Love The Way He Lied

It had been seven days since the grand banquet at the palace. Eyan sat alone in his chamber, reviewing documents with an expression that barely masked the thoughts running wild beneath.

"Eva asked me to teach her swordsmanship…"

His brows furrowed.

"Why would she suddenly want to learn to wield a sword?"

It wasn't something She took interest in, Not without reason. Was she hiding something? Feeling threatened?

He leaned back, gazing out the window as if it would offer answers.

"Maybe she'll talk to Kyel."

A decision settled in his mind. If she wouldn't tell Eyan the emperor, perhaps she would confide in Kyel—The Husband she trusted.

Eva's Residence – One Day Before the Lesson

Eva stood in front of the full-length mirror, adjusting the leather gloves she had just received. Her tunic for tomorrow's training lay neatly folded on the table. Anticipation filled her chest—alongside a quiet fear.

Can I really do this? she wondered, glancing at her hands.

A knock at the door broke her thoughts. She blinked in surprise—it was late.

Opening the door, her eyes widened.

"Hello, Princess," came Kyel's warm voice, his smile softening the sharp edges of her day.

"Kyel?" Eva blinked, stepping aside to let him in. "You were supposed to return tomorrow."

"My work finished earlier than expected," he said, pulling her into his arms before she could even close the door. "I missed you so much, Princess."

Eva's lips curved as she embraced him tightly. "I missed you too."

Kyel glanced around, then asked, "What were you doing just now?"

"I was just… preparing for tomorrow."

"Tomorrow? Is something special?" he asked, curious.

Eva hesitated, her smile faltering. "Sweetheart… there's something I want to tell you."

He gently took her hand, his expression patient. "I'm listening."

"I… decided to take swordsmanship lessons," she said, her voice quiet but firm.

Kyel blinked, a little taken aback. "You want to learn swords?"

Eva nodded. "I want to be strong."

He smiled faintly. "But you're already strong, Princess."

Eva shook her head. "No… not like that. I want to protect myself. Not just emotionally—I mean really protect myself, with a weapon if I need to."

Kyel's smile faded. He could see the seriousness in her eyes now.

Eva continued softly. "you're not always here.

You work outside the city, and I'm alone in this house most days.

If something like what happened at the market happens again…" Her voice wavered.

"I was this close to losing my life. If I had even the basics of sword handling, maybe…"

Kyel looked down, guilt and understanding mixing in his eyes. "You're right."

There was a pause as he processed her words. Then, his hand gently cupped her cheek.

"Then take the lessons," he said. "You have my full support."

Eva's eyes lit up with pure relief and joy. "Really?"

Kyel smiled. "You can do anything you want."

She threw her arms around him. "You're the best husband in the world."

He chuckled and hugged her tightly. "So, when do these lessons begin?"

"Tomorrow morning," she said, her voice bright with excitement.

Kyel leaned in, brushing his lips over her forehead. "Then best of luck, my brave little warrior."

Eva laughed softly. "Thank you."

" A Glint of Doubt" -

Velcon stood by the open terrace window of his temporary chambers in Velmoria, the silk curtains swaying with the warm evening breeze. Below, the palace gardens glimmered under lantern light but his thoughts were elsewhere.

Eva…

The image of her at the banquet refused to leave his mind the way her dress hugged her form, the grace in her steps, and those beautiful green eyes filled with strength.

He leaned against the marble pillar, eyes narrowed.

"She was… breathtaking," he murmured to himself. "Too bad she's already married."

A bitter smirk tugged at his lips, but it didn't last long. There was something strang something he couldn't ignore.

"That ring."

Velcon recalled the shimmer on her finger. The gemstone had glowed with the clarity and cut of a rare jewel—something only nobles or royalty could afford.

"That ring," he said under his breath, "was no ordinary piece of jewelry."

His brows furrowed. "A commoner husband, she said? That ring could buy a mansion in the capital. How could someone of his status afford it?"

"Something doesn't add up," he muttered. "And I don't like puzzles left unsolved."

A slow, sinister smile spread across his face.

"I suppose it's time… I dig a little deeper into this mysterious husband of hers."

He chuckled darkly, the sound echoing in the quiet room.

"I always did enjoy uncovering secrets."

"Not Just a Sword"-

The morning sun bathed the training ground in a golden hue as the courtyard filled with fresh recruits "men and women" standing tall in crisp uniforms, eyes gleaming with anticipation and nerves. Among them stood Eva, her black hair pulled back, her figure poised yet slightly tense.

She glanced around at the others. Most were whispering, adjusting their stances, or gripping their training swords with excitement. She held none.

Then, the sound of footsteps approached, steady and commanding.

Eyan Lucien Therald stepped forward in full uniform, his presence magnetic as always. His silver-embroidered cape fluttered behind him. The air shifted.

"All of you standing here today," Eyan began, his voice echoing with authority, "have taken your first step toward becoming something greater."

"From this moment forward, you will not be ordinary guards or fighters. You will be trained to become elite knights of Velmoria—those who protect the empire, the crown, and everything within it."

The recruits stood straighter.

"I expect loyalty, discipline, and resilience. If you lack any of those, this is where your journey ends. If not… then I wish you good luck."

All at once, the recruits placed a hand over their chest in salute.

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Eyan's expression remained unreadable. "Now then—draw your swords and begin the warm-up drills. You'll be partnered and assessed."

The recruits moved swiftly.

Eva turned, ready to step into the line—when Eyan's voice cut through the air again.

"Not you, Lady Eva."

She froze and turned back, surprised. "But… Your Majesty, you told everyone to begin training."

"I did," he said, walking toward her. "But your training will not start with a sword in hand."

She blinked. "Then what am I supposed to start with?"

Eyan stopped in front of her, his gaze sharp.

"You will begin by learning how to defend yourself."

Eva's eyes widened.

Defend? Not attack?

She opened her mouth, confused—but no words came.

Eyan gave the faintest smirk, as if reading her thoughts. "Before you can wield a sword, Lady Eva, you must first learn how to survive without one."