Love The Way He Lied

The grand banners of Velmoria fluttered in the warm wind as Prince Velco's carriage entered the capital gates. His presence, cloaked in courtesy, carried the weight of an enemy's footsteps dressed in silk.

At the palace gates, Emperor Eyan Lucien Therald awaited him, expression unreadable, eyes cold and sharp like tempered steel.

"Prince Velco," Eyan said, voice firm yet diplomatic. "Welcome to Velmoria."

Velco stepped down with a charming smile. "An honor, Your Majesty."

They shook hands—brief, calculated.

(In Evening)

The sun sank lower, and by evening, the palace transformed into a glowing jewel of light. The imperial banquet was about to begin.

Inside Eyan's chamber, Hans stood by as the emperor adjusted the final details of his formal attire—an obsidian cloak over rich black embroidery.

"Your Highness," Hans spoke cautiously, "something feels... off.

Velco has been asking subtle questions since his arrival. Are you really going to let him wander freely in the empire?"

Eyan gave a faint smile. "Let him. He will never find what he's looking for."

"But—"

"Our spies are watching his every move," Eyan cut in calmly. "He's already surrounded."

Hans bowed slightly. "As you command. It's time for the banquet."

The banquet hall gleamed with golden chandeliers and polished marble floors. Nobles flooded in, dressed in silks and sparkling jewels.

Among them, Eva entered quietly with her friend.

She wore a simple lavender gown with no jewelry—only the silver ring her husband gave her, gleaming gently under the light.

"Wow," her friend whispered, eyes wide. "The palace is so big… Is this really just the banquet hall?"

Eva barely heard her. The moment her eyes landed on the hall's center, a chill passed down her spine. Memories came rushing back.

This is the place… 

This is where he killed me in my first life…

"Eva?" her friend nudged her. "What are you thinking so deeply about?"

Eva forced a smile. "Nothing… Let's get something to eat."

Suddenly, the chamberlain's voice echoed across the hall: 

"His Majesty, Emperor Eyan Lucien Therald, has arrived."

Guests turned toward the entrance.

Eva immediately moved behind a marble pillar, hiding herself.

Eyan walked in, regal and composed, the crowd parting for him like waves for a storm. Murmurs followed in his wake—about his beauty, his cruelty, his unmatched power.

One by one, noble ladies stepped forward, asking for the honor of a dance.

But he refused them all.

Hans, standing at his side, whispered with a sigh, "Your Majesty, don't you think you're being too harsh?"

"I already told you," Eyan replied, sipping wine, "I won't be dancing with anyone tonight. Stop forcing me."

"But don't you feel even a little pity for these beautiful ladies—?"

"Then you go dance with them," Eyan snapped, eyes narrowing. "And did you just call them beautiful? You need to get your eyes checked."

Hans sighed. "Your Majesty."

Meanwhile, from her hiding place, Eva watched Eyan carefully. He was speaking with powerful noble families, his expression unreadable.

Her heart pounded.

There are too many people here… I can't talk to him like this. I have to wait for the right moment… when he's alone…

Nervously, she excused herself from the hall. Moments later, she spotted Eyan leaving.

He's going somewhere… now's my chance.

She followed, footsteps light, heart racing.

She turned the corner where he'd disappeared. Strange… where did he go? I'm sure he came this way…

One door stood slightly ajar.

Eva pushed it gently, peeking in.

It's dark…

She stepped inside cautiously, the heavy silence pressing against her skin. Her eyes scanned the shadows.

Did he go to the bathroom?

She moved toward the side room—

Then stopped.

A figure sat silently in a chair, back to her. She hadn't seen him.

Before she could speak, a voice, smooth and dark, echoed through the room:

"Are you looking for me, Lady?"

Eva froze.

Her breath caught in her throat.

That voice… That presence…

It was Eyan.