Eyan slowly covered his face with both hands.
.
His thoughts slammed into him all at once.
His breath hitched.
A very, very dangerous image flashed in his mind.
“No… no… no,” he muttered under his breath.
His eyes widened in horror.
Eyan shot up from the couch like his life depended on it and bolted for the door.
Luca blinked. “Hey—where are you going?”
Eyan was already halfway across the room. “To Lady Eva.”
Luca lazily sipped his tea. “Oh come on, let the ladies talk in private.”
Eyan skidded to a stop and spun around, panic written all over his face. “PRIVATE?!”
“Yes,” Luca said innocently. “Woman to woman. Very healthy. Very normal.”
Eyan looked like he was about to pass out. “NOT. IN. MY. WATCH.”
He turned and ran again.
--------------------------------------------------------
(Eva’s Chamber)
Eva sat by the window, her chin resting against her knuckles as sunlight spilled across the floor.
Her thoughts, annoyingly, refused to stay quiet.
Violet. And Eyan.
The way they had spoken so easily. The way Eyan—always guarded, always restrained—had looked around her. Too comfortable.
“I wonder what kind of relationship they share…” Eva murmured.
She sighed softly. “I’ve never even met her before. She never came to Velmoria last time … and Eyan never spoke of her either.”
Her fingers curled in her lap. “But we never truly spoke either… not after I learned the truth about him. After he broke our marriage.”
Her voice faltered. “I only ever saw him when he was—”
Her throat tightened, emotion pressing painfully against her chest.
“I know Kyel,” she whispered. “But Eyan… I know nothing about him at all.”
She frowned slightly, thoughts shifting. “And things are different this time. Prince Velco didn’t attend Eyan’s birthday like he was supposed to. And now Princess Violet appears instead…”
Her brows knitted together. “Why did everything change this time?”
Eva startled and turned toward the door. She opened it—
—and froze.
Princess Violet stood before her.
Eva quickly bowed, startled. “Greetings, Your Highness.”
Violet didn’t respond immediately. Instead, she stared. Her gaze lingered—far longer than etiquette allowed—tracing Eva’s face, her hair, the gentle curve of her lips.
Violet blinked slowly, as if waking from a daze. “…Gods,” she breathed. “You really are beautiful. No wonder fell for you.”
Eva straightened, confused. “Your Highness?”
Without warning, Violet stepped forward, cupping Eva’s face and pushing her back.
“Y-Your Highness—!”
Eva stumbled and fell onto the carpet with a soft gasp.
Before she could react, Violet straddled her waist, palms pressed to the floor on either side of Eva’s shoulders.
Eva’s eyes widened in shock. “Y-Your Highness… what are you doing?”
Violet’s gaze dropped—to Eva’s lips. They were slightly parted, breath uneven.
Violet swallowed.
“Is it true?” she asked quietly. “That you kissed His Majesty… with these lips?”
Eva’s heart thundered. She hesitated—then nodded. “Yes… I did.”
Violet’s eyes darkened with something unreadable.
“I wonder,” she murmured, leaning closer, “what they tast—”
Suddenly—
A hand clamped firmly over Violet’s mouth.
“Mmph—!”
Violet struggled as strong arms hauled her backward.
“I made it in time—!”
Eyan stood behind her, breathing hard, eyes wild with panic.
His gaze snapped to Eva. “Lady Eva—are you alright? She didn’t do anything to you, did she?”
Eva quickly shook her head. “No… she didn’t.”
Eyan exhaled sharply in relief, then dragged Violet fully off Eva and shoved her upright.
“You,” he hissed, pointing sternly, “STAY. RIGHT. THERE.”
Violet only glared at him, muffled fury clear even without words.
Eyan bent down and extended his hand.
Eva, still startled, hesitated only a second before taking it. He pulled her up with more force than necessary, placing her firmly behind him as if shielding her.
Eva steadied herself, then bowed politely. “Your Highness, it’s a pleasure to meet you. My name is Eva.”
Violet’s eyes lit up.
“Eva,” she repeated slowly, tasting the name. “Even your name is tempting.”
Eva blinked, startled. “…What?”
Eyan immediately turned to Violet, glare sharp. “Stop saying strange things to her.”
Violet placed a hand on her chest, offended. “What did I say? I’m giving compliments.” She tilted her head toward Eva. “You didn’t dislike it, did you?”
