Silence fell over the chamber like a funeral shroud.

  Aranel stood frozen, staring at Leo. He had not moved since Albert’s departure — but something in his eyes had changed.

  “Leo…” Tears gathered before she could stop them. “What will happen now? If what the physician said is true… then during childbirth… Eva will die.”

  The words shattered in the air.

  Leo’s jaw tightened. “No....I am not going to let that happen.”

  His red eyes lifted — not fearful, but burning with resolve.

  “I will do anything. Whatever it takes.”

  Aranel covered her mouth, tears slipping freely now.

  Leo turned toward her fully.

  “Aunty,” he said quietly, “I will take my leave now.....I may not be able to return for months.”

  “Can you take care of this place for me… until I return?”

  Aranel straightened despite her tears and nodded firmly. “Do not worry about that. I will.”

  Leo gave a small nod of gratitude and turned toward the doors.

  He took several steps. Then stopped. Something tugged at him.

  He turned back. “Aunty Aranel.”

  She looked up.

  “In that world…You are getting married in a few days.”

  Aranel’s brows knit together in confusion through her tears. “To whom?”

  Leo’s lips curved into a soft, almost boyish smile — a rare sight in such a heavy moment. “To Uncle Luca.”

  The words hit her like sunlight breaking through storm clouds.

  Her lips trembled. Tears flowed anew — but these were different.

  “Is that so…” she whispered, voice shaking. “I’m glad.”

  For a moment, hope lived in the room again.

  Leo held her gaze gently.

  Then the warmth faded from his expression, replaced once more by determination.

  Without another word, he turned. The doors opened. And the young king walked out —

  __________________________________

  (One Week Later)

  It had been seven days since Leo returned from the other world.

  True to his promise, he spent every night beside his mother — never leaving her alone, never missing a moment. He would sit with her until she fell aslee. But during the day… He disappeared. Quietly. Secretly. Something was moving behind the scenes. Something Leo was preparing.

  __________________________________

  (4 days Before Luca And Aranel's Wedding)

  (Royal Palace of Velmoria) Emperor’s Study—

  Eyan sat behind his grand oak desk, documents spread neatly before him. His expression was composed, but there was anticipation in his eyes.

  A knock sounded.

  Hans entered and bowed deeply. “Your Majesty, the guests you have been waiting for have arrived.”

  Eyan’s lips curved slowly. “Is that so?”

  He rose from his seat with quiet authority. “Bring them to the front entrance. I will welcome them personally.”

  Hans bowed again. “As you command.”

  Eyan walked out of the study, his steps calm — but there was something almost eager beneath his composure.

  __________________________________

  (In Front of the Royal Palace)

  Eyan stood at the top of the grand palace stairs, Hans positioned respectfully at his side. The royal banners of Velmoria fluttered behind them in the afternoon breeze.

  A carriage came to a smooth halt before the entrance. The door opened.

  First, a lady stepped down — striking red hair flowing over her shoulders, vivid blue eyes calm yet sharp. Her posture was elegant, noble.

  Behind her followed a young boy.

  Red hair. Blue eyes.

  Their resemblance was unmistakable — like two reflections of the same flame.

  They approached the stairs with measured grace.

  The lady lowered herself into a formal bow. “Greetings, Your Majesty.”

  The boy followed immediately. “Greetings, Your Majesty.”

  Eyan’s lips curved into a warm, diplomatic smile.

  “Greetings, Lady Elira,” he said smoothly. “Welcome to Velmoria.”

  Eyan stepped down one stair, his tone courteous yet attentive.

  “I trust your journey was comfortable, Lady Elira? You did not face any inconvenience on the way here?”

  The red-haired lady met his gaze calmly.

  “No, Your Majesty,” she replied. “We did not have any problem. The journey was smooth.”

  Her hand rested lightly on the boy’s shoulder. “This is my son, Alex.”

  The boy straightened slightly, offering a respectful nod.

  “It is an honor to be here, Your Majesty.”

  Eyan’s smile softened as he observed the child. “Velmoria welcomes you both.”

  With a subtle gesture, he turned toward the palace doors.

  “Please, come inside.”

  __________________________________

  If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

  (Inside the Royal Palace)

  The massive doors opened, revealing high ceilings adorned with crystal chandeliers and polished marble floors that reflected the golden light streaming through tall windows.

  Servants bowed as they passed.

  Eyan walked ahead, guiding them personally — an unusual gesture for an emperor, yet he seemed determined to ensure everything was perfect.

  “I have prepared chambers for you,” he said. “I hope they will be to your liking.”

  They stopped at a quiet wing of the palace.

  Eyan turned to the boy first. “Alex, your room is here.”

