(Next Morning)
(Eva and Eyan’s House)
Eva’s eyes fluttered open slowly.
Warmth pressed against her back—steady, familiar. She turned her head just enough to see Eyan still asleep, his face tucked into the curve of her neck, breath brushing her ear. His arm was wrapped around her waist.
Eva smiled faintly.
, she thought.
She shifted carefully, trying to turn and face him—
Pain shot through her.
Eva squeezed her eyes shut, biting back a sound.
,” she thought grimly.
Eyan stirred in his sleep.
Eva froze.
His arm moved beneath the sheet, hand sliding to her stomach as he pulled her closer, instinctively seeking warmth.
The sudden movement sent another sharp wave of pain through her.
“Ah—” she breathed softly before she could stop herself.
Eyan’s eyes snapped open.
Eva panicked and shut her eyes immediately, forcing her breathing to steady, pretending to sleep.
Eyan blinked, still half-lost in dreams. He glanced around, then down at Eva curled in his arms.
he thought
His grip loosened slightly, careful even in unconsciousness, and within moments, his breathing evened out again.
Eva slowly opened her eyes and let out the breath she’d been holding.
She stayed still for a long while, waiting—listening—until his breathing deepened completely.
Carefully, gently, she lifted his hand from her waist and slid out of bed.
The moment her feet touched the floor, her legs trembled violently.
She took one step.
Then another.
And collapsed.
“Ah—”
Eva clamped her hand over her mouth as she hit the floor, heart racing.
Eyan stirred again—but didn’t wake.
She stayed still until the danger passed, then slowly pushed herself up, every movement deliberate, painful.
Step by step, she made her way to the bathroom.
She filled the tub with warm water, steam rising softly in the quiet room, and eased herself inside.
The moment the warmth surrounded her, the tension in her body loosened.
Eva let out a long, trembling breath.
“Ah… this feels good.”
Eva closed her eyes, letting the warm water ease the ache from her muscles.
When it finally cooled, she stepped out carefully and wrapped a towel around herself. One hand slid along the wall as she walked toward the door—
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Suddenly, strong arms lifted her off the ground.
Eva gasped. “Eyan—!”
“You should’ve woken me up,” he said, frowning as he held her close. “Why did you get out of bed alone?”
“You were sleeping,” she said softly. “I didn’t want to—”
“Are you in pain?”
She turned her face away. “No.”
His jaw tightened. “Where does it hurt? Your legs? Your back? Or… inside?”
“I’m not in pai—”
“Eva.”
She sighed. “My legs. And my back.”
Without another word, Eyan carried her to the bed and laid her down carefully. He turned her onto her stomach, adjusting the pillow beneath her face.
His hands followed—slow, warm, reverent.
He began to massage her back, thumbs pressing gently along her spine, unhurried and attentive.
“Tell me if the pressure is too much,” he murmured.
Eva let out a soft breath, her body melting beneath his touch. “No… it’s perfect.”
Silence settled between them, comfortable and tender—broken only by the rhythm of his hands.
Then, casually—
“What did you put in the cake?” Eyan asked.
Eva’s body stiffened instantly.
He felt it.
“Relax,” he said gently, not stopping the massage. “I’m just asking.”
She hesitated, then whispered, “Chocolate. For newlyweds.”
“How many?” he asked.
“…Six.”
His hands paused for a heartbeat.
“Six?” he echoed, disbelief coloring his voice.
Then he laughed—a low, helpless sound. “No wonder I completely lost my mind.”
Then, with a faint sigh, “You made it taste bad on purpose… so I’d eat all of it, didn’t you?”
Eva laughed, shoulders shaking. “Yes.”
He murmured, half exasperated, half defeated. “You’re laughing. Do you have any idea what I went through?”
Under her breath, barely audible, she whispered, “I know exactly how feels.”
“What?” His hands slowed.
“Nothing,” she said quickly.
She shifted, turning her head just enough to glance at him. “Are you upset?” she asked softly. “Did my dear husband not enjoy our
His face burned red. He said nothing.