Eva panicked, waving her hands. “No—no, Your Highness! I liked it.”
Violet smiled triumphantly. “See? She liked it.”
She then stepped forward, opening her arms wide. “Eva, may I hug you?”
Eyan stiffened instantly.
Before Eva could respond, Eyan moved—stepping straight between them and pulling Violet into his arms instead.
Eva froze.
Eyan held Violet tightly, jaw clenched.
“Why ask Lady Eva?” he said coldly. “If you want a hug, hug me instead.”
Violet blinked, stunned for a brief moment—then frowned and pushed against his chest. “No. Move. I want to hug .”
Eyan looked down at Violet, his eyes darkening, voice low and dangerous. “You can’t. Don’t make me repeat myself.”
The air shifted. Violet felt it—the warning beneath his calm. She went still, instincts screaming.
“…Okay,” she said carefully. “Fine. I won’t.”.She exhaled lightly. “Let go, Eyan.”
Behind them, Eva watched silently.
, she thought, heart tightening,
Eyan released Violet abruptly, stepping back as if nothing had happened.
Eyan turned to Eva with an easy smile. “Lady Eva, let me introduce you to Violet properly. This is Princess Violet Green of the Bluebird Empire....my friend From Imperial Academy.”
Eva blinked, then tilted her head, genuinely curious. “VIOLET… GREEN… BLUEbird,” she repeated slowly.
“Your Highness, do you colours that much?”
For a second, there was silence.
Then—
Eyan laughed. A real laugh, light and unguarded.
Eva stared at him, startled. “Y-Your Majesty,” she asked hesitantly, “did I say something wrong?”
Violet smiled, amused, her eyes glinting.
“No, you didn’t. I like colours.” Her gaze lingered on Eva, slow and deliberate. “And I’d very much like to paint with mine.”
Before Eva could process that, Violet reached out and took her hand.
SMACK
Eyan slapped Violet’s hand away without hesitation.
Violet gasped dramatically, rubbing her wrist. “AWW… THAT HURT.”
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Eyan shot her a warning look. “That was the point.”
Violet pouted and held her hand up to him like an offended child. “Look. It’s red.”
Eyan sighed, irritation melting into something softer. “…I apologize.”
He took her hand—gently this time—and blew a soft stream of air over her skin.
Eva froze. Her heart thudded painfully.
Her jaw tightened.
“YOUR MAJESTY!” Eva shouted.
Eyan flinched and turned.
Before he could react, Eva stepped forward and snatched Violet’s hand from his grip.
Eva smiled sweetly—too sweet. “Your Highness,” she said softly, “let me help you ease the pain. I know a better way.”
Eyan’s blood ran cold.
“NO— NO, LADY EVA, LET ME—”
Too late.
Eva leaned down, stuck out her tongue, and licked Violet’s wrist.
Silence.
Eyan’s eyes widened in pure shock. He looked at Violet's face.
Violet’s face burned crimson, her free hand flying up to cover her mouth as her breath hitched.
Eyan grabbed Violet by the shoulders and turned her sharply away. “That’s enough,” he said tightly. “We’re going to the physician.”
Eva nearly stumbled forward. “W-Wait, Your Majesty— what happened? There's no need to go to physician. If you lick it, it’ll be fine.”
But Eyan was already guiding Violet toward the door, his grip firm, protective—urgent.
He didn’t look back.
--------------------------------------------------------
Eyan dragged Violet down the corridor, his grip firm, his steps quick.
“Walk,” he muttered.
Halfway down the hall, Violet suddenly yanked her arm free—then collapsed onto the floor like a fainting noble in a tragic play.
Eyan stopped short.
“…Violet. What now?”
Violet leaned back on her hands, chest rising and falling, eyes burning as she looked up at him.
“Eyan,” she said breathlessly, “that night—when Eva jumped on you…”
Eyan stiffened.
“…Did you scream for help?”
“…I did.” Eyan said simply.
Violet’s eyes darkened. In the next second, she shoved him.
Eyan hit the floor with a thud, blinking in shock—only to find Violet straddling him, one knee on either side, her shadow falling over his face.
“You idiot,” she hissed. “You had the best opportunity of your life and you ruined it by screaming like a frightened maiden.”
“Get off—”
“I’m dying here because of what happened now” Violet continued, ignoring him completely. “How did you even hold back? How did you survive her kiss?”
Eyan opened his mouth.
