(Royal Palace – Hall)
Eva, Eyan, Leo, Luca, and Aranel sat together in the grand hall as Eva explained everything about Goddess Liora, the punishment they had suffered. And how their painful separation had been part of the price.
She told them about the three conditions she had to fulfill to regain her memories…
When she finally finished, silence filled the hall.
Eyan let out a long breath, relief washing over his face.
"I'm happy to know nothing happened to Leo (8 years old)…"
His eyes softened as he looked at the sleeping child in Eva's arms.
"And that he safely returned to his world."
Luca nodded thoughtfully.
"But it would have been better if we could meet him at least once before he left…"
Then Luca looked at Eva curiously.
"Sister… do you really not know who made the wish?"
He crossed his arms.
"Because from what Leo told us… it was him who made the wish."
Eva looked down at Leo, who was sleeping peacefully in her arms. Her fingers gently stroked his soft hair.
Her eyes filled with complicated emotions.
"I don't know either, brother…" She spoke quietly. "What really happened… and who truly made the wish…"
Aranel smiled warmly.
"Well… whoever it was…"
Her eyes softened. "They have my gratitude....Because of them… you returned to us."
Eva smiled gently.
"Yes…" Her voice softened. "They have my gratitude too…"
Just then—
"Waaah… waaah…"
Soft crying echoed through the hall.
Everyone looked up at once.
Aranel suddenly gasped.
"Oh no! I forgot Nolan and Nayra are still in the room!"
Luca looked at her in disbelief.
"Aranel…"
He sighed dramatically.
"How can you forget about our children?"
Just then, two maids entered carefully, each carrying a crying baby.
"Don't cry, little lady…"
Aranel quickly stood and took Nayra into her arms, rocking her gently.
Luca lifted Nolan carefully, holding him close as he softly soothed him.
"Don't cry, Nolan…"
Aranel smiled lovingly at Nayra.
"Don't cry, Nayra…"
Eva watched them quietly. A warm smile slowly appeared on her face.
"Brother… Aranel…" Her eyes softened. "You two really look good together...with your children."
A hint of sadness passed through her expression.
"I feel bad I wasn't there to hold them…When you both took such good care of Leo…"
Aranel shook her head immediately. "Eva, don't say that…"
Luca nodded firmly.
"Yes, sister… don't say that."
Eyan gently stood and carefully lifted sleeping Leo from Eva's arms. Leo instinctively snuggled closer to him.
"Go…" Eyan smiled softly. "You can hold them now."
Eva smiled gratefully and stood up.
She walked toward Aranel and gently extended her arms.
Nayra immediately smiled and grabbed Eva's fingers.
Eva laughed softly. Then she moved toward Luca and reached for Nolan as well.
Luca looked slightly worried.
"Sister… don't take both of them together… you can take Nolan after."
Eva shook her head playfully.
"No, brother…I want to hold them together."
Carefully, she lifted Nolan too and gently rocked both babies in her arms.
"Nolan… Nayra…" She smiled warmly. "Do you recognize me?"
Both babies nodded happily.
Nayra spoke proudly in her tiny voice:
"Yes… we saw the portrait of you in Uncle Eyan's room…You are Aunty Eva."
Eva's heart melted instantly. She kissed Nayra's cheek gently.
"Yes… I am Aunty Eva."
Nolan quickly raised his small arms. "Me too, Aunty Eva… I want kiss too!"
Eva laughed softly and kissed Nolan's cheek as well.
"Happy?"
Nolan smiled brightly.
"Very…"
Eyan watched the scene quietly, a peaceful smile resting on his face.
Then Nayra suddenly looked at him curiously.
"Uncle… what about Aunty Sia?"
"You said you would bring her back…Why isn't she here?"
Eyan chuckled softly and pointed toward Eva.
"Aunty Sia…"
"Is the one holding you."
Nayra blinked in surprise and looked at Eva carefully.
"Aunty Eva...are you Aunty Sia?"
Eva smiled warmly.
"Yes…"
Nayra smiled brightly.