  The doors opened to reveal a spacious chamber suited for a young noble — warm tones, tall windows, a desk near the balcony, shelves already prepared with books.

  Alex’s eyes lit up slightly, though he maintained composure.

  “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

  Eyan gave a small nod before turning to the adjacent corridor.

  “And yours, Lady Elira.”

  Her chamber was elegant and serene — soft silk curtains, a grand bed draped in light fabric, fresh flowers arranged near the window. The room felt peaceful, almost intentionally so.

  “I hope you will find it comfortable.”

  “It is more than comfortable,” she replied softly. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

  “Please rest,” Eyan said gently. “You must be tired after traveling.”

  There was a pause — brief, almost unreadable — before he stepped back.

  “If you need anything, inform the servants.”

  With that, he inclined his head and left, the doors closing quietly behind him.

  __________________________________

  (Night)

  (Royal Palace – Dining Hall)

  The long dining table shimmered beneath crystal chandeliers. Silverware gleamed. Candles flickered softly against polished marble walls.

  Eyan sat at the head of the table. To his right sat Lady Elira. Beside her, young Alex sat with remarkable composure for his age.

  Servants moved in silence, placing dish after dish before them — carefully prepared delicacies worthy of honored guests.

  The atmosphere was formal. Measured. Controlled.

  Eyan lifted his glass slightly. “To your safe arrival in Velmoria, Lady Elira.”

  Elira mirrored the gesture gracefully. “You honor us with your hospitality, Your Majesty.”

  Alex followed suit, perfectly imitating noble etiquette.

  Throughout the dinner, conversation remained polite —But beneath the calm exchange, something unspoken lingered.

  Eyan’s gaze occasionally shifted toward Alex — studying him quietly.

  Alex noticed. Yet he did not falter.

  Elira maintained her elegance, answering every question with steady confidence.

  Not once did her composure break.

  Finally, as dessert plates were cleared and the candles burned lower, Eyan set down his napkin.

  “I trust the meal was satisfactory?”

  “It was excellent,” Elira replied softly.

  Alex nodded. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

  Eyan stood. “It grows late. You must rest.”

  Elira rose smoothly from her seat. “We are grateful for your kindness.”

  They exchanged formal bows. “Good night, Lady Elira.”

  “Good night, Your Majesty.”

  “Good night, Alex.”

  “Good night, Your Majesty.”

  With that, they parted ways in the quiet corridor.

  __________________________________

  (Lady Elira’s Chamber)

  The hallway was silent as she approached her room. Attendants bowed and withdrew once she entered. The heavy door closed behind her. She turned the lock gently.

  The click echoed in the stillness.

  For a moment, she remained standing there — hand still resting against the wood, listening to the fading footsteps in the corridor.

  The formal smile she had worn all evening slowly faded.

  Silence settled.

  Then—

  A soft sound.

  The window creaked open.

  A shadow slipped inside with effortless familiarity.

  Elira’s lips curved.

  “I thought you would at least wait until all the servants fell asleep,” she said lightly. “But here you are… breaking into my room so soon.”

  Before she could turn—

  A strong hand wrapped around her waist from behind, pulling her gently but firmly against a warm chest.

  A low voice brushed her ear.

  “I can finally hold you in my arms.”

  Her smile deepened.

  “Your Majesty,” she teased softly, “did you miss me that much?”

  Eyan buried his face in the crook of her shoulder, inhaling her familiar scent as if grounding himself.

  “I missed you so much,” he murmured. “It’s been a long time.”

  She laughed quietly and flicked his forehead. “It’s been only four days, honey.”

  He hummed against her skin. “Four long, painful days.”

  She turned in his embrace, cupping his face tenderly. Leaning closer, she was about to kiss him—

  But he pulled back slightly.

  “First,” he said softly, voice almost pleading, “remove the disguise spell. I want to see you.”

  Elira smiled knowingly. A faint shimmer of magic flickered around her form.

  The red hair melted away into its natural black shade, the blue eyes shifting into the ones he knew by heart.

  Eva looked up at him. “Are you happy now—”

  He didn’t let her finish.

  Eyan pulled her close by the waist, one hand sliding to her cheek as he kissed her deeply.

  Not hurried.

  Not restrained.

  Four days of longing poured into that single kiss.

  Eva wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer, answering him just as fiercely.

  When he finally parted, his thumb brushed lovingly across her cheek before he pulled her into another tight embrace.

  “How have you been, Eva?” he asked quietly.

  She rested her forehead against his chest. “I’m perfectly fine, as you can see.”

  He exhaled in relief. “And what about our little one?”

  A soft smile touched her lips.

  “Our little one… you can ask him yourself.”

  He stepped back and, without hesitation, knelt in front of her. His hands gently rested against her belly.