Violet leaned closer, eyes sharp. “Tell me,” she hissed, “how many times have you two kissed already?”
Eyan blinked. Thought about it. Very seriously.
Then he slowly raised a finger.
“One…”
Violet narrowed her eyes. “Wait.”
Another finger went up.
“Two.”
“…You’re counting?”
“Obviously.”
“Three. Four. Five.”
Violet scoffed. “You are telling me that you need your to count how many times you kissed her?”
“Yes,” Eyan said solemnly.
He finished one hand.
“Ten.”
"YOU ARE NOT DONE YET."
"NO."
Violet smirk. “You don’t even more fingers left to count!”
“Which is why,” Eyan said thoughtfully, grabbing her hand, “I’ll borrow yours.”
He started counting on her fingers now.
“Eleven. Twelve. Thirteen—”
“EYAN.”
“Fourteen. Fifteen.”
He took her other hand before she could pull away.
“Sixteen.”
Violet’s voice cracked. “You don’t need my hands!”
“I do,” he said seriously. “Because I’m not done yet.”
He sighed dramatically.
“…Actually, this still isn’t enough.”
Violet’s mouth fell open.
“Looks like I’ll need Luca’s hands too,” he added calmly. “Then I can tell you the exact number.”
Violet snapped. She stood up and kicked him hard in the side.
“YOU LUCKY, SHAMELESS BASTARD.”
She turned on her heel and stormed down the corridor, every step sharp with irritation.
Behind her, Eyan burst into laughter. It echoed against the stone walls as he pushed himself up and sat on the floor, breathless, shoulders shaking. He ran a hand through his hair, flicking it back in lazy satisfaction.
When the corridor finally fell silent, his laughter softened into a quiet exhale.
He lowered his voice, almost reverent. “it's…Six times.”
His lips curved, eyes unfocused as the memory surfaced uninvited.
“Six times I’ve kissed soft lips…” The smile lingered—slow, dangerous, and entirely shameless.
--------------------------------------------------------
(Royal Palace — Evening)
The royal palace shimmered beneath countless lights, crystal chandeliers glowing like captured stars. Nobles filled the halls in layers of silk and jewels, their voices weaving into a restless murmur. No one knew why the banquet had been called so suddenly—only that the Emperor himself had summoned them.
A noblewoman leaned toward her companion, lowering her fan.
“Why would His Majesty host a banquet without warning?”
Her friend shrugged delicately.
“We’ll find out soon enough. Nothing in this palace happens without reason.”
(Eva’s Chamber)
Eva stood before the tall mirror as maids moved around her with practiced precision. The red gown clung to her form like liquid fire—her shoulders bare, her back exposed, the fabric daring yet elegant. Her hair was pinned up, a few loose strands framing her face.
She barely recognized the woman staring back.
The maids gasped softly. “My lady… you’re breathtaking.”
Eva smiled faintly, fingers curling together. “Do I really look alright?”
“Alright?” one maid laughed in disbelief. “You look like you walked out of a legend.”
A knock echoed through the room.
The door opened—and Luca stepped inside.
He froze.
For a full second, he forgot how to breathe.
“…WOW,” he finally said. “Sister-in-law, you’re trying to kill Eyan tonight, aren’t you? I hope Eyan doesn’t faint on the spot....you looked absolutely beautiful.”
Eva laughed softly, cheeks warming. “Thank you, brother.”
Luca approached and extended his arm with a grin.
“Then shall we go? Are you ready to make your future husband fall for you all over again?”
Eva slipped her hand into his. Her smile this time was steadier—braver. “I am.”
Together, they left the chamber.
(Eyan’s Chamber)
Eyan adjusted the cuffs of his deep red suit, the color sharp against his silver hair. He stared at his reflection, jaw tight, heart louder than it had any right to be.
“Hans,” he asked, not turning around, “how do I look?”
Hans smiled knowingly.
“Extra handsome, Your Majesty.”
Eyan huffed softly, then straightened. “Let’s go.”
(The Banquet Hall)
The moment Eva entered with Luca, the hall changed. Whispers rippled outward like a wave.
“WHO IS SHE?”
“SHE’S STUNNING…”
“LOOK—EVERYONE’S STARING.”
Every gaze turned toward her.
Eva’s fingers tightened around Luca’s arm, nerves fluttering in her chest.
Luca leaned down, considered voice warm and steady.
