(The Wedding Day)
(Royal Palace)
The royal palace was decorated elegantly for the grand wedding. White roses and blue lilies lined the long aisle, their soft fragrance filling the air. Silver lanterns hung from golden arches, casting a gentle glow across the hall. Royal banners draped from the high marble pillars while nobles and dignitaries quietly filled the seats, waiting for the ceremony to begin.
At the altar stood Luca in his white groom’s attire, the rich fabric embroidered with silver threads. Beside him stood Eyan, dressed in a deep blue formal uniform.
Luca let out a nervous breath, his hands slightly trembling.
Eyan glanced at him and frowned. “Why are you shaking like a dry leaf? Can you not stand still?”
Luca tried to straighten himself. “Well, I’m trying to… but I’m nervous.”
Eyan sighed and shook his head slightly.
Before he could reply, the royal announcer’s voice echoed through the grand hall.
“Lady Aranel Delyss, entering with Marquess Calren Delyss.”
The large palace doors slowly opened.
Aranel stepped inside the hall, walking gracefully beside her father. She wore a beautiful white gown that flowed like soft clouds behind her. The delicate lace shimmered under the light, and small crystal jewels were woven into the fabric, catching the glow of the lanterns. A thin silver veil rested over her long hair, giving her an almost ethereal appearance.
The entire hall fell silent as she walked down the aisle.
Luca’s eyes widened slightly. He completely froze, staring at her. For a moment, he forgot how to breathe.
Eyan noticed and leaned slightly closer to him. “Close your mouth, Luca. The whole court can see you staring like a fool.”
Luca blinked, quickly straightening. “She… looks… beautiful.”
Eyan rolled his eyes. “Of course she does. It’s her wedding.”
Just then, another figure appeared from behind Aranel.
Eva entered the hall, wearing a blue gown that perfectly matched the royal colors. The soft fabric shimmered as she walked, and her calm elegance drew many gazes from the crowd.
Eyan turned his head. And then froze. His mouth slowly opened as he stared at her in complete daze.
Luca noticed and smirked slightly. “Well… close your mouth, Eyan. The whole court can see you staring like a fool.”
Eyan didn’t even respond. His eyes were still fixed on Eva.
Eva gently guided Aranel toward the altar until they stood before Luca. She took Aranel’s hand and placed it into Luca’s trembling hand.
Her voice was soft..“Take good care of her.”
Luca nodded seriously. “I will.”
Eva gave Aranel a warm smile before stepping aside and standing quietly to the other side, watching the ceremony begin.
The priest stepped forward.
“We gather here today to witness the sacred union between Luca Veyren and Lady Aranel Delyss.”
The hall grew silent.
The priest continued the ceremony before raising his hand slightly.
“Bring the rings.”
From the aisle, little Alex appeared, carefully walking forward while holding a small velvet cushion. Two shining rings rested on top of it.
His small steps were careful and serious, making a few nobles smile softly. Alex reached the altar and held the cushion up proudly.
Luca chuckled softly and took the ring. Aranel also smiled then picked up the other ring.
The priest nodded. “Exchange the rings as a symbol of your eternal bond.”
Luca gently slid the ring onto Aranel’s finger.
“I promise to stand beside you, protect you, and cherish you for the rest of my life.”
Aranel then placed the ring onto Luca’s finger.
“And I promise to walk beside you, in joy and hardship, for the rest of our days.”
As Luca and Aranel exchanged their rings, Eyan’s gaze slowly drifted across the altar.
His eyes stopped on Eva, who stood on the other side.
A soft smile rested on her face as she watched the ceremony. Her eyes sparkled with excitement and warmth, clearly happy for the couple standing before them.
Eyan quietly stared at her.
His gaze softened.
For a brief moment, a small smile formed on his lips. But when he looked at her again, that smile slowly faded. A strange heaviness settled in his chest.
Eyan lifted his hand and placed it over his heart. The steady beat beneath his palm felt heavier than usual.
He quietly shook his head to himself.
