(Royal Palace — Evening)
(Leo's Chamber)
Sia was still sleeping comfortably on the large bed.
Her breathing was slow… peaceful… almost too peaceful for someone who had been starving for days.
Then suddenly — her nose twitched. She sniffed.
Her brows frowned slightly.
She sniffed again… deeper this time.
"…I smell something tasty."
Her eyes snapped open. For a moment she simply lay there, confused between dream and reality. Then she turned her head.
Leo was gone.
Sia blinked. "Where did His Highness go…?"
She pushed herself up too quickly. The world spun.
Her vision blurred and she instinctively grabbed the edge of the bed to steady herself before sitting back down heavily.
"My head…" she muttered weakly. "I really need something to eat… or I might collapse."
Taking a deep breath, she stood up again — slower this time — and walked toward the door.
--------------------------------------------------
(Royal Palace — Dining Hall Corridor)
Sia stopped outside the grand dining hall.
The heavy doors were slightly open. Bright light spilled into the corridor along with loud, chaotic voices.
She peeked inside cautiously.
"Nolan! get back to your seat!" Luca's voice rang out in frustration.
A loud crash followed.
"Nayra! You will hurt yourself!"
The dining hall looked like a battlefield.
Chairs were out of place. Plates clinked noisily. One servant was nearly running while trying to save a bowl from falling. Nolan was halfway standing on his chair like a tiny rebel king, and Nayra was dangerously close to climbing the table itself.
Sia watched the scene with wide eyes.
Just then… a soft voice came from behind her.
"What are you doing here?"
Sia startled and turned immediately.
"I apologise… I was just—"
She stopped.
Aranel stood before her.
Elegant.
Calm.
Gentle as always.
"I didn't mean to scare you," Aranel said with a small smile.
Sia quickly bowed her head. "Greetings, madam…"
"Greetings. We meet again, Lady Sia." Aranel said with a smile.
Sia looked up in surprise. "You remember my name?"
"Of course," Aranel replied warmly. "How can I forget the name of the person who saved my child?"
She smiled sincerely. "Thank you again."
Sia waved her hands nervously.
"No, no… please don't say that…"
Then—
Grrrrrrrr…
A very loud stomach-growling sound echoed in the quiet corridor.
Sia froze. Her face turned red instantly as she clutched her stomach in embarrassment.
Aranel's smile softened with understanding.
"Come," she said kindly. "Let's go inside and have dinner."
Sia nodded gratefully. Together… they walked into the chaos.
(Inside the Dining Hall)
The moment they entered, all eyes turned toward them. Luca was still trying to drag Nolan back into his chair. Nayra had somehow obtained a spoon and was proudly banging it like a weapon.
Leo sat quietly at one side… but the moment he saw Sia, his face brightened like the evening stars.
"Lady Sia… you woke up."
She smiled softly. "Yes, Your Highness. But… when did you wake up?"
"Not long ago," he replied. "I slept very well."
"I'm glad," she said gently.
Aranel gestured toward the table. "Lady Sia, sit down."
Sia nodded and walked forward — a little unsure but trying to appear confident.
Without thinking much, she took a seat near the head of the table… right beside the grand empty chair.
Aranel's expression changed instantly.
"No… Lady Sia, don't sit there."
Sia jumped up from the chair so fast that it scraped loudly against the floor.
"I apologise! Did I make a mistake?"
"It's not like that," Aranel said quickly. "But… no one is allowed to sit there. That seat belongs to the late Empress."
Fear flashed across Sia's face. "I'm truly sorry… I didn't know."
Luca waved a hand casually.
"We know, Lady Sia. So stop apologizing."
Leo tugged lightly at her wrist. "Sit beside me."
She nodded and moved to the chair next to him.
Just as she settled—
Thwack.
An apple flew across the table and struck her forehead. Her head snapped back.
"Ahhh—!"
Aranel immediately stood up, furious. "Nolan! How dare you hit her like that!"
Nolan's face fell in instant regret.
