Love The Way He Lied

(3rd Week Of Eva's training)

The morning began with heavy clouds casting a pale light over the palace training grounds. Eva stood in position, wooden practice sword in hand, breathing steadily as her instructor stepped around her.

"Today," he said, "you will learn the foundation of defense. Strength will fail you. Speed can fade. But awareness and control? That is what will keep you alive."

Eva nodded silently, her brows furrowed in concentration. The previous week had focused on attack forms, but today she was learning how to survive to block, dodge, and redirect force. It was exhausting, demanding precision and presence in every second. Her arms throbbed with effort. Her legs trembled under her stance. Yet she never once asked to stop.

(In the Emperor's Office – Palace of Velmoria)

The crackle of parchment echoed in the quiet office as Eyan sliced open the wax seal on a newly arrived letter. His sharp eyes scanned the content.

A formal request from Duke Malric Vane of Ravencourt accompanied by his wife, Lady Celene requesting an audience with the emperor.

He leaned back in his chair, expression unreadable. Interesting. It's rare they travel together. This must be more than political courtesy.

"Have a reply sent," Eyan said to his attendant. "Audience granted."

The servant bowed and hurried out.

Eyan stared at the flickering candle on his desk. The Duke's intentions, shrouded in formality, would soon be revealed. But for now, he had other matters on his mind.

(That Evening – Eva and Kyel's Home)

The soft glow of lanterns filled the small cottage. A gentle breeze stirred the curtains as Eva sat curled on the couch, waiting. Her body ached from training, but her mind was elsewhere—on the quiet, familiar warmth that came when Kyel walked through the door.

She heard footsteps, then the creak of the door.

"I'm home," Kyel's voice called.

Eva stood quickly, her face brightening. "Kyel…"

He stepped in, tired but smiling, and wrapped her in a comforting embrace. "I missed you today."

She rested her head against his chest. "I missed you too."

They sat down to eat—just the two of them. Kyel savored each bite, but he couldn't ignore the way Eva rubbed her shoulders now and then, or how she winced slightly reaching across the table.

"Training again?" he asked.

Eva gave a small nod. "Defense, today. It's harder than I thought. My whole body feels like it's been hit by a carriage."

Kyel frowned gently, pushing back from the table. Without saying a word, he walked behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders.

"Kyel?"

"Shh. Sit still," he said, his voice low and kind.

His fingers began to move, slow and careful, working through the knots in her muscles. Eva let out a soft sigh, her eyelids fluttering shut.

"This feels nice…" she murmured. "You really are the best."

Kyel chuckled. "Anything for my princess."

Minutes passed in silence only the sound of his hands brushing against fabric, and the quiet creak of wood beneath them. The air between them felt warm and safe, like a secret only they shared.

When the massage ended, Kyel leaned forward, gently scooping her into his arms.

"Kyel! What are you doing?" she asked, blushing.

"You should sleep now," he said softly, pressing a kiss to her forehead as he carried her to the bedroom.

"But the dishes—"

"You cooked tonight," he replied with a light smirk. "Let me handle the rest. You've got another day of training tomorrow. So go rest, hmm?"

Eva sighed, nestling under the blanket as he tucked her in. "Good night, Kyel."

"Good night, Princess."

(Later That Night)

The house had gone still. The dishes were washed, the candles extinguished, and only moonlight filtered through the curtains when Kyel returned to the bedroom.

Eva was already asleep, curled up peacefully beneath the blanket. He watched her for a moment, his heart softening.

He slipped into bed beside her and turned toward her, carefully lifting her head and placing it on his arm. She stirred slightly, mumbling his name, before settling again against his chest.

Kyel wrapped an arm around her and pulled her close.

"I was tired today," he thought, brushing her hair back from her face. "All those meetings, the inspections... I barely saw her at all."

He pressed his nose to her hair, breathing in slowly.

"Just being here with her, just her scent… it washes everything away."

He smiled faintly, voice low and tender, whispered into the night:

"This is the only place I can be with you. "This is our home."

(Next Morning)

The golden rays of morning filtered through the tall windows of the imperial study. Papers rustled softly as Emperor Eyan sat at his desk, but his mind wasn't on the documents before him.

