I Trust You,"More Then I Trust Myself"

"Princess… princess… princess…"

A soft voice echoed near her ears, like a feather brushing against her dreams.

Eva slowly opened her eyes. The morning light spilled through the window, casting a gentle glow around Kyel's figure.

"Good morning, princess," he whispered.

"Good morning…" her voice was hoarse, sleepy but calm.

Kyel sat on the edge of the bed, studying her face. "How do you feel? Are you in pain?"

She blinked a few times, stretched her arms, then winced slightly. "I'm tired… and it hurts a little. But I'm okay."

A faint smile touched her lips. "Thanks to you. You didn't go all out."

Kyel tilted his head slightly. "But I did."

She turned her face toward him, eyes narrowing. "No… you didn't."

He smirked. "You can tell?"

"I can," she nodded firmly.

As she sat up, she noticed the oversized shirt draping her body. Her fingers pinched the collar.

"This is your shirt… did you put it on me?"

"I was afraid you'd catch a cold," he murmured, avoiding her gaze.

She chuckled softly, "You're all dressed up… are you leaving for work?"

Kyel stood, adjusting the collar of his shirt. "Yes. But I wanted to see your face before I go."

He walked toward the door, then paused. "I made you breakfast. Eat after you take a bath, alright?"

"Give me a hug first," Eva said, opening her arms.

Without hesitation, Kyel stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her.

She leaned her head into his chest, breathing in his scent. Then, in a quiet voice, she murmured, "Kyel… the cookies."

He stiffened.

"I really liked the cookies you brought last time." She tilted her head, eyes narrowing suspiciously.

Kyel flinched slightly.

"I wasn't drunk… right?"

"Princess… it's late. I should go," he said quickly, stepping back.

"Take care, okay?"

"Kyel," she said sharply.

He froze at the door.

"Come back here."

Kyel turned slowly, his steps hesitant.

"Look at me," she ordered gently.

He glanced at her but didn't meet her eyes.

"I said… look at me."

Finally, his eyes met hers—nervous, uncertain.

"I behaved like that because of the cookies, didn't I?" she asked, her voice calm but direct.

"Because… no matter how hard I try to squeeze my brain, I can't remember drinking wine. All I remember is eating the cookies. And then… jumping on you."

He said nothing.

"There was something in them, right?"

Still silent.

"Tell me," she pressed.

"Aphrodi…" Kyel looked away, barely audible.

"I can't hear you, Louder."

"Aphrodisiacs."

Eva's hand flew to her mouth, her eyes widening—

"I—I can explain... Listen to me" Kyel Panicked.

but instead of fury, a laugh bubbled out of her.

She clapped once, then burst out laughing.

"Ohh… so that's why I went wild!"

Kyel looked at her in disbelief. "Wait… you're not angry?"

She wiped a tear from the corner of her eye, still smiling. "Why would I be?"

He stepped closer, unsure. "Because I brought those cookies… and I hid the truth. I lied to you."

"You didn't know what was in them either," she said softly.

"How can you be so sure," He Asked Softly.

"I was the one who ate them. You didn't give them to me. You didn't even cross the line… even when I did."

Her eyes searched his. "Even when I went insane, you stayed sane."

"You trust me that much?" Kyel asked, voice barely above a whisper.

"Yes," she said without hesitation.

"I trust you more than I trust myself."

"You will never hurt me."

"And I know… you lied not to deceive me—but to protect me.

You didn't want me to feel embarrassed."

"You didn't have to explain yourself," she added.

"I know you'd never lie to me without a reason."

Kyel stepped forward again, and this time, he hugged her tightly, burying his face in the crook of her neck.

Eva's arms slowly wrapped around him, hugging him back, her fingers clutching the fabric of his shirt as if afraid he might vanish if she let go.

He held her in silence for a long moment. His breath was warm against her skin, slightly shaky—as though he was holding something back. Then, his voice came, low and trembling.

"Princess… I love you."

Eva's heart skipped.

She pulled back just enough to see his face, her hand cupping his cheek gently. His eyes were soft, glistening with unspoken emotions.

A smile formed on her lips—not the playful one she usually wore, but a fragile, glowing one, lit from within.

"I love you too," she whispered.

Her voice cracked slightly at the end, the weight of her sincerity pressing into each word.

For a moment, time seemed to pause—just the two of them, wrapped in a quiet world no one else could enter.

---

Kyel gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind Eva's ear and kissed her forehead once more before pulling back slightly.

"Princess… you should rest today," he said, his voice warm yet firm. "Don't go for training."

Eva shook her head. "No… I have to. I didn't go yesterday."

Kyel tilted his head slightly. "You didn't go yesterday?"

Eva's hands paused for a second. "I… went somewhere. With a friend."

His brows rose just a little. "Where did the two of you go?"

There was a flicker in her eyes—barely noticeable, but he caught it.

"To… the library," she said, a little too quickly.

Kyel raised an eyebrow, amused. "Library? I didn't know you liked reading."

She turned away, brushing her hair over one shoulder. "Kyel, you should go now. You'll be late—"

Knock. Knock. Knock.

"Eva," came a familiar voice from behind the door. "Open the door."

A pause.

"It's me. Aranel."