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  (Eva and Eyan’s House — Night)

  The door opened, and Eva stood there with a bright smile. “Welcome back, honey.”

  Kyel smiled back and stepped inside, closing the door behind him. Without thinking, he pulled her into his arms—one hand firm on her waist, the other cradling her head.

  “Missed me?” he murmured.

  “I missed you so much,” Eva said softly.

  “You wanted tea, right?”

  She nodded. “Yes.”

  “Then I’ll make it.”

  “Okay,” Eva replied, then added casually, “Make three cups.”

  Kyel blinked. “Three?”

  He frowned slightly. “Why three?”

  “Aranel is here.” Eva said.

  His smile froze.

  “…Here?” Kyel repeated slowly. “As in—inside this house?”

  "Yes."

  "W—Where?"

  Eva lifted a finger and pointed. “Behind you.”

  Kyel stiffened.

  His soul his body.

  Still holding Eva, he turned around far too quickly—and nearly lost his balance when he saw Aranel standing there.

  Aranel’s face flushed as she bowed politely. “Greetings, Your Majesty.”

  Kyel made a strangled sound and jumped back like he’d been burned, releasing Eva instantly.

  “I—! L-Lady Aranel—!” His ears turned bright red. “Forgive me! I didn’t know—if I had known—you see, I—!”

  He stopped, mortified.

  Aranel covered her mouth, smiling. “Please don’t apologize, Your Majesty. I enjoyed what I saw—a loving husband hugging his lovely wife after returning home.”

  She nudged Eva playfully. “So romantic.”

  Eva hid her smile behind her hand.

  Kyel looked like he might combust.

  “I—uh—I’ll go make the tea,” he blurted out and practically fled toward the kitchen.

  __________________________________

  (After Some Time)

  Eva and Aranel were seated on the couch, chatting quietly, when Kyel returned carrying a tray. He set it carefully on the table and began pouring the tea.

  Aranel immediately stood up.

  “Your Majesty, please—let me do that.”

  Kyel shook his head gently. “It’s alright, Lady Aranel. You’re our guest. Please, sit comfortably.”

  Before Aranel could protest again, Eva grabbed her hands and pulled her back onto the couch.

  “Sit,” Eva said firmly.

  Kyel placed a cup in front of each of them. “Here. Please drink.”

  He then moved and sat on the opposite side.

  Aranel picked up her cup. “Thank you for the tea.”

  Kyel smiled in response, then glanced toward Eva. She hadn’t touched her cup.

  “Eva,” he said softly, “drink it. It’ll get cold.”

  Eva kept staring at him, cheeks puffed slightly in a pout.

  Kyel sighed, understanding immediately. A small smile tugged at his lips as he flicked his finger, deactivating the disguise spell.

  This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

  Eyan looked at her. “Happy now?”

  Eva beamed. “Very.”

  Only then did she pick up her cup and start drinking. Eyan lifted his own tea and took a sip.

  Aranel tasted hers and smiled. “Mmm… this tea is wonderful.”

  “Did you like it?” Eva asked.

  “Yes,” Aranel said eagerly. “Where did you buy it? I want to get some too.”

  Eva opened her mouth. “It’s—”

  “It’s from the palace,” Eyan interrupted smoothly. “I’ll tell Hans to send some to your house.”

  Aranel quickly bowed. “Thank you, Your Majest—”

  “Brother-in-law.” Eyan corrected gently.

  Aranel froze mid-bow and looked up at him. “Huh?”

  “When we’re alone,” Eyan said calmly, “don’t call me Your Majesty. Call me brother-in-law. You don’t need to show respect here.”

  Aranel’s lips curved into a smile. “Alright… brother-in-law.”

  Eyan smiled. “That’s better.”

  After a brief pause, Eva suddenly spoke.

  “Aranel, have you met Brother Luca after he proposed to you?”

  Aranel shook her head. “No… I haven’t seen him since then.”

  Eva’s eyes widened. “You haven’t? You two should spend some time alone. Go on a date!”

  Aranel looked flustered. “He… he didn’t ask me out.”

  “He will,” Eyan said calmly.

  Eva and Aranel exchanged confused looks.

  Then Eyan stood, walked toward the door, and opened it sharply.

  Someone fell forward with a thud.

  “Aww—!”

  Luca lay sprawled on the floor.

  Eva and Aranel jumped up in shock.

  “Brother—?!” Eva gasped.

  Luca stood quickly, brushing dust off his clothes as if nothing had happened.

  “Greetings, Sister-in-law,” he said casually.

  Then he turned to Aranel, ears faintly red. “Greetings, Lady Aranel.”

  Aranel bowed, equally flustered. “G-Greetings, Lord Luca.”

  Eyan folded his arms and looked straight at Luca.

  Eva walked closer, tilting her head. “Brother… how long were you listening?” she asked innocently. “And why didn’t you just come inside?”

  “He’s been there the whole time,” Eyan said flatly.

  Eva blinked and turned to Luca. “…The whole time?”