“Honey,” she teased, voice sweet and innocent, “why are you so quiet? The way you kept asking me for help… it looked like you were having a good time.”
He swallowed.
“What about you?” he asked instead, quieter now. “How was it for you? I didn’t… lack anything, right?” His fingers flexed slightly. “If I did, tell me. I’ll remember next time.”
Her smile softened.
“Oh,” she said warmly, “I had a blast. I loved every single second.”
Then her brows knit, confusion crossing her face.
“But why are you asking like that?” she continued lightly. “of course you did great....It’s not like it was your .”
His hand froze.
Completely still.
Eva’s eyes opened at once. She turned her head sharply to look at him.
His face was burning—far too red.
Eva laughed, disbelief bright in her voice. “I don’t believe it. There’s no way you were good on your first try.”
“…It was,” he said quietly.
She turned her head slightly, eyes wide with mock surprise.
“I’ve read about it,” he added quickly, ears burning. “And I knew what I was supposed to do."
Eva laughed again, softer this time but no less teasing. “You want me to believe that?” she said. “I know His Majesty was an excellent student at the Imperial Academy.”
She tilted her head. “But you can’t be good just from reading. I’m sure you practiced a lot.”
Then, kindly—but mercilessly— “It’s okay. You don’t have to lie to me. I know you must’ve had one or two women before me.”
“There were none,” he snapped instant “You’re the only one,” he said, without thinking. “Only you turn me on.”
Silence—thick and suffocating.
Realizing what he’d said, Eyan flushed even deeper and moved behind her, trying to hide his embarrassment as his hands returned to her back. The pressure increased slightly—too much.
“Ah—” Eva gasped.
“I’m sorry,” Eyan said instantly, panic lacing his voice. “I didn’t mean to—”
Eva clutched the bedsheet, breathing shallowly.
“Eva—?” he asked, worried.
She lifted one hand and pointed toward the drawer beside the bed. “Medicine. There’s medicine—get that.”
Eyan nodded quickly, opened the drawer, and found it. He helped her sit up and held the cup steady as she took the medicine, watching her face closely.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
She nodded. “Yes. I’m fine.”
Eva’s gaze drifted toward the window, where morning light spilled quietly into the room.
“It’s late,” she murmured. “Eyan… you should get ready. You need to go to the palace.”
He shook his head at once. “How can I go when you’re still in pain?”
She smiled faintly. “You saw me take the medicine. I’ll be fine. Don’t worry.”
His voice softened, stubborn with concern. “…But—”
Eva opened her arms. “Come here.”
Eyan stepped into her embrace carefully, as if afraid even a careless movement might hurt her. He held her gently, one hand resting at her back, the other cradling her shoulder.
“I’m fine, my dear husband,” she whispered, patting his back in slow, soothing strokes. “Truly. You have other things waiting for you.”
He breathed out, resting his cheek against her hair. “Mm.”
They stayed like that, wrapped in quiet warmth, the world narrowing to the steady rhythm of their breathing.
Gradually, Eva’s body relaxed completely in his arms.
“Eva…?” he whispered.
No answer.
He pulled back just enough to see her face—peaceful, eyes closed, lashes resting against her cheeks.
A small smile touched his lips. “Looks like the medicine finally worked.”
With infinite care, he guided her down onto the bed. He adjusted the pillows, lifting her gently so her back was supported, then tucked the sheet around her, making sure she was warm and comfortable.
His fingers brushed her hair away from her face, lingering there as if memorizing the moment. He leaned down and pressed a tender kiss to her forehead.
“Rest,” he whispered. “I’ll be back.”
He bathed and dressed in silence, every movement measured so he wouldn’t wake her. Before leaving, he returned to her side once more, bending close to her ear.
“I’m going now,” he breathed. “I love you.”
Straightening, he summoned his wolves.
“Look after her.”
Talon, Fen, and Mara took their places without a sound, watchful and calm.
Eyan lingered at the doorway, eyes tracing the gentle rise and fall of Eva’s chest—one last look, full of promise.
Then, quietly, he closed the door behind him and left.
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