Love The Way He Lied

The sky over Drexenthur was heavy with storm clouds as the royal carriage waited before the cursed gates. Black horses pawed the ground, ready to carry their prince across the border and into the heart of Velmoria.

Inside the cold stone palace, King Kaelith stood before his son, a glint of ambition sharp in his demonic eyes.

"The banquet is in seven days," he said darkly.

Kaelith stepped forward, placing a pale hand on his son's shoulder.

"You are not going there as a warrior. You will wear peace like a mask. Smile. Drink with them. Offer friendship."

Velco nodded. "And beneath that, I will observe. Search. Uncover."

Kaelith's voice dropped to a whisper. "Good. Find Emperor Eyan's weakness. Every king has one."

With one final bow, Velco turned and stepped into the carriage. The door shut behind him with a final thud of destiny.

The wheels began to turn. His journey to Velmoria had begun.

(Back in Velmoria – Imperial Palace)

Inside the marble halls of Velmoria's grand palace, Emperor Eyan Lucien Therald stood by the window of his private chamber, one hand resting on the sill as the sun bathed the empire in golden light.

He was lost in thought.

She lost the ring…

Eva's wedding ring. A simple silver ring cheap, ordinary. And simple he told her he'll buy a new one

But he had seen her searching beneath cushions, quietly checking the floors when she thought he wasn't looking.

"Hans," Eyan called suddenly.

His loyal aide stepped in. "Yes, Your Majesty?"

"Summon the finest jeweler in the empire. Nethan of Southwind. I want him here within the hour."

Hans blinked. "For what purpose, Your Highness?"

Eyan turned to face him. "I want to buy a ring. princess lost her wedding ring."

Hans straightened, surprised. "Understood. I'll bring him at once."

(A Few Hours Later)

The door creaked open as the renowned jeweler Nethan entered the imperial chamber, bowing deeply. His long coat shimmered with thread-of-gold and his hands carried a velvet case.

"Your Majesty," Nethan greeted, "I am honored by your summons."

Eyan nodded. "You were recommended as the most skilled in all Velmoria."

"I serve only the best."

"Show me your finest rings," Eyan said.

Nethan opened the case and slowly presented an array of rings—masterpieces of gem and metal. Diamonds that sparkled like ice. Gold bands etched with celestial patterns. Silver filigree so fine it looked like lace.

But Eyan's gaze landed on one in particular.

A ring with a green stone, deep as a forest after rain. Not emerald. Rarer. Richer. The light caught in its depth like moss beneath glass.

"This one," Eyan said, reaching out to touch it. "I want this one."

Nethan smiled. "You have sharp eyes, Your Majesty. This is a Verdant Ruby—very rare. Only found in the southern mines of the empire. One of the last of its kind."

Eyan nodded. "How much?"

"ten thousand gold coins," Nethan replied.

Hans, standing nearby, froze. "That's… ten thousand gold coins!"

"Fine. Pay him," Eyan said calmly.

Hans stepped forward. "Your Highness, forgive me, but… that's far too expensive for."

Eyan narrowed his eyes. "What are you trying to say, Hans? That it's too expensive for my princess?"

"No," Hans replied cautiously. "What I'm saying is… this ring is nothing for Emperor Eyan to buy but far too extravagant for Kyel, the laborer.

You're still living as Kyel in front of her. What will you say when she asks how you bought it?"

Eyan didn't speak for a moment. Then he smirked faintly.

"I'll tell her it's fake. That I found it in a market stall. She'll believe me."

Hans with straight face "your highness do you think Her Highness is… a fool?"

Eyan's voice turned low. "watch your mouth, Hans."

"I meant no disrespect, Your Majesty."

Eyan looked down at the ring, the green stone glowing between his fingers. "She's not fool. She just… trusts me. Too much."

Hans said quietly, "That trust is built on five months of lies. You've hidden your name, your title, your entire life. And she hasn't questioned a single thing."

Eyan's voice turned cold. "You're speaking too freely today, Hans. Want me to cut out that tongue of yours?"

Hans bowed quickly. "No, Your Majesty. I apologize. I crossed the line."

Hans hesitated. "May I ask, where do you keep your wedding ring, Your Majesty? The one you wear when visiting her highness?"

Eyan reached beneath his collar and pulled out a thin silver chain.

Hanging from it was a simple silver ring.

"Here"

"I always wear it when I go to see her," he said. "But once I return here… I remove it. And place it in this chain."

Hans nodded slowly. "I see."

Eyan's voice softened just a little. "Even lies deserve consistency."

"Pay Nethan and send him on his way."

Hans bowed. "As you wish, Your Majesty."

As Hans left with the jeweler, the door closed gently behind them.

Eyan stood alone once more.

He looked down at the green ruby one last time.

"She'll believe it's fake," he whispered. "Because she believes in me."

His jaw tensed.

"That's the most dangerous part of all."