His eyes slowly lifted again toward Eva. She was still smiling softly, her attention completely on the wedding. Then his gaze slowly lowered. His eyes fell on her belly. The gentle curve beneath her blue dress was small, but noticeable.
And in that moment—
Eyan found his answer..His expression softened with a mixture of love and worry.
…
His chest tightened slightly.
His eyes lingered on her lovingly.
A quiet wave of emotion passed through him.
After a moment, his gaze turned thoughtful..
His eyes returned to Eva once more.
At that moment, the priest’s voice echoed clearly through the grand hall.
“Now that the vows and rings have been exchanged, you may seal your union.”
The priest smiled warmly. “Luca, you may kiss your bride.”
Luca looked at Aranel with a bright smile. Aranel’s cheeks turned slightly pink. Slowly, Luca leaned forward and gently kissed her.
The hall immediately erupted with cheers and applause.
The priest raised his voice over the celebration. “By the sacred laws of the kingdom, this wedding ceremony is now complete!”
The royal wedding had officially concluded.
__________________________________
(Wedding Banquet Hall — Evening)
After the ceremony, the celebration moved to the grand banquet hall of the palace. The hall was lively with music, laughter, and the soft glow of crystal chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling. Nobles gathered around the dance floor, waiting for the first dance to begin.
As tradition demanded, Aranel stepped onto the dance floor with her father, Marquess Calren Delyss.
The music began softly.
Calren placed a gentle hand on his daughter’s shoulder while Aranel held his arm. They began their slow, graceful dance together. The guests watched with warm smiles as the father shared this final ceremonial dance with his daughter.
Near the edge of the floor, Luca stood quietly, watching them.
A small smile rested on his face.
After a few minutes, the music changed.
The announcer’s voice echoed across the hall. “Now, the bride and groom will share their first dance.”
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Calren stepped back, giving a respectful nod to Luca before guiding Aranel toward him.
Luca gently took Aranel’s hand. Before the dance began, he lifted her hand and softly kissed it.
Luca smiled. “Congratulations on getting married, my dear wife.”
Aranel’s cheeks turned slightly pink as she smiled back at him. “Congratulations to you too, my dear husband.”
The music began again.
Luca placed one hand on her waist while Aranel rested her hand on his shoulder, and the two of them began their first dance as husband and wife. Their movements were smooth and elegant as the guests watched and applauded softly.
Meanwhile, at one of the royal tables—
Eyan sat in his seat, absentmindedly observing the celebration. After a moment, he frowned slightly and looked around the hall. Eva was nowhere to be seen. Neither was Leo.
Eyan leaned slightly toward Hans, who stood behind him. “Hans, do you know where Eva and Leo are?”
Hans lowered his voice and whispered. “Your Majesty, Her Majesty and His Highness are in the chamber right now.”
Eyan frowned slightly. “In the chamber? What are they doing there…” He pushed his chair back and stood. “I’ll go and look.”
Without waiting further, Eyan quietly left the banquet hall.
__________________________________
(Lady Elira’s Chamber)
Eva looked at Leo with pleading eyes.
“Leo, my sweet little boy… do I really have to drink this right now? I can drink it after the banquet ends.”
Leo held the small bottle filled with clear liquid firmly and pressed it toward her.
“No, Mother. You have to drink it now. There is a time limit, and you must take it within that time for it to work.”
Eva frowned with worry. “But last time it hurt so much. If that happens again, I won’t be able to join the celebration…”
Leo’s expression softened slightly, but he did not step back. “I know, Mother… but you have to drink it. Can you please endure the pain?”
Eva hesitated, thinking for a moment. Then she slowly took the potion from Leo’s hand. “Fine… I’ll drink it…”
She opened the small bottle and raised it toward her lips.
Just then—
Eva froze mid-motion.
Leo quickly walked to the door and opened it. Eyan stood outside.
“Leo, where is your mother?”
“She’s inside.”
Eyan immediately walked into the chamber, and Leo quietly shut the door behind him.
Eva was sitting on the edge of the bed, still holding the small bottle in her hand. Eyan looked at her with confusion.