"That's good…"
Eva looked lovingly at Nayra.
"She is such a cute little baby…She really takes after you, Aranel."
Then she looked at Nolan.
"And this little handsome one clearly takes after his father."
Both Aranel and Luca looked extremely proud.
Eva laughed softly.
"Brother… you did a great job."
She teased playfully.
"It's rare to have twins on the first try."
Luca coughed awkwardly. Aranel blushed deeply.
Eyan chuckled quietly in the background.
The hall filled with warmth, soft laughter, and the peaceful feeling of a family finally reunited.
After years of pain…They were finally together again...Where they belonged.
--------------------------------------------------------
(Midnight – Royal Palace)
After finishing their long conversation, Luca carefully healed the remaining injuries on Eva's body. The faint glow of magic slowly closed the small cuts on her neck and hands.
Once everything was settled, Luca and Aranel returned to their chamber, each carrying one of the sleeping twins — Nolan and Nayra.
The palace slowly became quiet again.
Eva adjusted the sleeping Leo in her arms, gently supporting his head against her shoulder so he wouldn't wake.
"Let's go, Leo… we should sleep too. It's late."
She began walking toward the door. Eyan quietly followed behind her.
--------------------------------------------------------(Palace Corridor)
Eva walked through the silent corridor, Leo sleeping peacefully in her arms. The knights standing guard immediately bowed their heads respectfully as she passed.
Eyan followed a few steps behind, watching her quietly.
When they reached her chamber, Eva opened the door and stepped inside. She turned slightly and began to close it—
Eyan quickly placed his foot between the door.
"Eva… what are you doing?"
Eva looked at him calmly.
"Closing the door."
"I know…" Eyan tried to push the door slightly. "But first… let me get inside too."
Eva tilted her head slightly.
"Why would Your Majesty enter my chamber?"
Her lips curved slightly.
"You are not allowed inside."
Eyan blinked.
"Not allowed…? But why?"
Eva smiled sweetly.
"Your Majesty… did you forget about the condition paper we signed?"
Eyan lowered his voice, almost pleading.
"Eva… forget about that contract."
Eva's lips curved into a small, victorious smile.
"Oh, I will forget about it…"
She paused deliberately, watching his hopeful expression change.
"…after twenty-four hours."
"I'm going to follow every rule you set… for exactly twenty-four hours."
Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she imitated his deep voice perfectly:
"Do you remember what you said to me 'I, Eyan Lucian Therald, will never break any conditions.'"
Eyan slowly closed his eyes, regret flooding his face.
"I was a fool…" he muttered under his breath. "Please let me get inside."
She looked at him, "ok but you have to give me 1000 gold coins for breaking the condition."
"I'll give it to you...Now let me get in."
Eva watched him for a moment before letting out a soft sigh.
"Fine…get inside" She stepped aside slightly. "But my bed is not big."
Her finger pointed casually toward the couch near the window.
"You'll have to sleep there."
Eyan's face brightened immediately.
"Okay."
He nodded without hesitation.
"I'll sleep on the couch."
His voice softened. "I just want to stay in the same room as you and Leo."
For a moment, Eva simply looked at him.
Then she opened the door wider.
Eyan stepped inside quietly, as if afraid she might change her mind.
Eva walked to the bed and gently laid Leo down, carefully supporting his head as it touched the pillow. The boy stirred slightly, his brows faintly knitting together, before relaxing again into deep sleep.
Eva watched his peaceful face, a soft smile slowly appearing on her lips.
A quiet laugh escaped her.
Eyan, standing beside her, tilted his head slightly.
"Why are you laughing?"
Eva gently brushed Leo's soft hair away from his forehead.
"That time in the market…"
Her eyes warmed with memory.
"When you were chasing me…And Leo saved me…"
She laughed softly again.
"He called me...lady thief."
She shook her head slightly.
"Now that I remember everything… it feels funny."
Her fingers moved tenderly through Leo's hair.
"My little boy found me first...and helped me."
Eyan stepped closer, his gaze resting on Leo's sleeping face.