  His brows furrowed slightly.

  “Eva… why is your belly this big already?” His voice carried concern. “Isn’t it strange?”

  “I thought the same,” she admitted. “So I asked Leo. He said it’s normal. That I shouldn’t worry… that’s how he was growing too.”

  Eyan’s expression tightened slightly. “Oh…”

  He studied her more closely.

  “But the size… it looks like as if the child is already four or five months along.”

  Eva nodded softly. “he is four and a half months now.”

  His head snapped up. “Four and a half? But just ten days ago he was only three months.”

  “Yes,” she said quietly. “He grew that much in ten days.”

  Silence fell between them.

  “At this rate,” she tried to lighten the mood, “he might come earlier than expected.”

  Eyan gave a faint smile, though worry lingered in his eyes. “It looks like it.”

  He leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on her belly.

  “How have you been, little one?” he whispered softly. “Seems like we will meet you sooner than expected.”

  His voice softened further.

  “Take your time growing… but don’t rush too much, alright? It’s not good for your mother.”

  He stayed like that for a long moment, then he finally stood. Without warning, he bent and scooped Eva into his arms.

  She let out a small surprised laugh. “Eyan—”

  “Let’s sleep now,” he said quietly. “You must be tired.”

  He carried her to the bed as if she weighed nothing, laying her down with utmost care. He moved to his side and lay beside her, one arm slipping around her waist while his other hand returned instinctively to her belly, stroking gently.

  For a few minutes, there was only silence. Then Eva turned slightly toward him.

  “Honey… why did you suddenly tell me to come and live in the palace?”

  Eyan’s fingers paused for the briefest second.

  “That—”

  __________________________________

  (Five Days Ago)

  Royal Palace – Eyan's Chamber

  The atmosphere was tense.

  Eyan stood near the window. Luca leaned against a pillar, arms crossed. Leo stood quietly to the side, listening.

  “Luca,” Eyan began, voice firm, “I’m thinking of bringing Eva here to live in the palace.”

  Luca straightened. “Live here? But didn’t Father say to keep her hidden until childbirth?”

  “Yes,” Eyan replied. “But I’ll be occupied with the wedding preparations. I won’t be able to visit her.” His jaw tightened. “I can’t just leave her alone in the condition she’s in.”

  He turned from the window. “And after the wedding, I’ll be leaving for war. It’s better if she adjusts to the palace before that.”

  Luca studied him for a moment, then nodded slowly.

  Eyan continued, “Can you place a disguise spell on her wedding ring? So she can come here without anyone knowing her true identity?”

  Luca gave a short nod. “Alright. I’ll do it.”

  Eyan then turned to Leo, who had remained silent the entire time.

  “Leo. What do you think?”

  Leo’s gaze was calm, thoughtful.

  “I agree with you, Father. It’s better if Mother stays here in the palace.”

  Eyan’s expression softened slightly at his son’s support.

  Luca then asked, “When are you planning to begin the war?”

  “Three days after your wedding.”

  Luca nodded once.

  “Have you told Sister-in-law about the war yet?”

  “No,” Eyan answered. “I’ll tell her a day before.”

  He then looked at Luca more intently. “And you? Have you told Lady Aranel? What was her answer?”

  “I told her,” Luca replied quietly. “She said I can go. So I’ll be going with you.”

  Eyan gave a firm nod. “Then it’s settled.”

  __________________________________

  (Current Time)

  Eyan exhaled softly.

  “That’s because,” he said gently. “I’ll be busy with the wedding preparations. I wouldn’t be able to come to you. So I decided to bring you and Leo here instead.”

  Eva was quiet for a moment.

  “Hm… okay,” she said softly.

  But her tone carried hesitation.

  After a pause, she added, “But I don’t like it here.”

  Eyan looked down at her immediately. “You don’t like it here? Why is that?”

  She shifted slightly closer to him, resting her cheek against his chest.

  “It’s just… there are so many people. So many eyes watching all the time.” She hesitated before continuing. “And we have to pretend to be strangers to each other.”

  Her fingers lightly gripped his shirt.

  “I don’t like that.”

  Eyan’s expression softened. He tilted her chin up gently so she would look at him.

  “It’s only for a few days,” he said warmly. “I’ll come to you at night. Just like today.” His thumb brushed across her cheek. “You won’t be alone.”

  Eva studied his face for a second longer, then nodded faintly.

  “Hm.”

  He leaned down and placed a tender kiss on her forehead.

  “Now sleep,” he whispered. “Don’t think about anything else.”

  His arm tightened protectively around her waist, his other hand resting over their child. Eva closed her eyes, listening to the steady rhythm of his breathing. Slowly, the tension left her body. And wrapped safely in his arms— They both drifted into sleep.