“Don’t let it overwhelm you. You’ll need to get used to this attention. You’re about to become the Empress of Velmoria.”
Eva swallowed. “Becoming an Empress feels… terrifying. Maybe I should reconsider—”
Luca laughed softly. “Too late, sister. There’s no running now.”
Eva inhaled slowly, lifting her chin.
(Banquet Hall)
The music softened. A clear, ceremonial voice rang through the hall.
“Entering the hall—Her Highness, Imperial Princess Violet Green of the Bluebird Empire.”
A ripple swept through the banquet. Every noble turned toward the grand doors.
They opened slowly.
Princess Violet stepped inside, draped in a deep wine-colored gown that flowed like spilled velvet. Her hair was loose over one shoulder, dark and glossy, catching the light as she walked. Confidence clung to her like perfume.
Every man stared. Some forgot to breathe.
Eva’s jaw dropped without her realizing it.
Luca noticed immediately and gently—but firmly—closed her mouth with two fingers.
“Close it, sister,” he whispered dryly. “Or a fly might move in permanently.”
Eva snapped her mouth shut, mortified.
Across the hall, Violet’s sharp eyes scanned the crowd—disinterested, bored—until they landed on Eva.
She froze. For a heartbeat, the world narrowed.
Then—
Violet gathered her skirts and ran.
“Your Highness!” a maid gasped. “Please don’t run—you’ll fall!”
But Violet didn’t slow down. She stopped only when she reached Eva.
Up close, Violet stared at her from head to toe, eyes wide in open admiration.
She covered her mouth. “Eva… you—you look unreal.”
Before Eva could react, Violet spun her lightly. The fabric of Eva’s dress flared.
Violet’s fingers brushed her bare back, lingering. “Your back,” she murmured, delighted, “is dangerously beautiful.”
Eva shivered, startled by the touch. “Y-Your Highness… it tickles.”
Violet laughed and traced the line once more, clearly amused.
Luca stepped in immediately, irritation flashing across his face. “Violet, that’s enough. Can’t you see you’re making her uncomfortable?”
Violet turned sharply, eyes narrowing. “What did you just me?”
Luca stiffened. “…Sister.”
Her expression brightened instantly. “That’s better.”
Eva blinked, confused. “Your Highness… why does Brother Luca call you sister? He’s older than you.”
Violet and Luca burst out laughing.
“Oh, Eva,” Violet said, wiping a tear. “It’s a long story.”
Luca sighed. “We made a bet at the Imperial Academy. Whoever ranked third at graduation had to address the other with respect.”
Eva smiled knowingly. “So… Brother Luca lost.”
Violet pointed at her, impressed. “Sharp girl.”
She continued, amused. “I ranked second. Since then, he’s been calling me ‘sister’—even though I’m younger.”
Eva tilted her head. “If you were second… who came first?”
Luca groaned. “You’re really asking
Eva nodded innocently. “Yes.”
Violet smiled. “Eyan. He ranked first. Highest score in the whole academy...even now no one can beat his record.”
Eva’s eyes softened. “Ah… so His Majesty is very intelligent.”
Luca puffed up. “And what about you, sister? What was your rank when you graduated?”
Eva straightened her posture, trying to sound confident. “Third.”
Luca’s eyes lit up. “Oh, that’s great! We both are sam—”
Eva quickly lowered her head, muttering softly, “…from the bottom.”
Luca froze mid-sentence. “Wait… what?”
Eva nodded solemnly. “Yes… third from the bottom.”
Luca blinked. “Oh… so, you were… seventh out of ten?”
Eva lifted her head slightly, eyes serious. “…Fifty.”
A heavy silence fell over the hall, thick enough to cut with a knife.
Eva awkwardly tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I… I was really bad at studying…”
Luca and Violet exchanged glances, then both burst out, almost simultaneously:
“WAH… THAT’S GREAT!”
Luca scrambled to recover his composure, clapping his hands awkwardly. “Sister, you did great… it’s really impressive to score even that position!”
Violet leaned in with a wide grin, slapping Eva lightly on her bare back. “Yes, Luca is right… I’m proud of you, Eva!”
Eva gave a sheepish, awkward smile, cheeks burning.
“Th-thank you…”
The announcement rang through the grand hall, echoing off the gilded walls and polished marble floor.
All chatter ceased instantly. Servants paused mid-step, nobles straightened, and the murmur of curiosity rippled like a wave across the room.