Sia clutched her forehead, rubbing the spot. "It's okay, madam… please don't get angry at Little Lord."
A visible bump was already forming.
Luca sighed and flicked his fingers.
A faint glow shimmered — and suddenly Nolan and Nayra were forced back into their chairs by invisible restraints.
Both struggled dramatically. "Father! Let go!"
"No," Luca said sternly. "That's enough. You two will sit like that now."
They puffed their cheeks in protest.
Leo leaned closer to Sia, worried. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," she said with a small smile.
"That doesn't look fine to me," Leo said looking at her forehead
She touched the bump lightly. "It's okay… I get injuries like this from time to time."
Luca suddenly spoke again. "Lady Sia, I forgot to ask… where do you live?"
Her body stiffened almost imperceptibly.
She shifted in her chair.
"My house… is in front of the old temple," she lied quietly.
Luca smiled as if satisfied. "Okay."
At that moment, the grand doors opened.
Eyan walked inside. The atmosphere changed instantly.
Sia stood up from her chair in panic — the only one who did. Leo grabbed her wrist and gently forced her back down.
"Be seated."
"But—"
Eyan reached the head of the table and sat down calmly. His gaze moved toward the two children still bound to their chairs.
"Luca… why did you bind them like that? Release them immediately."
"They hit Lady Sia," Luca replied. "This is their punishment."
"And just how badly did they hit her?"
"Look at her face."
Eyan lifted his eyes toward Sia. He noticed the red swelling on her forehead.
"…It's not that bad," he said flatly. "Now release the kids."
Luca sighed and deactivated his magic.
Nolan and Nayra jumped in excitement. "Uncle is the best!"
Luca rolled his eyes. "Of course."
Servants began bringing dish after dish onto the table. The feast was enormous.
Sia's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Is today something special?" she asked innocently.
"No," Aranel replied. "Why do you ask?"
"I have never seen this much food togethe—"
Leo quickly jabbed her side with his elbow.
She stopped mid-sentence.
"What I mean is… everything looks so tasty."
Aranel laughed softly.
"Oh, we eat like this every day."
Sia whispered under her breath, almost in awe, "Must be good…"
The servants stepped back after placing the final dishes.
Then Eyan picked up a plate.
Slowly… carefully… he served a portion of every item onto it.
Sia watched him without understanding.
When he finished, he placed the plate on the empty seat beside him — the one that belonged to the late Empress.
Only then did he lift his gaze.
"Let's begin."
Servants moved forward to serve everyone.Soon… the dining hall, which had been filled with chaos moments ago, fell into a rare and peaceful silence — broken only by the soft sounds of cutlery and quiet breathing.
__________________________________
After finishing dinner, Eyan wiped his mouth with a white napkin. The soft rustle of cloth sounded unusually loud in the calm dining hall.
Then he spoke. "Lady Sia… after dinner, come to my study. There is something I need to discuss with you before signing the marriage certificate."
Sia straightened immediately. "Of course, Your Majesty."
With that, Eyan stood up from his chair. Without sparing another glance at the table, he began to walk toward the door.
Aranel's eyes moved to Sia's plate.
"Lady Sia… did you not like the dessert? You didn't even touch it."
Sia smiled politely. "Madam… the thing is… I am allergic to peach."
Eyan stopped at the doorway. He did not turn around. But he did not leave either.
Aranel blinked in surprise. "Oh… you are too?"
Sia frowned slightly. "Who else is allergic to peach?"
"Eva was," Aranel replied softly. "She couldn't eat it."
Sia tilted her head.
"Eva… who's that?"
The next moment—
Eyan turned.
His gaze was sharp.
Cold.
"Eva is Leo's mother's name." He said sharply.
Understanding flashed across Sia's face. She immediately lowered her head.
"I apologise, Your Majesty. I spoke Her Majesty's name without proper respect."
Eyan's voice hardened.
"Next time… don't make any mistake. Is that clear?"
"I'll keep that in mind," she answered quietly.
For a second, their eyes met.
