Love The Way He Lied

The tall windows of the western tower cast long lines of light across the stone floor, but Velco paid them no mind. His fists were clenched behind his back, jaw tight with fury as he stared out at the distant horizon.

"I heard what happened to Lady Eva," he said coldly.

The man kneeling before him dared not raise his eyes.

"She was attacked, Your Highness. She survived. Wounds are healing."

Velco turned sharply, his voice low and simmering.

"I hope that bastard Duke Malric got what he deserved."

The spy hesitated, then spoke. "He… is no longer among the living."

A beat passed. Velco's lips curled in satisfaction.

"Good," he muttered.

"Now, tell me what you've found about her husband."

"His name is Kyel. An orphan. No recorded lineage, no ties to any family, and no trace of his past. It's as if he appeared out of nowhere."

Velco's expression shifted, intrigued. He walked slowly to his desk and tapped his fingers on its edge.

"No past... That's always dangerous."

Then, without turning, he asked, "Are we keeping eyes on Emperor Eyan as instructed?"

"Yes, Your Highness. His movements, meetings, and private gatherings. All monitored."

"Good." Velco's tone darkened. "Keep your eyes open"

(Velmoria Palace – Emperor's Study)

Stacks of scrolls cluttered Eyan's desk as he scribbled signature after signature. His eyes were tired, the weight of the realm ever-present across his brow.

A knock sounded.

Hans entered with a bow. "Your Majesty."

Eyan didn't look up. "Speak."

Hans cleared his throat. "I came to ask… how is Her Highness?"

Eyan paused mid-sentence, then resumed writing. "Still recovering."

A brief silence stretched between them.

Hans lowered his voice. "Are you truly not going to tell her… about Duke Malric?"

The quill stilled in Eyan's hand. His tone was flat. "She doesn't need to know"

Hans looked conflicted but didn't argue.

Eyan's gaze turned steely. "And make it known—no one is to speak the Duke's name in this palace again. Tell everyone to keep their mouths shut."

"As you wish, Your Majesty."

(Two Months Later)

Sunlight bathed the small garden outside as the morning breeze fluttered through the open windows. Laughter rang inside.

Eva spun on her heel and threw a playful kick toward the air. Her energy had returned.

Her face glowed with joy. The months of pain and shadow were behind her.

"Princess," Kyel called from the kitchen, "breakfast is ready!"

"I'm coming!" she chimed back, bounding into the room.

She wrapped her arms around him from behind, leaning her face against his shoulder.

"Good morning, my love."

Kyel turned and smiled, brushing a soft kiss to her forehead. "Good morning, Princess. Did you sleep well?"

"I did," she beamed. "And guess what—I'm going to the palace today for sword training."

Kyel tilted his head. "Are you sure?"

She took a step back and began a series of exaggerated punches, jumps, and spins.

"Watch me! Fit as ever!"

Kyel laughed softly. "Alright, alright. I see it. You're recovered."

Then his voice turned gentle. "But don't push yourself too hard."

Eva nodded, grinning. "I won't. I promise."

(Royal Palace Training Grounds)

Sweat lined Eva's brow as she parried and struck, her blade catching the morning light. Eyan stood nearby, watching her form with the quiet scrutiny of a seasoned swordsman.

"Better," he said at last.

"That's enough for today. Keep practicing on your own."

Eva sheathed her sword and approached him.

"I wanted to thank you," she said softly. "For what you did for me."

Eyan looked away. "You don't need to thank me. It was my duty."

Still, there was a quiet pause between them.

"I feel better now," she continued. "It's been two months. I finally feel like myself again."

Eyan nodded once. "Good. Then keep training."

She offered a small, grateful smile and bowed her head before returning to the field.

(Later – Eyan's Office)

Hans reappeared with a scroll tucked under his arm.

"Your Majesty, the day's schedule," he announced. "You'll be visiting the capital for inspections and attending the ministers' meeting afterward."

Eyan leaned back with a sigh. "Looks like a full day."

Hans hesitated, then produced another envelope. "Also… a letter arrived from Duke Jeffrey."

Eyan scoffed. "Throw it out."

Hans blinked. "You haven't even opened it."

"I don't need to. He's been pestering me to meet his daughter again. It's always the same request."

Hans nodded. "Understood."

Just then, a servant entered, bowing low. "Your Majesty. Your Father wishes to see you."

Eyan rose with a sigh. "I'm Coming."

(Royal Chambers – The King's Quarters)

The King sat in a velvet armchair beside the hearth, a goblet of wine in his hand.

"You asked for me?" Eyan said as he entered.

His father gestured for him to come closer. "Yes. I want you to meet Duke Jeffrey's daughter. Lady Elinora."

Eyan's brows drew together. "Father, we've discussed this."

"She's of noble birth. Well-educated. A strong alliance."

"I already told you—I'm not interested in marriage."

The King narrowed his eyes. "Meeting her doesn't mean marrying her."

Eyan's jaw tightened, but he said nothing for a moment. Finally, he sighed.

"Fine. I'll meet her. Just please—stop pushing me."

"Tomorrow," his father added, already smiling.

"Alright, alright, I heard you." Eyan turned and strode from the room, the weight of duty pressing against his spine.