"Yes…" His voice was quiet, filled with emotion. "He found his mother first."
Eva's eyes softened as she looked at Eyan.
"Eyan… you raised him very well."
Her voice grew gentler.
"He became such a wonderful child…"
A faint sadness passed through her expression.
"If I had been there…I don't think he would have turned out like this."
Before she could look away, Eyan reached out and gently held her face. His thumb brushed softly against her cheek, warm and steady.
"Why are you saying that?" His eyes searched hers. "He became a good child because he takes after his mother."
His voice dropped lower, sincere and unwavering.
"Just like his mother… he has a kind heart."
Eva smiled softly, her gaze steady on his face.
"You just touched my face."
Eyan blinked.
Eva nodded calmly.
"1000 gold coins."
She crossed her arms lightly.
"For breaking the condition....Remember to give it to me."
Eyan sighed heavily in defeat.
"Why do you keep bringing up that cursed contract…"
"Fine… I'll give it to you..take everything, it's yours anyway."
Eva gently removed his hands from her face.
Then she picked up a pillow and folded sheet from the side of the bed and handed them to him.
"Here." She gestured toward the couch. "Take these… and go sleep there."
Eyan pouted slightly as he accepted them.
"I was wrong…"
He muttered dramatically.
"You are not kind-hearted....You are cruel."
Eva instantly grabbed another pillow from the bed to hit him. "What did you just say?"
Eyan immediately turned and hurried toward the couch.
"Nothing!....I didn't say anything!"
He quickly placed the pillow down, adjusting the sheet. Lying down, he turned slightly toward the bed…
His eyes never leaving her.
Eva lay down beside Leo, gently pulling the blanket over him before settling beside her son.
The soft glow of moonlight filled the room.
Peaceful.
Quiet.
And yet…Even from across the room
Eyan could not stop looking at her....
As if reassuring himself…That she was truly there...
And this time—
She wasn't going anywhere.
--------------------------------------------------------
(Next Morning – Royal Palace)
(Eva's Chamber)
Soft golden sunlight filtered gently through the tall palace windows, slipping past the thin curtains and spreading warmth across the quiet chamber.
Eva slowly opened her eyes.
For a moment, she simply lay there, feeling the softness of the bed beneath her… the peaceful silence around her… the familiar comfort in her heart.
It had been a long time since she had slept so peacefully.
She stretched her arms above her head, letting out a small sigh as the last traces of sleep faded away.
Turning her head slightly, her gaze fell on Leo.
He was still fast asleep beside her, his tiny hand curled near his cheek, his soft breathing steady and calm. A few strands of his hair rested messily across his forehead, making him look even more innocent.
Eva's eyes softened instantly.
A gentle smile touched her lips as she carefully leaned closer and pressed a soft kiss on his forehead.
Leo shifted slightly in his sleep, his brows knitting faintly before relaxing again, as if reassured by her presence.
Eva watched him for a few seconds longer… simply enjoying the quiet moment.
Then her eyes moved toward the couch.
The neatly folded blanket.
The untouched pillow.
Empty.
Her brows furrowed slightly.
"Where did Eyan go…"
She sat up slowly, glancing once more toward the couch.
Just then, Leo stirred.
His eyelashes fluttered as he slowly opened his eyes, still heavy with sleep.
He sat up lazily, rubbing his eyes with both small hands.
"Good morning… mother…"
His voice was soft and slightly hoarse from sleep.
Eva's expression melted instantly.
She gently cupped his cheek and placed a loving kiss on it.
"Good morning…leo"
Leo blinked slowly, his sleepy gaze moving around the room.
He tilted his head slightly.
"Where is father… mother?"
Eva glanced once more at the empty couch before giving a small thoughtful hum.
"I don't know either…"
Just then—
Her nose twitched slightly.
She paused.
Then sniffed the air once…
Twice…
A rich, mouthwatering aroma drifted gently into the room.
The unmistakable scent of a carefully prepared breakfast.