He leaned back in his chair, eyes drifting toward the open window.

"Eva's been training nonstop… Her defense lessons aren't easy. Even the strongest knights need time to recover."

"Perhaps she deserves just one day of rest."

He reached for the small bell on his desk and rang it once.

Moments later, Hans, his ever-efficient attendant, stepped into the room and bowed deeply.

"You called, Your Highness?"

Eyan turned toward him. "Hans, what time will Duke Malric and his wife arrive today?"

Hans glanced at the notepad in his hand. "At noon, Your Majesty."

Eyan nodded. "Perfect. Also… inform Lady Eva that I've requested her presence. Bring her to me."

"As you wish," Hans replied and exited the chamber.

Eyan rested his fingers together and exhaled.

"This is the best way to keep her from pushing herself too hard today."

"Let her think she's helping with court duties. That way, she won't argue."

(A Little Later – In the Imperial Office)

Eva arrived shortly, dressed neatly in a modest court gown rather than her training uniform. She entered the study with a curious expression.

"You called for me, Eyan?" she asked, approaching with a gentle tilt of her head.

Eyan stood and gave her a faint smile. "Yes, Lady Eva. Thank you for coming."

He stepped around his desk and clasped his hands behind his back.

"I have a small request today, and I'm entrusting it to you. Which also means…" he paused, glancing at her "you're exempt from sword training today."

Eva blinked. "What kind of work would excuse me from training?"

Eyan smiled a little wider. "We have a guest arriving today with his wife. As you know… the palace doesn't have any women among the staff. I thought perhaps you could look after the Duchess during their stay."

Eva gave a small nod, understanding dawning in her eyes. "If they are your guests, then of course, I don't mind."

"I appreciate your support," Eyan said sincerely. "They'll arrive around noon. Until then, you can rest here In the palace."

Eva dipped her head respectfully. "As you command, Eyan."

He nodded in approval, watching her with a thoughtful expression.

"I'll take my leave now,".

She left the office quietly, and Eyan returned to his desk, the soft click of the closing door echoing behind him.

The Duke's Arrival

The palace was filled with the quiet hum of midday activity. Servants moved swiftly through the marbled halls, polishing the walls, placing fresh flower arrangements, and making last-minute adjustments under the supervision of Hans. Everything had to be perfect.

It was nearly noon.

Eva sat in one of the guest reception rooms, dressed in a pale blue gown trimmed in silver. Her hands rested neatly in her lap, but her fingers twisted together from time to time. She had been told she was to receive the Duchess, but no further details had been given.

Outside the tall arched windows, the gates of the palace slowly opened.

At the Front Steps – Palace Entrance

A carriage bearing the sigil of Ravencourt a raven in flight rolled to a graceful stop. Its black and crimson paint gleamed under the sun.

Eyan stepped forward with his usual calm, flanked by his guards. The carriage door opened, and the first to emerge was Duke Malric Vane.

Tall, with graying hair combed neatly back and dressed in a deep charcoal cloak, the Duke carried himself with the cold composure of a man used to power. His dark eyes held sharp calculation.

Right behind him, a slender woman with porcelain skin and auburn hair stepped down carefully Lady Celene Vane, graceful and unreadable behind her veil.

"Duke Malric. Duchess Celene," Eyan greeted with a courteous bow of his head. "Welcome to Velmoria."

The Duke bowed slightly in return. "Your Majesty. Thank you for receiving us."

With pleasantries exchanged, Eyan turned, leading them through the grand entrance of the palace, their boots echoing over the polished floors.

Inside the Palace – Guest Reception Room

Eva stood when she heard approaching footsteps from beyond the door. Her heart beat faster not with anxiety, but with a sense of anticipation. Be warm. Be respectful. Be helpful, she reminded herself.

The doors opened with a soft creak as the guards pulled them aside.

Eva took a small step forward, bowed her head low in greeting, and then slowly lifted her gaze.

But the moment her eyes locked onto the man walking through the door her heart stopped.

Her breath hitched.

The color drained from her face.

Her fingers curled tightly at her sides as her knees trembled.

The Duke. That Man.

"No… not him… not again…"

Before her stood the very man she had hoped never to see again.