Love The Way He Lied

"I think I'm ready," Eva whispered, eyes shimmering in the candlelight.

Kyel looked at her for a long moment, as if making sure she meant it. Then, slowly, carefully, he leaned closer. He could hear her breath, soft and hesitant. When his lips brushed hers, it was featherlight, a whisper of warmth.

Eva twitched at the first touch, her eyes wide—then fluttered shut.

He deepened the kiss with gentle passion, their breaths mingling. She gasped softly, murmuring, "I need air," but her hands didn't pull away.

Their lips met again, more eager this time. Their tongues touched briefly, the sensation sending a shiver through her. Kyel's hand slowly moved to her thigh, his fingers brushing the edge of her gown, his intentions tender but clear.

But suddenly—Eva flinched.

Her body tensed beneath his touch.

And then, she began to tremble.

Kyel froze. He pulled back immediately, concern written across his face.

"Princess?" he whispered. "Are you okay?"

Eva nodded faintly. "I'm okay. Let's… let's continue."

But Kyel didn't move. He searched her face, gently brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

"You don't have to push yourself," he said softly. "I don't want this if it's forced. I'd never want to hurt you."

Eva's lip trembled. And then, quietly, she began to cry.

"But… it's been so long. And no matter how much I try, I still can't. I want to—but I just… I can't. I'm sorry, Kyel."

He wrapped his arms around her tightly, pulling her against his chest.

"Don't apologize," he said into her hair. "You don't have to be sorry. This isn't your fault. I told you—I'll wait until you're ready."

Her breathing calmed in his arms, the weight of guilt slipping from her shoulders. She clutched his shirt and eventually fell asleep, her cheek pressed softly against his chest.

Some time passed.

From the open window, a gentle wind stirred the curtain.

One of Kyel's summoned wolves emerged silently from the shadows. In its jaws, it carried the lunch basket—the one Eva had dropped earlier.

Kyel looked at it, and the realization struck him like a wave.

So that's what this is about…

"She saw," he murmured.

He turned to the wolf. "Did she… cry?"

The wolf gave a slow nod.

Kyel's gaze softened. He looked down at Eva, still curled against him in sleep, her breathing calm but face still damp with dried tears.

He gently brushed her cheek with his knuckles and whispered, "I'm sorry… for making you worry."

Then he leaned down, and placed a soft kiss on her forehead.

Outside, the wolves stood guard once more—silent protectors of a fragile love, growing stronger with every test.

The morning light poured through the window as Eva slowly opened her eyes. The faint scent of warmth and steel lingered in the air—Kyel was already preparing to leave.

As he stepped toward the door, he leaned down, close enough for her to feel his breath against her ear.

"Princess…" he whispered with a soft smile, "…thank you for the kiss last night."

He winked.

Eva blushed instantly, her heart skipping at the memory. She buried her face in the pillow with a smile she couldn't hide.

Far away, within the cold walls of the imperial palace, the mood was starkly different.

Eyan stood atop the grand staircase, his expression carved from ice. Before him, the guild guards who had whipped Kyel now knelt, their faces pale with terror.

"Your Highness," one of them stammered. "Please… we didn't know… we didn't mean to—"

Eyan's voice cut through the hall like a blade. "You didn't just strike a man. You struck him. And because of you…"

He paused, his gaze growing darker.

"…my princess cried."

A deathly silence fell over the hall.

"I could forgive disobedience. I could even forgive rebellion. But her tears… are unforgivable."

He turned to his knight commander.

"Cut off their hands," he ordered coldly. "Then deliver this message to the empire: The guild has been engaging in illegal acts. Tonight—we raid."

That afternoon, unaware of the storm building around her, Eva arrived at the guild with quiet determination in her heart.

"I'd like to apply for a job," she said.

The guild master looked at her, mildly surprised. "You? A noble lady?"

She nodded. "Please. I want to help. My husband has been working too hard… I want to carry some of the burden."

The man smiled thinly, eyes glinting. "A noble wish, Lady Eva. And I have just the thing—a job that pays handsomely."

Eva's eyes brightened with hope. "Really?"

"Yes," he said. "But it requires… discretion. Come tonight, after sundown. Wear something light. We'll discuss it then."

Eva hesitated, but her guilt about Kyel pushed her forward. "I'll be there."

Night came.

The city was still. But beneath the surface, tension stirred like a predator waiting to pounce.

In the shadows of the palace, Eyan mounted his horse. His knights followed, armored and silent.

The time had come.

At the guild, Eva stepped inside hesitantly. The atmosphere was darker, heavier. The guild master greeted her and led her to a private room where a man was waiting.

Eva's instincts screamed.

"What… What do I have to do?" she asked nervously.

The man smiled cruelly and reached for her. "Don't worry. You'll understand soon."

Eva resisted, panic rising in her throat, but she was alone—outmatched. Her strength was no match for his.

Just as the door began to close, chaos erupted.

Shouts. Steel clashing. A crash of broken doors.

"IT'S THE ROYAL GUARD! RUN!"

The man recoiled in fear. Eva took her chance, pulling free. She covered her mouth with her sleeve and ran through the smoke and screams.

Then—

"Where do you think you're going?" a voice boomed behind her.

She turned, heart thudding.

A shadow loomed from the smoke. A hand grabbed her wrist, pulling her back.

She gasped, struggling—until she looked up into the eyes of the man who held her.

Sharp. Burning.

Familiar.

"Eyan…" she whispered, her voice breaking.

He stared down at her, stunned.

"You?" he said. "What are you doing here?"

Their eyes locked.

The smoke swirled.

And the world stopped.