Eva's lips curved knowingly, amusement flickering in her eyes.
"No…"
A soft chuckle escaped her.
"I think I know exactly where your father is."
Leo's eyes brightened immediately, all sleepiness disappearing in an instant.
"Food?"
Eva laughed quietly at his reaction and lifted him easily into her arms.
"Yes… food."
"But first…"
She tapped the tip of his nose gently.
"Bath."
Leo pouted slightly, clearly unhappy about the delay.
But he still wrapped his arms loosely around her neck, resting his head on her shoulder.
"Okay…"
Eva carried him toward the bathing chamber, her steps light.
"Let's hurry…"
"Your father seems very motivated today."
---------------------------------------------
(Royal Palace – Kitchen)
The royal kitchen was unusually quiet.
Normally, it would be filled with the sounds of clattering utensils, boiling pots, and busy footsteps.
But today…
Every servant stood silently in their place.
Eyan stood near the preparation table, his sleeves rolled up neatly to his elbows.
His usually cold and distant expression had softened completely.
A faint smile rested on his lips — one he wasn't even trying to hide.
Despite the faint redness still visible on his face…
His mood was clearly brighter than anyone had ever seen before.
He carefully arranged sliced fruits on a plate, adjusting their position slightly before nodding to himself in satisfaction.
One servant quietly leaned closer to another, whispering cautiously:
"I wasn't in the palace yesterday… did something happen?"
His eyes flickered nervously toward Eyan before lowering again.
"I have never seen His Majesty… this happy before."
The other servant smiled knowingly, clearly enjoying the rare sight.
"A lot happened yesterday…"
He whispered back.
"Our late Empress returned."
The first servant's eyes widened so much they nearly popped out.
"Our late Empress…?"
"But… how is that even possible?"
The second servant lowered his voice even more, as if afraid the walls themselves might overhear.
"It is possible…"
"I saw her with my own eyes."
The first servant blinked in disbelief.
"Oh…"
His gaze slowly moved back toward Eyan's face.
"But… what happened to His Majesty's face?"
The second servant pressed his lips together, trying very hard not to laugh.
"Our Empress did that."
"Our Empress…?"
"Yes."
He nodded seriously.
"I always thought our king was frightening…"
"But it turns out…Our queen is even more frightening."
He added in an even quieter whisper:
"Even His Majesty is afraid of her...We must be more careful from now on."
The first servant immediately nodded with complete seriousness.
"Understood…"
At that moment, Eyan finished pouring warm soup into a bowl.
He paused briefly, examining the arrangement of dishes on the long table.
Everything had to be perfect.
After a few seconds, he gave a small satisfied nod before walking toward the basin to wash his hands.
Water ran quietly as he cleaned the flour from his fingers.
Without turning around, he spoke calmly:
"Take everything to the dining hall."
The servants immediately straightened their backs and bowed deeply.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Carefully, they began lifting the trays one by one, moving with extra caution as if the dishes carried something more precious than food.
As they left the kitchen in an orderly line…
--------------------------------------------------------
(Dining Hall – Royal Palace)
The long royal dining table was already filled with carefully arranged dishes.
Freshly baked bread still released thin curls of steam. Golden butter slowly softened beside it. Bowls of warm soup filled the air with comforting aroma, while plates of fruits glistened under the morning light filtering through the tall windows.
At the head of the table sat Eyan.
His posture was straight, calm… yet his eyes occasionally moved toward the large doors.
Waiting.
Anticipating.
A servant standing nearby bowed respectfully.
"Your Majesty… shall I call everyone?"
Eyan lightly shook his head.
"No… there is no need. They will come in—"
Before he could finish—
The dining hall doors burst open.
Small hurried footsteps echoed across the marble floor.
"Good morning, Uncle Eyan!"
"Good morning, Uncle!"
Nayra and Nolan ran inside excitedly, their tiny steps slightly uneven but full of energy.
Before anyone could stop them, both climbed onto Eyan's lap as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Eyan let out a quiet chuckle, carefully adjusting them so they wouldn't fall.
