Love The Way He Lied

After making the deal with Eyan, Eva was leaving the palace, her steps brisk, her thoughts tangled. But just as she turned the corner of the corridor, she collided with someone.

"I'm sorry," Eva murmured.

"No, it's alright, Lady," the man replied politely.

She looked up, startled to see a young man with striking golden eyes and a composed smile.

"You're not hurt, are you?" he asked gently.

Eva shook her head. "No, I'm fine. Thank you."

"You're leaving already?" he asked. "The party hasn't ended yet."

"I don't like parties," Eva replied softly. "So I thought I'd leave early."

"I see…" he said with a curious smile. "Are you alone, Lady?"

Eva hesitated for a second. "No. I'm here with a friend."

"Oh," he nodded, then extended a hand formally.

"Let me introduce myself. My name is Velcon Monish Vorgrath, from the Kingdom of Drexenthur."

Eva's eyes widened slightly. She lowered her head immediately. "Your Highness… the Prince of Drexenthur.

Please forgive my rudeness. I didn't recognize you."

Velcon chuckled warmly.

"It's alright. It's our first time meeting, after all. It's natural for you not to know."

Then he tilted his head with polite curiosity. "And you, Lady… you might be—?"

"Oh, forgive me," Eva said, lifting her gaze, "I am Eva Elvaris."

Velcon's smile deepened.

"A beautiful name for a beautiful lady."

"Lady Eva, are you waiting for your friend?" he asked.

"Yes," Eva replied with a small smile. "She should be here soon."

"Until your friend arrives," Velcon said, extending his hand casually, "would you care to take a short stroll in the garden with me?"

Eva hesitated for a breath. He's from a neighboring kingdom… refusing might seem disrespectful.

She nodded. "Of course, Your Highness."

They walked side by side through the winding palace gardens, the path lit gently by moonlight and lanterns. The evening breeze was soft, carrying the scent of fresh roses.

"Did you enjoy your time in our empire, Your Highness?" Eva asked politely.

"Yes, very much," Velcon replied, his gaze lingering a little longer than necessary on her face. "There are many beautiful things to see…"

Eva tilted her head, confused by the way he looked at her. "?"

Velcon simply smiled.

"Anyway, Lady Eva, may I ask you a question?"

"Go ahead," she answered.

"Are you single?"

Eva blinked in surprise, then smiled faintly as she raised her left hand, showing the modest ring on her finger. "No, Your Highness, I have a husband."

Velcon's smile faltered for a brief moment. "Ah… well, that's unfortunate."

"Sorry?"

"No, don't mind me," he chuckled. "Just a joke, Lady Eva. Though I suppose you don't enjoy jokes."

"I do, Your Highness. I was just… a little taken aback," Eva said honestly.

"Understandable," he said with a light laugh. "But I must say, that's a beautiful ring you're wearing."

Eva glanced down at it, smiling warmly. "It is, isn't it? My husband gave it to me."

Velcon watched her with mild fascination. "You must love him a lot. The way your face lit up just now… it says more than your words."

Eva looked down, a little flustered. "Is it that obvious?"

"Yes," Velcon said simply.

He leaned back slightly, hands behind him. "That ring looks expensive. Your husband must be someone of high ranking noble man."

Eva shook her head. "No. He's a commoner. And the ring… it's not expensive. It's actually quite cheap."

Velcon's smile froze slightly. "A noble lady like you married to a commoner?"

"I left my house. I'm no longer part of nobility," Eva replied calmly. "I live as a commoner now."

"Ah… is that so?" Velcon murmured, his tone unreadable.

From a distance, a voice called out, "Eva! Where are you?"

Eva turned. "That's my friend Aranel. She must be looking for me."

She curtsied. "Your Highness, please excuse me."

Velcon gave a courteous bow. "It was a pleasure speaking with you. Let's meet again sometime."

"Of course," Eva replied politely and turned to leave.

Velcon's smile slowly faded as he watched her figure disappear into the garden path.

"…It was truly nice meeting you," he whispered to himself, a faint smirk forming on his lips.

The morning sun poured into the palace windows. In the quiet luxury of the Emperor's chamber, a servant knocked before entering.

"Your Majesty, your morning meeting is about to begin. All the ministers have gathered," the servant said with a respectful bow.