Then Eyan turned again and left the hall.
The heavy doors closed behind him.
Sia let out a long breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "That was close…"
Aranel looked at her gently.
"Lady Sia… don't take brother-in-law's words to heart. It's just that he is very strict when it comes to Eva."
Sia shook her head.
"No… I didn't take it to heart. I already know just how much—…"
Her gaze slowly moved toward the untouched plate of food placed before the empty chair — the late Empress's seat.
"…—His Majesty loved his wife."
Aranel followed her gaze.
A small, knowing smile appeared on her lips.
"Yes," she said softly. "He still does."
__________________________________
(Emperor's Study — Night)
Knock… knock…
Hans walked to the door and opened it.
Sia stood outside, her posture straight despite the exhaustion still visible in her eyes.
"His Majesty called me."
Hans bowed lightly and stepped aside.
"Please come inside."
Sia entered the study.
The room was dimly lit by tall candles and a single fireplace. The atmosphere felt heavy… official… almost suffocating.
Eyan was already seated on the couch, a few documents resting in his hand.
Without looking at her, he spoke.
"Sit… down."
Sia walked forward and sat on the couch opposite him. Only then did Eyan lift his gaze.
"Before we sign the marriage certificate… there is something you should know."
He extended a stack of papers toward her.
"Here. Read this. These are the things you should know beforehand."
Sia took the papers carefully and began reading.
Terms of the Marriage
Party E (Eyan) and Party S (Sia)
1•Party E and Party S will not talk to each other unless absolutely necessary.
2•Party S will receive the title of Empress and will have an equal share in Party E's wealth.
3•When Party E is not present, Party S will handle the matters of the Royal Palace.
4•Party E and Party S will not have any kind of physical relationship. Party S is not allowed to touch Party E. However, during royal events, Party S may hold Party E's hand only while wearing gloves. No direct skin contact is allowed. No dancing together.
5•Party E and Party S will use separate rooms even after becoming husband and wife.
Party S is not allowed to enter Party E's room under any condition.
6•Party S is not allowed to enter the Empress Garden. That place is reserved only for Queen Eva Therald.
7•Party E and Party S will address each other formally. Personal names or affectionate callings are strictly forbidden.
8•When Party E is present in Prince Leo's chamber, Party S is not allowed to enter.
9•Party S must never develop any feelings or love interest toward Party E. If such a situation occurs, the marriage will be terminated immediately, and Party S must leave the Royal Palace.
Sia finished reading..For a moment she simply stared at at it. Then she slowly lifted her gaze toward Eyan.
"Did you read it, Lady?" he asked.
"Yes." There was a small pause. "But… I have an objection."
Eyan leaned back slightly. "What is it…?"
Sia lifted the document and pointed at Clause No. 4.
"This one… I don't like this."
Eyan took the paper back and read the line again. Then his eyes slowly lifted to her face.
"Why? So you want to have a physical relationship with me? I apologise… but that is not possibl—"
"No," Sia cut him off calmly. "That's not what I mean."
She folded her hands on her lap.
"There is no need for us to touch each other's hands even with gloves on. Since the news of your marriage has already spread with all the conditions, everyone already knows this marriage is only in name. We don't need to pretend in front of anyone at all."
Eyan went silent.
For a moment, he simply studied her.
Then he nodded once. "…Right."
He turned his head.
"Hans. edit that clause from the contract."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Eyan looked back at her. "Anything else, Lady?"
"Yes… one more thing."
She pointed at Clause No. 9.
"I don't think I can do this."
Eyan raised an eyebrow.
Then suddenly… he laughed.
"So what you are saying is… in the future you might develop feelings for me?"
Sia nodded honestly.
"Yes. I can't help but have feelings for you."
His expression hardened instantly.
"Then this marriage will not happen if you fall in love with me. You can leave now."
"Wait, Your Majesty," she said quickly. "Who said anything about love?"
Eyan stared at her.
"I wasn't talking about love," she continued calmly. "I was talking about hate."