His usually cold eyes softened instantly.
"Good morning…"
He gently brushed Nayra's hair away from her face.
"Did you two sleep well?"
Nayra nodded enthusiastically.
"Yes, we did!"
Then she tilted her head curiously.
"What about you, Uncle? Did you sleep well?"
Eyan smiled faintly.
"Yes… I did."
Nayra leaned forward and kissed his cheek.
"That's my morning kiss."
Before he could react, Nolan leaned in from the other side and kissed his other cheek proudly.
"And that's my morning kiss."
Eyan's smile deepened as he gently patted their heads.
"Thank you."
Then he glanced toward the entrance again.
"Why did you two come alone?..0Where are your parents?"
Nayra swung her legs happily.
"Mother and father are coming…"
"…with Aunty and Brother Leo."
Eyan nodded slowly.
"I see…"
Just then—
Soft laughter echoed from the hallway.
Moments later, Luca, Aranel, Eva, and Leo entered the dining hall together.
The moment Eyan's eyes landed on Eva—
His entire expression lit up.
A warmth filled his gaze that he didn't even try to hide.
"Good morning, Eyan," Luca greeted casually as he pulled out a chair.
Aranel smiled gently.
"Good morning, brother."
Leo ran toward the table eagerly.
"Good morning, father!"
Eyan nodded warmly.
"Good morning… everyone."
Then—
His gaze naturally shifted toward Eva.
He waited.
But Eva did not greet him the way he expected.
Instead, she walked calmly to her seat… then slightly bowed her head with perfect formality.
"Greetings, Your Majesty."
Eyan's expression immediately fell.
"Eva—"
Eva raised her hand slightly, stopping him.
"1000 gold coins."
Her tone was calm but firm.
"You broke the condition....You are not allowed to call me by my name."
A quiet sigh escaped Eyan's lips.
Luca raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued.
"Sister… what exactly is happening between you two?"
Eva calmly took her seat.
"Brother, you don't know…"
"His Majesty made me sign a contract paper with several conditions when we signed the marriage certificate."
She looked straight ahead, maintaining her serious expression.
"If he breaks any rule…"
"He must pay me one hundred gold coins."
Luca rested his chin on his hand, clearly entertained.
"And if you break the rules?"
Eva answered without hesitation.
"Then I must end the marriage…"
"…and leave the palace."
Eyan immediately covered his face with one hand, clearly regretting every decision that had led him here.
Luca burst into laughter.
He looked directly at Eyan with sympathy… and amusement.
"Eyan…You really dug your own grave."
Eyan sighed deeply.
"I know…"
Luca leaned slightly closer to Eva, lowering his voice dramatically.
"So, sister…"
"How long are you planning to torture him like this?"
Eva calmly picked up her cup.
"For twenty-four hours."
Luca immediately shook his head.
"Just twenty-four hours?...That is too short."
He smiled mischievously.
"Make it one week."
Eyan instantly shot him a dangerous glare.
"Luca… I will kick you if you give her any ideas."
Luca crossed his arms confidently.
"Oh really?...Then kick me."
He leaned back comfortably in his chair.
"Let's see if you can even touch me now."
"My sister-in-law is back to protect me....You don't have the authority anymore."
Eyan pointed at him threateningly.
"You—"
Eva cleared her throat softly.
The simple sound instantly froze Eyan in place.
He turned his head slowly toward her.
"…I will deal with you later," he muttered quietly to Luca.
Then he looked down at the twins still sitting happily on his lap.
"Nayra… Nolan…"
"Go sit in your seats."
Both nodded obediently and climbed down carefully before walking to their chairs.
Servants immediately stepped forward and began serving breakfast.
Plates were placed gently.
Warm soup was poured.
Fresh bread was served.
Despite the peaceful atmosphere…
An unusual silence filled the table.
Everyone focused on their food.
Well…
Almost everyone.
But Eyan's gaze kept drifting toward Eva again and again.
And Eva—
Very deliberately—
Pretended not to notice.
.
.
To be continued—