  Luca stiffened. “N-No—! I mean—” He cleared his throat, avoiding their eyes. “I went to Lady Aranel’s house first, but the servants told me she came to meet you. So… I came here.”

  Aranel’s face turned pink. “My lord… why were you looking for me?”

  Eva and Eyan exchanged a look, then focused on Luca like spectators at a trial.

  Luca opened his mouth.

  Closed it.

  Opened it again—

  Nothing came out.

  Eyan sighed, visibly irritated. “You’re usually very talkative,” he said. “Don’t just stand there. Say something.”

  Luca’s ears burned red. He abruptly turned toward the door. “I’ll— I’ll ask again later. I’m leaving.”

  Before he could take a step, Eyan grabbed the back of his collar and yanked him back sharply.

  “No, you’re not,” Eyan said. “You’re staying.”

  Luca froze.

  Eyan flicked his finger, activating the disguise spell once more. Kyel reappeared, calm and casual. He extended his hand toward Eva.

  “Eva,” Kyel said gently, “let’s go out for a walk.”

  Eva smiled brightly and took his hand. “Let’s go.”

  She turned back toward Luca, her lips curving into a teasing smile. “Good luck.”

  Then both and Kyel and eva left the house, the door closing behind them.

  Silence fell.

  Heavy. Awkward. Deafening.

  Luca swallowed. “I—”

  The door suddenly burst open again.

  Kyel walked back inside. “…Excuse me.”

  Luca and Aranel both froze.

  Without another word, Kyel bolted up the stairs, disappeared into the bedroom, then returned carrying two warm coats draped over his arms.

  He paused at the doorway, glanced at Luca calmly. “Continue.”

  And with that, he turned around and shut the door again.

  __________________________________

  (Outside the House)

  Kyel stepped outside holding the coats.

  Eva crossed her arms, clearly annoyed. “Why did you go back inside again?”

  “To get this,” Kyel replied calmly. “It’s cold outside.”

  He opened one coat and carefully draped it over Eva’s shoulders, adjusting it until it sat just right. Then he reached for the second coat, about to put it on her as well.

  She looked up at him. “What about you?”

  “I’m not cold,” Kyel said softly. “You’re the one who can’t handle the cold… and always ends up with a fever.”

  Eva pouted, but still slipped her arms into the coat.

  Kyel smiled faintly, took her hand, and intertwined their fingers.

  Together, they began to walk— slowly, warmly, hand in hand.

  __________________________________

  (Inside the House)

  Luca cleared his throat and stepped closer.

  Aranel looked up at him, curious.

  “Lady Aranel,” Luca said, voice steady despite the tension, “are you free tomorrow?”

  “Yes,” Aranel answered without hesitation.

  Luca nodded once. “Then… would you go on a date with me?”

  Aranel smiled. “Okay.”

  Silence followed.

  One second.

  Two.

  Luca nodded again, satisfied. “Then I’ll come pick you up at your house.”

  He turned and started walking toward the door.

  “W-Wait,” Aranel said quickly. “Wait.”

  Luca stopped and turned back. “Yes?”

  Aranel stared at him in disbelief. “My lord… you’re just leaving?”

  “Yes,” Luca replied honestly. “I asked what I came for and received my answer.”

  Aranel rubbed her temple and muttered under her breath, “You’re really not as romantic as His Majesty. You should learn from him—”

  She didn’t finish.

  Luca stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a tight embrace.

  Aranel’s eyes widened in surprise—then softened. She smiled and hugged him back, resting her head against his chest.

  After a moment, Luca pulled away and smiled gently.

  “Good night. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Aranel smiled back, warmth blooming in her chest. “Good night.”

  Luca left the house, closing the door quietly behind him.

  Aranel clutched her chest, then collapsed onto the couch, giggling like a lovestruck girl.

  Her heart refused to calm down.

  __________________________________

  (ThirtyMinutesLater)

  (Velmoria Streets — Night)

  Kyel and Eva continued walking through the quiet streets, their footsteps echoing softly against the stone path. The city was calm, lanterns glowing faintly in the night.

  “Eva,” Kyel said after a moment, “can you come to the palace tomorrow?”

  Eva looked up at him. “To the palace? Why?”

  “Violet is returning to Bluebird,” Kyel replied. “She wants to meet you before she leaves.”

  Eva nodded without hesitation. “Okay, I’ll come. What time?”

  “In the afternoon.”

  “Alright.” She paused, then frowned slightly. “But how will I enter the palace? The knights there… they know my face.”

  Kyel squeezed her hand reassuringly. “Use the secret passage I use. My wolves will guide you.”

  Eva relaxed. “Okay. Anything else?”

  “No,” Kyel said. “That’s all.”

  For a brief moment, his shadow shifted unnaturally—stirring, stretching along the ground.

  Kyel noticed immediately.

  “Let’s head back now,” he said quietly. “They’ve finished talking. Lady Aranel is alone.”

  Eva didn’t question him. She simply nodded.

  Hand in hand, they turned back toward their house, disappearing into the quiet streets.

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