(Five days later)
Royal Palace of Velmoria — Night
Steel gleamed under the lantern light. Eyan’s sword was pressed firmly against Hans’ throat, though his hand trembled—not with rage, but impatience. “Hans.” His voice cracked. “Give it to me. That’s an .”
Hans didn’t even flinch. “No, Your Majesty.”
Eyan’s brows knitted together, eyes flashing. “You dare disobey me?” He pushed the blade a fraction closer. “I’m asking you for the last time. Give me my ring.”
Hans sighed, deeply tired. “Your Majesty, you are behaving like a child.” He tilted his head slightly. “You will not die if you don’t see Her Majesty for a few days.”
Eyan went still. The next moment, he threw the sword to the floor with a loud . like an offended child throwing a toy.
“I might actually die, Hans!” he snapped, spinning around dramatically. “It’s been five whole days since I last saw her!”
He stomped toward his desk, hands fisting in his hair. “Five days! Do you know how long that is? I can’t even sleep properly!”
Hans crossed his arms. “Your Majesty—”
“Please.” Eyan suddenly turned, eyes wide, voice softer—almost pleading. “Give me my ring. I’ll just go and come back. A few hours. I only want to see her face. I won’t even talk if you don’t want me to.”
Hans stared at him in disbelief.
“Your Majesty,” he said slowly, “you were the one who gave me that ring. You ordered me not to return it, even if you begged.”
Eyan’s jaw dropped. “You’re really going to follow order?”
“Yes.”
“You devil,” Eyan muttered darkly. “I’ll never forget this. I’ll make you pay for this cruelty.”
Hans shrugged. “Very frightening, Your Majesty. Now sit down and finish your paperwork.”
With an angry huff, Eyan turned sharply, plopped into his chair, and began scribbling furiously pressing the quill so hard the paper nearly tore.
Hans watched his sulking emperor for a moment before speaking again.
“Don’t make that face,” he said calmly. “Just five more days. After your birthday celebration, you can see Her Majesty freely.”
Eyan didn’t look up. “You said that yesterday.”
“And today it still stands,” Hans replied. “The Prince of the Dravareth Empire arrives early tomorrow morning. You must be here to welcome him.”
Eyan paused, then sighed dramatically. “Fine. I understand. Now stop talking and leave.”
Hans turned toward the door, then stopped. “I’ll leave only if you promise not to run away from the palace.”
Eyan scoffed. “Run? How would I even run? You have my ring.”
“I don’t trust you.”
Eyan groaned loudly. “Fine. I promise I won’t run. Happy now?”
Hans smiled and bowed. “Good night, Your Majesty.”
The door closed behind him.
--------------------------------------------------------(Later that night)
Eyan threw the quill to the floor.
“I can’t concentrate at all,” he sighed irritably.
He leaned forward and dropped his head onto the desk, resting his forehead against the cold wood.
“…Princess,” he murmured softly. “I miss you.”
His gaze drifted to his hand—then stilled on his bare ring finger.
“I want to see her,” he whispered. “But I don’t even have my ring. And I can’t go to her as my real self.”
He stared at his hand for a long moment, fingers slowly curling into a fist.
Then—suddenly—he straightened.
“That’s it,” Eyan muttered, standing up abruptly. “I can’t take this anymore.”
He began pacing, words tumbling out in a rush. “I’ll go without the ring. She’ll be asleep anyway. I’ll just see her face and come back.”
He paused, convincing himself. “There won’t be any problem as long as she doesn’t see my face.”
Eyan grabbed a dark hood and pulled it over his head, then secured a mask over his face. He turned toward the mirror and studied his reflection.
You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.
“…Good,” he said quietly. “There’s no way she’ll recognize me like this.”
With that reckless determination, Eyan turned on his heel and ran out of the palace, abandoning all reason, all restraint, with only one thought in his mind.
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(In front of Eva’s house)
Eyan stopped before the quiet house and carefully looked around.
The street was empty. Silent.
He lowered his voice and called. “Mara.” From the darkness, his wolf emerged.
“Go,” Eyan whispered. “Open the window from inside.”
Mara nodded once before vanishing into the shadows. Moments later, the faint sound of a window unlocking echoed from above.
Eyan looked up. “…Good. Now come back.”
Mara slipped back into Eyan’s shadow as he began climbing the wall with practiced ease. Reaching the window, he moved quietly and slipped inside the room.
The soft glow of moonlight revealed Eva lying on the bed, sleeping peacefully.
A wide smile spread across Eyan’s lips the moment he saw her. All the tension he’d been carrying for days melted away.
He took a silent step closer… then another… before kneeling beside the bed, his gaze fixed on her face.
“” he whispered.
For a moment, he simply stayed there, memorizing every detail. Then slowly stood and turned to leave.
Suddenly— A hand grabbed his.
Eyan froze. His blood ran cold, his breath catching painfully in his throat.
Behind him, Eva stirred, half-asleep.
“Kyel…” she murmured softly. “What are you doing in the middle of the night… come and sleep.”
His pulse thundered in his ears.
Eva’s fingers loosened, and she collapsed back onto the bed, sinking into sleep once more.
Only then did Eyan dare to move.