“ENTER HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, EYAN LUCIAN THERALD!”
The double doors swung open, and Eyan stepped into the hall, every inch the emperor. His red ceremonial attire gleamed under the chandeliers, a striking contrast to the golden light. Every eye turned to him, heads bowing instinctively.
Eva, standing beside Luca and Princess Violet, raised her head slightly—and froze. Her heart skipped a beat, thudding against her chest like a drum.
Eyan. In red. So commanding, so impossibly handsome. Their eyes met for a fraction of a second, and Eva felt the heat rise to her cheeks. They were wearing matching colors tonight, and it only made the connection between them sharper, more intense.
She whispered to herself, barely audible, “He’s… he’s looking handsome tonight…”
Eyan’s gaze swept across the hall with the authority of a monarch, stopping only when it found her. His breath caught. His heart hammered violently.
, he thought,
He blinked, trying to steady himself, but the world seemed to narrow down to Eva’s presence alone.
Hans, sensing the emperor’s distraction, leaned close, clearing his throat. “Your majesty.”
The spell broke. Eyan blinked, exhaled, and cleared his throat, forcing his composure back.
“Everyone,” he began, his voice calm but strong, cutting through the low murmur of anticipation, “I thank you all for coming tonight on such short notice. But there is an announcement I could no longer postpone.”
A ripple of curiosity surged through the hall. Noble ladies whispered excitedly, men straightened in anticipation.
“The announcement,” Eyan continued, his crimson eyes sweeping over the assembly, “is that I have chosen a woman as my wife. I will be getting engaged to her within the week.”
The hall erupted in applause, the sound deafening. Shouts and cheers filled the room:
“HIS MAJESTY HAS CHOSEN A WOMAN!”
“WHO IS THIS LUCKY LADY?”
“OUR FUTURE EMPRESS!”
Luca leaned toward Eva, tugging gently at her sleeve.
“Sister… he’s talking about you,” he whispered, a teasing glint in his eyes.
Eva’s lips curved into a small, shy smile, her heart racing. She barely dared breathe.
From the dais, a chorus of voices clamored.
“YOUR MAJESTY! TELL US WHO THIS MYSTERIOUS LADY IS!”
“YES! WE MUST KNOW!”
Eyan raised his hand, silencing the hall instantly. The noise cut off like a whip, leaving only the sound of distant gasps and held breaths.
“I will tell you,” he said, his voice smooth, commanding.
Every head in the room turned toward him. Every eye followed the line of his arm as he paused, letting the anticipation stretch.
“The lady who will become my wife is…”
His gaze locked on Eva, and for a moment, the hall seemed to vanish. Every sound dimmed. Every movement slowed. All Eva could see was him—his eyes, steady yet filled with emotion, the subtle curve of his lips, the way his hand seemed to reach out to her without moving.
Her heart raced violently. She smiled, small and trembling.
.
.
.
“PRINCESS VIOLET GREEN.”
.
.
.
.
Eyan said Loudly.
The words hit Eva like a physical blow. Her smile froze. Her knees threatened to give out. Her head spun. The sound of clapping, cheers, and shouts faded into nothing. She couldn’t hear it. She couldn’t breathe properly. She could only feel the world tilting beneath her.
Luca’s face drained of color. His eyes darted to Eva, studying her reaction. She looked like she might collapse, her legs trembling violently beneath her.
Eyan, oblivious to the chaos in her chest, descended from the dais and walked toward the group where Eva, Luca, and Violet were standing.
He stopped in front of them, regal and composed, and looked directly at Eva. She froze, unable to meet his gaze. Her body felt paralyzed, her mind screaming in disbelief and jealousy all at once.
Then his eyes shifted to Violet, softening. A small, polite smile curved his lips, and he extended his hand toward the princess.
“Princess Violet Green,” he said formally, “please come to the center and greet everyone.”
Violet’s face lit up, and she took his hand. Eyan bent slightly, pressing a gentle kiss to her hand before straightening and guiding her to the center of the hall. The nobles erupted again in applause.
Eva’s legs shook violently. She clutched Luca’s arm, trying to steady herself.
“Sister… hold yourself together,” Luca whispered, his voice tight with worry.
Eva could barely keep her composure, and yet, no matter how hard she tried, her eyes could not leave him.
Tonight, the royal palace shone with lights and celebration—but Eva felt only a storm within her chest.