“Eva, what are you doing here? The dance has begun…”
Eva lifted the bottle slightly to show him. “I’m drinking this.”
Eyan’s expression immediately filled with concern. He turned toward Leo. “Leo, does your mother have to drink this right now?”
Leo nodded calmly. “Yes, Father. It’s important for Mother to drink it.”
Eyan didn’t hesitate. He knelt in front of Eva, removing his gloves quickly before taking her hand in both of his, gripping it firmly.
“Hold my hand tightly if the pain becomes too much.”
Eva nodded. Then she lifted the bottle again and drank the potion in one go.
Eyan watched her face carefully.
Seconds passed. Then a minute.
Suddenly Eva’s expression began to change. Her brows knitted together.
Eva whispered through clenched teeth, “It’s… starting…”
Her hand tightened around Eyan’s, gripping it with surprising strength. Her other hand immediately flew to her belly.
“Ahh—”
Her face twisted with pain.
Eyan’s eyes filled with worry. “Is it painful?”
Eva nodded weakly, her voice strained. “Yes… it hurts…”
“Ahh—”
Leo quickly spoke. “Father, lay Mother down on the bed.”
Eyan nodded immediately. He carefully lifted Eva into his arms and placed her gently on the bed. Eva’s fingers dug into the mattress as another wave of pain hit her.
“Ahh—!”
Eyan leaned closer immediately, worry written clearly on his face. He gently brushed the tears from the corners of her eyes. “Breathe… slowly… it’s okay. You will be fine.”
Eva tried to follow his words, taking uneven breaths as the pain surged through her. After a few moments, her breathing slowly began to calm. The sharp pain gradually faded away, and the tension in her body loosened.
Finally, she slumped back against the pillow, exhausted.
Eyan watched her carefully..“It ended?”
Eva gave a weak nod. “Yes…”
Eyan let out the breath he had been unconsciously holding the entire time. “Rest here. You don’t have to come out of the room… alright?”
Eva nodded quietly.
Just then—
Leo walked to the door and opened it. Hans was standing outside.
He bowed his head slightly. “Your Majesty, the guests are looking for you.”
Eyan glanced back at Eva. His expression showed clear hesitation. He didn’t want to leave her alone right now.
Leo noticed his father’s hesitation and spoke calmly. “Father, you can go. I’ll stay with Mother. Don’t worry.”
Eyan looked at Eva again. “Rest. I’ll come back in some time.”
Eva nodded softly.
Eyan lingered for one more moment, his eyes resting on her face as if making sure she was truly alright.
Then, with a final glance at her, he turned and left the room.
__________________________________
(Banquet Hall)
Eyan returned to the banquet hall. The music was still playing and the nobles continued to dance across the polished marble floor.
After a while, Luca and Aranel finished their first dance.
Applause filled the hall as Luca gently guided Aranel back to her seat. He pulled out the chair for her before sitting beside her.
Meanwhile, Eyan returned to his own seat. But his attention wasn’t on the celebration. His eyes kept drifting back toward the grand staircase. The staircase that led to the upper chambers. The room where Eva was resting.
A thought suddenly crossed his mind.
Eyan frowned slightly. “I forgot… she hasn’t eaten anything yet.”
He immediately stood up from his seat and walked toward the long banquet table filled with food. He picked up a plate and began serving food himself.
A nearby servant hurried forward. “Your Majesty, why did you come yourself? Please allow me to serve you.”
Eyan shook his head slightly while placing different dishes on the plate. “No. I can do it myself.”
He placed several types of food carefully onto the plate, then picked up a glass of fresh juice. Turning to the servant, he handed the tray over.
“Here. Take this to Lady Elira’s chamber.”
The servant bowed deeply. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
He took the plate and quickly left toward the upper floor.
__________________________________
(After 15 Minutes)
The celebration continued. Music filled the hall as nobles laughed and danced.
Suddenly—
A quiet murmur began to spread. Someone had appeared at the top of the grand staircase.
Eva slowly walked down the stairs with calm grace. Her blue dress flowed softly behind her as she descended. When she reached the floor, she stopped at the center of the hall.