Silence filled the room.
"As Your Majesty already knows… I don't like you. And I am certain that in the future I might begin to hate you. And hate is a feeling too… so this condition is unfair."
For a second… Eyan simply blinked.
Then he burst into laughter again — this time louder.
"Oh… so that's what you meant."
He shook his head slightly, amused.
"Right. Hate is a feeling too. But you are allowed to do that. You can hate me all you want."
Sia smiled faintly. "Then… I don't have any problem."
"Good," Eyan said. "Now sign the contract. Then you can sign the marriage certificate."
Confusion appeared on Sia face.
"But what about my contract?"
She lifted the document again and looked straight at him.
"In this one… all the conditions written are about what I am not allowed to do. But what about you? I need security too."
Her eyes sharpened slightly.
"What if you break the conditions?"
Eyan leaned deeper into the couch, folding his arms across his chest. He looked at Sia as if she had just said the most foolish thing in the world.
Then he laughed.
A loud, unrestrained laugh that echoed against the high stone walls. Beside him, Hans couldn't help but laugh too — though much more carefully.
Sia stared at both of them.
For a moment she simply blinked.
Then… slowly… she began to laugh as well.
A light, almost playful laugh.
"Your Majesty… why are you laughing?"
Eyan wiped the faint tears forming at the corner of his eyes.
"I apologise," he said, still smiling. "But I have never heard anything more ridiculous than this."
Her smile faded slightly. "What do you mean?"
His expression sharpened instantly.
"Lady… do you really think I, will break any condition written in this contract?"
Sia did not look away. "Yes."
The single word landed heavily.
"If I break it, I have to end this marriage and leave the palace," she continued calmly. "But what if you break it? Then what? I need confirmation too."
Eyan's jaw tightened.
"You can only dream about such a thing," he said coldly. "I, Eyan Lucien Therald… will not break any condition. You have my word."
"Your Majesty," Sia replied, equally steady, "I can't just rely on your word." Her gaze dropped briefly to the paper in her hands. "I need it written too."
Silence stretched between them. The fire in the hearth crackled softly. Eyan took a deep breath — long, controlled.
"…Fine."
He turned his head. "Hans. You know what to do. Write it."
Hans bowed immediately.
"Yes, Your Majesty. I will prepare the papers in a minute."
He moved toward the writing desk and began arranging fresh parchment, ink, and seals.
The scratching sound of the quill soon filled the study.
Sia sat quietly, watching. Eyan watched her back. And somewhere between the two… a silent war of pride had just turned into a formal agreement.
__________________________________
Freshly prepared documents were brought in.
Hans stepped forward respectfully and handed them to Sia. She took the papers with steady hands and began to read every line carefully. Her eyes moved slowly… thoughtfully… making sure not a single word escaped her notice.
Then — she smiled. "Yes… this is perfect."
The documents were placed on the table between them. Sia picked up the quill first. Without hesitation… she signed the contract.
The faint scratch of ink against parchment sounded louder than it should have.vShe then pushed the papers toward Eyan. He took the quill.
But just as he was about to sign—
"Your Majesty should read it too," Sia said calmly. "You need to know the conditions… what if you break them?"
Eyan paused.
Then he looked straight into her eyes.
"There is no need." His voice was quiet… but absolute. "I will never break it."
And without reading a single line… he signed his name.
The seal was pressed. The contract was complete.
Moments later, another document was brought — the marriage certificate. This time both of them signed in silence.
No ceremony.
No witnesses beyond Hans.
No blessings.
Just ink… and fate.
After finishing, Eyan handed the certificate back.
"Hans. Take it. And in tomorrow's newspaper… make the announcement for the new Empress."
Hans bowed deeply. "Yes, Your Majesty."
Eyan's gaze returned to Sia. "Lady Sia… you are the Empress now."
She straightened slightly.
A small smile appeared on her lips — calm on the outside… unreadable within.
"You may leave now." Then he added without looking at her,."Hans… prepare a room for the Queen."
