softly, "what does she look like…? Did I win this time…?"
A faint smile touched Eyan's lips.
Before he could answer—
The baby slowly opened her eyes.
Bright. Clear. Green.
Eyan's eyes softened instantly. His lips curved into a full, emotional smile.
"…Yes," he whispered gently, his voice filled with warmth, "you won… she has your eyes."
Eva smiled, her eyes shimmering with tears.
Eyan carefully walked to her side, holding the baby as if she was the most precious treasure in the world.
"Look…" he said softly, his voice filled with wonder, "she really has your eyes…"
Eva lifted her trembling hands and gently touched her daughter's tiny face.
Her expression softened completely. She leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss on the baby's forehead.
"Welcome to the world… my little girl…"
For a moment—
Everything felt peaceful. Complete.
Then suddenly—
Eva's hand fell weakly. Her body went still. Her eyes closed.
"Eva…?"
Eyan's smile disappeared instantly.
Panic surged through him again. His grip on the baby tightened slightly as fear gripped his chest.
"Eva—!" he said, his voice shaking. "What happened—why is she not responding—?!"
The physician stepped forward quickly, checking Eva calmly.
"Your Majesty, please calm down," she said reassuringly. "The Queen is fine. She's only exhausted from the labor."
Eyan froze.
"…Are you sure?"
"Yes," the physician nodded gently. "She just needs rest."
Eyan closed his eyes for a moment. A long breath escaped his lips. Relief flooded through him.
"…Thank God…"
The physician then spoke again,
"Your Majesty, please step outside. We need to take care of the Queen."
Eyan hesitated. His eyes moved back to Eva. To her peaceful face. Then to the tiny baby in his arms.
For a moment, he didn't want to leave.
"…Take care of her," he said softly.
"We will."
Eyan nodded.
Reluctantly—He turned and walked out of the room.
But this time—There was no fear in his steps. Only relief. And a quiet, overwhelming happiness.