Eyan noticed her immediately. His brows knit together slightly. He quickly walked toward her.
“Eva, what are you doing here? You should be resting in your room.”
Eva smiled softly. “Eyan… I came here to dance.” She extended her hand slightly. “Will you dance with me?”
Eyan hesitated. “Dance? But you’re not in good condition right now…”
Eva lowered her gaze slightly, her expression turning a little sad. “You don’t want to dance with me?”
Eyan quickly shook his head. “No… it’s not like that.”
Eva smiled again. Before he could say anything else, she gently placed one hand on his shoulder and the other into his hand. “Then please dance with me.”
Eyan looked at her for a moment. Then a small smile appeared on his face. He firmly held her hand, while his other arm wrapped around her waist. They began to dance.
Soft murmurs spread across the hall.
“His Majesty is dancing with someone.”
“Who is she?”
“Look at them…”
“They’re wearing the same shade of blue… they look like a couple.”
Eyan slowly guided Eva across the dance floor. His movements were careful and steady. One of his hands rested protectively near her belly, supporting her gently as they moved.
The music flowed softly around them.
Then suddenly—
Eva moved a little closer to Eyan and leaned toward his ear.
Her voice was barely above a whisper. “Eyan…”
“Yes?”
“Do you love me?”
Eyan gave a faint smile. “Why are you asking something so obvious? Of course I love you.”
Eva’s lips curved slowly. “Then… can you die for me?”
Eyan frowned slightly. “Hm—”
—SHK!
A wet stabbing sound cut through the music.
Eyan’s eyes widened instantly. His breath caught in his throat. He slowly lowered his gaze. A dagger was buried deep in his abdomen. The blade had pierced straight into his stomach.
For a moment the world around him seemed to freeze.
He looked back up at Eva, confusion filling his eyes.
“Eva…?”
She smiled. Then suddenly—
SHK!
She pulled the dagger out. Blood immediately spilled down his clothes and dripped onto the marble floor.
Eyan staggered. His knees buckled as he bent forward, clutching his stomach. Crimson spread rapidly across his hands.
The hall exploded into chaos.
“HIS MAJESTY HAS BEEN ATTACKED!”
“THAT WOMAN STABBED THE EMPEROR!”
“SEIZE HER! DON’T LET HER RUN!”
Knights rushed forward, swords drawn.
Eyan gasped in pain. “…No…”
At the royal table, Luca and Aranel jumped to their feet. “What’s going on?!”
Luca saw the blood. His face turned pale. “Eyan!” He ran toward him.
The knights reached Eva in seconds. They grabbed her arms roughly, twisting them behind her back. The dagger clattered loudly onto the floor as they forced her down. Her face was pressed against the marble.
Luca dropped to his knees beside Eyan.b“Eyan! Are you alright?!”
But Eyan wasn’t looking at him. His eyes were fixed on Eva being restrained.
Slowly—
Painfully—
He stood up.
Blood continued dripping onto the floor as he walked toward her. The knights were holding her down.
Eyan shoved them away. “Stay away!” His voice was filled with anger. “Don’t touch her!”
The knights froze in shock. Eyan dropped to his knees and gently lifted Eva from the floor. Her body trembled. Tears suddenly filled her eyes.
“Eyan… I’m sorry…” She began crying. “Are you hurt…?”
Eyan smiled faintly despite the blood soaking through his clothes. His trembling hand lifted and gently touched Eva’s cheek.
“It’s okay…” he whispered softly. “I’m not hurt.”
Behind him, Luca was staring at Eva. Something felt wrong. Terribly wrong. A cold chill crawled up his spine.
His instincts screamed. Luca’s voice broke through the chaos. “Eyan—stay away from her!”
—SHHK!
The sound of steel piercing flesh sliced through the hall. Eva’s arm moved with terrifying speed. The dagger drove straight into Eyan’s chest. Eyan’s body jerked violently as the blade sank deep between his ribs.
Eva smiled. A slow, chilling smile. “Now you are hurt.”
