Love The Way He Lied

"…Kyel?"

The man leaned forward, a hint of confusion in his striking gaze.

"I'm not Kyel," he said. "You must be disoriented."

As her vision cleared, Eva's breath caught in her throat.

Snow-white hair framed his pale face, and his expression was sharp, almost ethereal. But it was his eyes—crimson red, gleaming like rubies in firelight—that made her heart stumble.

"You're not…," she muttered under her breath, sitting up slightly with effort.

He noticed her discomfort immediately and reached out.

"Don't move too quickly. The arrow wound on your leg was deep. The palace physician treated it."

Palace?

Eva's eyes darted around, now recognizing the ornate surroundings, the velvet bedding, the silk curtains.

"You brought me here…?" she asked, voice laced with disbelief.

"Yes," he replied. "I found you near the guild hall, injured. There was no one with you. It was nearly midnight."

"Why?"

The question lingered in the air longer than she intended.

"…You were bleeding. Alone. I didn't know your name, but I couldn't ignore you."

He stood, graceful and quiet, then walked to the side table and returned with a tray.

"Eat. You lost a lot of blood. Bread, broth, and honeyed tea."

Eva hesitated. Her heart still beat in confusion—why would he help her? Why was the Emperor of Velmoria, the man who killed her in her first life, now watching over her like a silent guardian?

He caught her staring.

"If you're wondering why I didn't ask your name," he added, setting the tray gently beside her, "I didn't want to wake you until the painkillers wore off."

She lowered her gaze.

"Eva," she said quietly.

He paused.

"Eva," he repeated, as if testing it on his tongue. Then added softly,

"It suits you."

Her breath caught again.

"I've arranged a carriage to take you home," he said, walking toward the tall doors. "When you're ready, just tell the guard where you live."

With that, he left, the soft sound of his boots disappearing into the silence.

Eva sat alone in the grand room, her leg still bandaged, her heart pounding.

Why did the man who once Crowned her death… now offer her kindness?

And why, in those crimson eyes, did she not see the monster she remembered…

…but a mystery she couldn't look away from?

"You didn't sleep, Your Majesty."

"I couldn't," Eyan muttered, eyes locked on the corridor ahead. "The fever kept rising. And the wound—damn it, it's deep. It'll scar if it doesn't heal clean."

Hans "Did she recognize you"

"no.."

Hans exhaled. "Still, you should be careful.

"I will"

now "Bring the knight who fired the arrow."

Hans blinked. "Pardon?"

"The one who wounded her."

Hans hesitated. "Yes, Your Majesty."

Eva stood at the palace gates, ready to board the golden carriage. Her leg was wrapped, her dress freshly pressed, her heart still unsure how to feel.

"Lady Eva," Eyan said, appearing beside her once more.

She turned, caught off guard by the sudden change in the air.

Eyan's voice was low. "Before you leave, there is something you must do."

Hans appeared with a knight—young, terrified, visibly shaking. He fell to his knees.

"He was the one who fired the arrow. He acted recklessly, disobeying orders."

Eva's eyes widened as she looked between them.

"What… are you going to do with him?"

"I thought you should choose," Eyan said calmly. "The punishments on the table are: both hands cut off... or execution."

Eva's breath caught. "You don't need to go to that length. I'm fine—truly."

Eyan stared at her for a moment. Then nodded.

"Very well," he said, voice calm. "Then he will be forgiven—if you slap him once."

Hans choked on air. "Your Majesty?!"

The knight's face lit up like he'd just escaped death.

"A slap? That's it? Thank the gods—"

Eva hesitated, glancing between them. "Are you sure?"

Eyan gave a slight smirk. "Don't hold back. Hit as hard as you can."

The knight nervously stepped forward, closing his eyes.

Eva raised her hand.

SLAP.

The sound echoed through the Palace like thunder.

The knight's head snapped to the side. A tooth flew out. He collapsed instantly.

"W-What…?" Eva's hand trembled. "Did I hit him too hard?!"

Eyan stepped beside her, completely unfazed.

"It's alright, Lady Eva."

Hans stared, jaw slack. "He fainted... from a slap…"

Eyan smiled. "Hans, escort Lady Eva to her carriage."

After Eva Left

The carriage rolled down the road, golden wheels spinning.

Eyan remained at the palace steps, eyes still watching the distance.

Hans approached cautiously. "Your Majesty… you knew, didn't you? That's why you suggested the slap."

A rare smile tugged at Eyan's lips.

"My princess has always had strong hands."

He turned toward Hans, mischief in his voice.

"Do you remember that one time my cheek was swollen for a week?"

Hans blinked. "That was a slap?!"

"She slapped me in her sleep," Eyan said proudly. " That's how I knew the knight wouldn't get away unscathed."

They both turned to look at the unconscious knight, still flat on the stone.

Eyan sighed, hands on his hips. "Hans, get him up. He's not waking anytime soon. And from the sound of the slap…"

He tilted his head thoughtfully.

"I'd say his jaw's fractured. Poor man won't be chewing anything for a month."

Hans gave a slow nod. "Merciful punishment indeed."

Eyan smirked.

"For her, it was."