Eyan, still fastening the last clasp on his uniform, nodded. "Got it. I'll be there."

"And where's Hans?"

"He's already in the meeting room, Your Majesty."

"Good."

He glanced toward the small table near his desk. And picked up a small box. "Here, take these cookies to my office. I'll have them after the meeting."

"Yes, Your Majesty," the servant replied and exited.

Three Hours Later – After the Council Meeting

"All the assignments have been delegated," Eyan announced, straightening his coat. "Prepare a report for the next meeting. We'll review progress then. This meeting is adjourned."

As Eyan turned to leave the grand chamber with Hans at his side, a voice called from behind.

"Your Majesty."

Eyan glanced over his shoulder. "Yes, Duke Jeffrey?"

"There is something I wish to discuss with you—privately."

Eyan gave Hans a slight gesture to step away.

"As you wish, Duke," he said and followed him toward a quieter corridor.

Meanwhile – In Eyan's Office

Hans returned to the Emperor's office, sorting papers on the desk. His eyes landed on the box.

"Cookies?" he muttered. "Who left these here?" He opened the lid, inspecting the plain-looking treats.

"They look nice… but His Majesty doesn't even like sweets.

Maybe the servant left them by mistake."

Curious, Hans picked one up and took a bite.

The door slammed open.

Eyan stood there, eyes sharp. "What the hell are you doing?!"

Hans froze, cookie halfway in his mouth. "Y-Your Highness…"

In a flash, Eyan unsheathed his sword and pressed it gently against Hans's throat. "Swallow it. Don't even think about spitting it out."

Sweating, Hans obeyed, chewing slowly and painfully under pressure.

"Finish the rest," Eyan ordered coldly.

Hans, with shaking hands, shoved the remaining cookie into his mouth and swallowed it with effort.

Eyan lowered his sword and glared. "Don't you ever touch my stuff without permission again."

Hans coughed. "Yes… but Your Majesty… why are these cookies so… tasteless? There's no sugar at all. Felt like I was eating dry wheat."

"You have a death wish," Eyan snapped. "How dare you insult them."

"But… Your Majesty—"

"They're a gift from Princess."

Hans blinked. "Princess.. Her Highness?"

"Yes. She gave them to me last night… for my birthday."

Hans's eyes widened. "Her Highness was at the banquet?

."She came with a friend.Eyan said calmly She wanted to speak to me."

"About what?"

"She asked if I would teach her swordsmanship."

Hans looked confused. "Sword lessons? Why would Her Highness want to learn the sword?"

"I didn't ask," Eyan replied simply.

Hans hesitated. "She didn't tell… him?"

"Who?"

"You Your Highness"

"Why would she need my permission?" Eyan said sharply.

Hans stammered, "No, I mean—your other self… her husband, she didn't inform him?"

Eyan folded his arms. "Just because I'm her husband doesn't mean she has to take my permission for everything. She can do whatever she likes."

Hans looked unsure. "Still… shouldn't she have told him she was coming to the palace?"

"She must have her reasons. She'll tell me… when she's ready."

Hans sighed. "If you're sure, then I won't question it."

Then he grimaced. "But those cookies, though… why did they taste like that?"

Eyan's expression softened, just slightly. "She probably forgot to add sugar. It's her first time baking. I bet she made quite a mess in the kitchen."

"Then… who usually does the cooking?"

"I do," Eyan said flatly.

Hans nearly choked. "You, Your Majesty?"

Eyan narrowed his eyes. "Yes. Why do you look so shocked?"

"N-No reason! I just… never imagined the emperor of Velmoria baking cookies in a kitchen."

"Do you want me to bake some for you too?" Eyan said dryly.

Hans lit up. "Really?"

Eyan smirked. "Not in this life."

Hans sighed. "Your Majesty…"

"I only cook for the Princess. No one else. So forget about it."

Hans laughed lightly, then asked, "So… what was your answer to Her Highness's request?"

"I said I'd teach her."

"You did?"

"Yes. Her lessons start next week. Also, start preparing training for the new batch of knights."

Hans bowed. "Yes, Your Majesty."

After Hans left, Eyan sat down and picked up a cookie. He took a bite, eyes softening.

"So tasteless," he muttered… then smiled.

"But so damn good."