Eyan stared at her, disbelief flooding his face. “Eva… why—”
—SHK!
She yanked the dagger out. Blood burst from the wound, staining his clothes even darker. Before he could even breathe—
—SHHK!
She plunged the dagger into his chest again. This time deeper. The blade sank until only the hilt remained visible. Eyan staggered back, choking on blood.
Luca’s mind went blank. “EYAN!”
He rushed forward and violently pulled Eva away from him. Blood smeared across the marble floor as Eyan collapsed to one knee.
Luca slammed Eva onto the ground. His hand wrapped around her throat, pinning her down as he ripped the dagger from her grasp.
Luca raised the dagger high and placed the sharp tip directly over her heart.
His voice was cold with murderous fury. “You should die.”
He lifted the dagger—
Ready to drive it straight into her chest.
But suddenly—
Eyan rushed forward. With the last of his strength he shoved Luca away from her.
Luca stumbled backward.
Eyan stood in front of Eva protectively, breathing heavily as blood continued pouring from his chest.
His voice exploded with anger. “Have you lost your mind?!....Stay away from her!”
Then he turned back to Eva immediately. His expression softened despite the pain twisting through his body.
“Eva… are you okay?” He pulled her into his arms.
Luca stared at them in disbelief.
“Eyan!” he shouted desperately. “I said stay away from her!” His voice echoed through the hall. “That’s not sister-in-law!.....That’s someone else!”
Eyan froze. Slowly… he looked down at the woman in his arms.
Eva tilted her head up toward him. Then she smiled. A strange smile.
“Your Majesty…” Her voice was smooth and calm. “How can you not even recognize your own wife?”
Luca’s heart dropped.
“Knights!” he roared. “Grab that woman!”
The knights moved instantly. They rushed forward and tore Eva from Eyan’s arms before he could react. Her wrists were twisted behind her back as they forced her to the ground and restrained her completely.
Luca rushed to Eyan’s side.
Eyan was barely standing now, his clothes drenched in blood that continued dripping onto the marble floor.
Luca grabbed his shoulders, panic written all over his face. “Eyan! Are you okay?!” His voice was shaking. “Call your wolves—your wounds need to be treated immediately!”
But Eyan wasn’t listening. His eyes slowly lifted. Toward the grand staircase. Fear filled them. A cold, terrible fear.
“Eva…”
The name left his lips in a broken whisper.
Suddenly he pushed himself upright. Ignoring the burning pain tearing through his chest, Eyan staggered forward and then began running toward the stairs.
“EYAN!” Luca shouted.
But Eyan didn’t stop. Luca immediately ran after him. Behind them, Aranel—who had been frozen in shock—gathered her dress and rushed after them as well.
__________________________________
(Lady Elira’s Room)
Eyan reached the chamber first. He slammed the door open with a loud crash—
Then froze.
On the floor—
Leo lay motionless. His small body was covered in blood. For a moment Eyan couldn’t breathe.
“Leo—!”
He rushed forward and dropped to his knees, pulling the child carefully into his arms. Blood stained Leo’s clothes and soaked through Eyan’s hands.
“Leo…!”
Behind him, Luca and Aranel burst into the room.nBoth of them froze the moment they saw the scene. Aranel covered her mouth in horror.
Luca’s face turned pale. “Leo…”
Eyan gently brushed the blood-streaked hair away from the boy’s face. “Leo… open your eyes.” His voice trembled. “What happened here?”
Leo’s eyelids fluttered weakly. Slowly… painfully… he opened his eyes.
He looked barely conscious, his breathing shallow. “F—Father…” His voice was nothing more than a faint whisper. “S—Save… Mother…”
Eyan’s heart dropped. His head snapped up. He looked around the chamber frantically. The room was empty.
“Where is your mother?!” he demanded desperately.
Leo’s small fingers weakly clutched at his father’s sleeve.
“H—He… took… Mother with him…”
Eyan’s voice rose with panic. "Took her?!....Who took her?!”
Leo’s lips trembled as he forced out the words.
“P—Prince… Velco…”
.
.
To be continued—
