Love The Way He Lied

Outside the palace, a growing commotion stirred the air—shouts, footsteps, laughter from young soldiers filling the front courtyard. Hans stood by the window, peering out with narrowed eyes.

Then—quietly, like a shadow—came a voice just above his shoulder.

"What are you looking at?"

Hans flinched, nearly dropping the parchment in his hand.

"Your Highness!" he gasped. "When did you get here? At least make a sound when you enter—my heart nearly stopped."

Eyan smirked faintly. "You've been working for me for seven years, Hans. And you still haven't gotten used to it?"

Hans grumbled, clutching his chest. "I don't think I ever will."

Eyan stepped beside him, glancing out. "So, what are you watching so intently?"

Hans straightened. "The announcement was made today."

"Announcement?"

"For the upcoming sword tournament—for the new recruits."

Eyan gave a small nod. "Ah... the tournament."

"They're all excited. It's the perfect chance to prove themselves."

"As they should be. That's the only place their talent gets seen."

"Will Her Highness be participating too?"

Eyan turned sharply. "Are you out of your mind? Why would she participate in something like that?"

"Well, Your Highness... it's a great opportunity. A place to show your growth."

"Yes. But Eva's not learning swordsmanship to become a knight. She only wanted to protect herself. That's all. So, no—she won't be participating."

"If you say so."

"Hans, did you take care of Dr. Aldren Fayne last night?"

"Yes, Majesty. I made sure the magic crystal's visual was off. He only heard your voice—not your face."

"Good."

"But… what really happened last night?"

"Nothing serious. Just another one of my father's schemes to get me married off. Don't worry. I've already handled it."

"He's trying very hard. Sometimes I almost feel bad for him."

"Hans… are you taking his side now? You're my assistant. Not his."

"I'm not siding with anyone. But I do understand his concern. You and your father are the last of your bloodline. He just wants you to have your own family someday."

"I know, Hans. I know better than anyone. But the way he goes about it—boils my blood."

"Enough about him. Tell me—what's on my schedule today?"

"You have a meeting this evening. Seven o'clock."

"Why in the evening? Postpone it to tomorrow."

"I can't."

"Why not?"

"Because I already postponed it yesterday—for this morning. You were supposed to attend, remember? But you didn't come. And now you want me to push it again?"

"Your Highness… there is a limit to how much I can endure. Do you understand?"

"Okay, okay—get out of my face. I'll attend the meeting."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

"Is that all?"

"Not quite." Hans pulled out a thick bundle of papers and stomped them onto the table.

"You need to sign all of these by tonight."

Eyan groaned. "Oh, come on—that's too much…"

-----

After a long moment of silent pacing, Eva suddenly stopped. She slammed her foot on the table, startling even herself.

"That's settled," she said. "It's embarrassing… but I'll do it. I'm not afraid."

She took a deep breath, her hands trembling slightly.

"Now all I have to do is wait for Kyel to come."

Then, quieter but certain, she whispered, "I'll do it."

----

The grand meeting room was heavy with tension and the droning voices of ministers who had long forgotten how to be brief.

At the head of the table, Emperor Eyan Lucien Therald sat in a tall-backed chair, legs shaking in impatient rhythm beneath the polished oak.

His jaw was tight, brows drawn together in irritation as he glared at the gilded clock on the wall.

"Damn it," he thought, teeth grinding. "It's already ten.

This was supposed to end at nine. What are they even still arguing about?"

Frustration etched deeper into his face.

"Hans," he said sharply.

His aide leaned in immediately. "Yes, Your Majesty?"

"You told me the meeting would end at nine. Why is it still dragging on?"

Hans bent closer, whispering, "Your Highness, they couldn't come to a settlement. It might take a little longer."

Eyan's eyes flicked to the long row of ministers, his glare sharp enough to cut stone.

"If they don't come to a settlement soon, I'll just kill them all and settle it myself," he muttered to himself, his patience hanging by a thread.

Finally, after thirty more agonizing minutes, one of the ministers raised his hand and announced, "It's settled. We're all in agreement."

Before the words had even finished echoing, Eyan slammed his hand down on the table and shot up from his chair.

"Good. I'm going then."

He turned, already striding out. "Hans, let's go."

Hans scrambled to follow, nearly jogging behind the emperor's long, purposeful strides. "Your Highness, slow down!"

But Eyan didn't stop. He stormed into his chamber, threw the door open with force, and headed straight to his wardrobe.

Robes flew off hangers as he changed into simple clothes—dark trousers, a plain tunic, and a hooded cloak.

His crown and jewels were discarded carelessly onto a chair.

"Hans," he said briskly, "take care of everything we dissolved in the meeting. Finalize the orders."

Hans frowned. "Are you leaving?"

"Yes. It's late, i have to go."

Eyan pulled the cloak over his head and then began stretching, loosening his shoulders and legs.

Hans blinked. "Your Highness… what are you doing?"

"Getting ready," Eyan replied with a smirk, "for a battle."

"Battle? With wh—"

But the question was never finished. Eyan was already gone.

He raced down the hidden corridor that only he used, his cloak trailing behind him like a shadow.

As he ran, he reached beneath his tunic and pulled out the silver chain around his neck.

Hanging from it was a simple silver wedding ring—unpolished, plain, and precious.

He slipped it off the chain and onto his finger.

With a flick of his fingers, a shimmer of light sparked across his body—and in the blink of an eye, Emperor Eyan vanished.

In his place stood Kyel.

He looked down at the ring, brought it to his lips, and kissed it gently.

Then, with a breath that carried both excitement and longing, he whispered,

"Wait for me, princess… I'm coming."