Sweat trickled down his spine as he turned his head inch by inch, watching her chest rise and fall—waiting, terrified—until he was certain she was truly asleep.
He finally released the breath he had been holding, his hands trembling as he clutched his chest.
Without wasting another second, Eyan slipped through the window and pulled it shut behind him, every movement silent and rushed.
Moments later, he was gone—
returning to the palace with his heart still pounding.
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(Royal Palace of Velmoria)
Eyan slipped into his chamber and threw his hood and mask onto the floor. They landed with a dull thud.
He sat heavily on the edge of the bed, his chest rising and falling rapidly.
“That was reckless…” he muttered, his voice trembling. “I shouldn’t have gone to her. I almost got caught.”
He dragged a hand through his hair and forced himself to take a deep breath.
“It’s fine,” he whispered, as if calming a frightened child. “She didn’t find out. Everything is fine.”
His gaze fell to his hands.
They were still shaking.
A hollow laugh escaped him. “I’ve fought monsters. I’ve faced enemies. I’ve survived wars…” He clenched his fists slowly. “And yet my hands have never shaken like this.”
Eyan stood up abruptly, straightening his posture, forcing control back into his body.
“…Enough,” he said firmly. “Let's get back to work.”
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(The Next Day)
Royal Palace of Velmoria
Eyan stood at the palace entrance with Hans by his side as the royal carriage came to a halt before them.
The door opened, and Prince Velco Morvalis stepped out.
Prince Velco bowed respectfully. “Greetings, Your Majesty. It is a pleasure to finally meet you.”
Eyan returned the gesture with a warm, measured smile. “No—the pleasure is mine, Prince Velco. Welcome to Velmoria.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Prince Velco replied, smiling.
Eyan turned to Hans. “Hans, prepare a chamber for our guest. Make sure the prince faces no inconvenience during his stay.”
Hans bowed. “At once, Your Majesty.”
Turning back to Prince Velco, Eyan gestured toward the palace doors.
“You must be weary from your long journey. Please, let us go inside.”
Prince Velco nodded. “Of course.”
Together, they entered the palace.
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Prince Velco and Eyan sat opposite each other on the velvet couches as servants quietly served tea. Steam curled gently from the porcelain cups.
“Please,” Eyan said politely, gesturing. “Have some tea, Prince.”
Prince Velco smiled and lifted the cup, taking a slow sip. “Excellent.”
With a small gesture of his hand, Prince Velco signaled his men.
At once, several attendants entered the room, carrying a dozen finely crafted gift boxes—some adorned with gold engravings, others wrapped in deep crimson silk.
Prince Velco rose slightly from his seat, smiling.
“Your Majesty, I have brought gifts for you in honor of your upcoming birthday. Please, take a look.”
Eyan’s smile stiffened. “Prince Velco, I must apologize. I cannot accept these. You should take them back.”
Prince Velco’s brows lifted in surprise. “Your Majesty, please do not refuse. These were brought all the way from Dravareth—especially for you.” He chuckled lightly. “My father would be furious if I returned without giving them to you.”
Hans leaned closer to Eyan and whispered, “Your Majesty… it would be impolite to refuse.”
Eyan let out a quiet sigh before forcing a polite smile.
“…Very well. I will accept them.”
Prince Velco’s eyes lit up. “Then please, Your Majesty—open them.”
“Now?” Eyan asked.
“Yes,” Velco replied eagerly. “I wish to see your reaction.”
Eyan glanced at Hans. “Hans, open them.”
Hans stepped forward and opened several boxes one by one.
Inside were rare Dravareth silk robes, jeweled daggers crafted from obsidian steel, ancient scrolls sealed with royal wax, and a vial of shimmering blue essence said to restore vitality.
Murmurs of admiration filled the room.
Finally, Hans opened the smallest box.
He hesitated for a moment—then handed it to Eyan.
“Your Majesty.”
Eyan took the box and opened it.
Inside rested a woman’s ring, slender and elegant—its silver band entwined around a deep green gemstone that caught the light like polished emerald.
Eyan frowned slightly. “A woman’s ring?”
Prince Velco smiled. “Yes, Your Majesty. I personally selected it. You may give it to the woman you like.” His tone carried quiet confidence. “I am certain she would cherish it.”
Eyan’s lips curved into a restrained smile, though his eyes remained distant.
“I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed, Prince Velco. I don’t have any woman I like.” He closed the box halfway. “So this ring would be of no use to me.”
Prince Velco looked momentarily surprised, then chuckled softly.
“My apologies, Your Majesty. I assumed even the Emperor of Velmoria would have someone special.”
After a brief pause, he added thoughtfully, “Still, please keep it. Even unused things find their purpose in time.”
Eyan closed the box. “…Very well.”
He handed it to Hans. “Take it.”
At that moment, a servant entered hurriedly and bowed.
“Your Majesty, Duke Malric Vane has arrived with Duchess Gloriya Vane. They are waiting for you.”
Eyan rose to his feet. “Prince Velco, I must take my leave.”
Prince Velco stood as well, smiling politely. “Of course, Your Majesty.”
Eyan nodded once before turning and leaving the room—
unaware that the small he dismissed so easily had already begun weaving fate tighter around him.
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