Hans turned respectfully. "Your Majesty… please follow me."
The title felt strange to Sia.
Heavy.
Unreal.
She stood up slowly and followed him toward the door..The study doors closed behind her.
Silence returned to the chamber.
Eyan remained seated. Alone For a long time… he did not move. The fire in the hearth crackled softly, casting shifting shadows across the study walls. The documents still lay on the table — fresh ink not yet fully dry.
Then slowly… his expression changed.
The strength left his eyes.
The calm mask slipped.
And sadness took its place.
Eva… please forgive me.
The words formed silently in his mind.
The title of Queen… I only ever wanted it to belong to you.
His fingers tightened slightly over the armrest.
The marriage certificate… I only wanted to sign it with you. I imagined it so many times… how you would smile…
A faint, bitter breath escaped him.
But I gave that place to someone else.
His chest felt heavy.
Not because I wanted to… but because I had to.
He lowered his gaze to the floor.
It is for our son. I cannot keep thinking only about myself anymore.
The silence in the room felt deeper now.
Lonelier.
It has been five and a half years since you were gone…
He closed his eyes.
But it still feels like it was just yesterday.
Her laughter.
Her footsteps.
Her warmth.
Everything remained painfully clear.
I miss you… Eva.
He leaned back slowly, surrendering to the quiet.
__________________________________
(Midnight — Royal Palace)
The palace had long fallen silent.
Only a few distant torches still burned in the endless corridors. Moonlight slipped through tall windows, painting pale silver lines across the marble floors.
Inside his study, Eyan was still working.
One document after another had passed through his hands until finally he set his quill aside. Ink stains marked his fingers. Weariness settled in his shoulders.
He stood up. The moment he turned to leave for his chambers, his eyes fell on a stack of papers resting on the small table beside the couch.
He paused.
Then walked toward it and picked it up.
It was the condition paper. The one he had signed without reading.
"…Looks like Hans forgot to take it."
He unfolded it and began reading while walking slowly toward his room.
Terms of the Marriage
[1•Party S and Party E will not have any kind of physical relationship.
2•Party E is not allowed to touch Party S. No direct skin contact is allowed.
3•Party E is not allowed to enter Party S's room under any condition.
4•Party S and Party E will address each other formally. Personal names or affectionate callings are strictly forbidden.
5•Party E must never develop any feelings or love interest toward Party S.
6•If Party E breaks any of the conditions, he must pay Party S 1000 gold coins.]
As Eyan finished reading…
His jaw clenched. A faint vein appeared near his temple.
"She's so full of herself," he muttered coldly. "As if I would ever do something so foolish."
His grip on the paper tightened slightly.
"If this is her way to take money from me…" his lips curved into a sharp, humorless smile, "she won't get a single penny."
__________________________________
(Royal Palace Corridor)
Eyan stopped walking. The night was very still.
For a brief moment… he felt something stir inside his chest.
A strange uneasiness. As if the future had brushed past him. He lowered his gaze to the paper in his hand.
The contract.
Her conditions. Her audacity.
"As if I would ever cross such lines…" he murmured quietly.
His voice was calm — but tired.
He had already given his heart once..There was nothing left to give. He walked forward again, long shadows moving with him.
"I will never touch her," he said under his breath.
A pause.
"I will never enter her room."
Another step.
"I will never call her by name."
The corridor seemed to listen.
"I will never feel anything."
He had lived five and a half years like a man carved from stone. Nothing could shake him now. Nothing could make him forget Eva. Nothing could make him feel again. Nothing could make him break.
He reached his chamber door and paused one last time. Without even looking back, he tossed the crumpled contract onto a nearby table.
"This marriage will remain exactly what it is," he whispered. "Only a name."
The door closed behind him. And the palace returned to silence. A silence that did not know… that one day the same man would:
• Touch her without gloves.
• Enter her room in the middle of the night.
• Call her name without formality.
• Stand beside her in front of the world.
Feel.
Burn.
Break.
And shatter every single condition he had just sworn he would never break.