You Should Greet His Majesty
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Kyel: "Princess… are you really sure about this?"
Eva: nodding, determined "I'm sure."
Kyel: "You were in pain all night. You should rest, not drag yourself to the palace."
Eva: quietly "I've missed too many lessons already. I can't afford to fall behind. The medicine helped—I'm feeling better now."
Kyel: frowning, concerned "Eva…"
Eva: gently interrupting him "Can you take me there? Just drop me off before you head to work."
Kyel: sighs, still unconvinced "You want me to drop you off at the palace?"
Eva: softly "Yes. Come here—hold my hands. I can't walk properly on my own."
Kyel: takes her hands but doesn't move "Then why are you going at all? You can't even walk straight. How are you going to train with a sword?"
Eva: gives a small, reassuring smile "I won't train hard. Just some light exercises, that's all. I need to show up."
Kyel: still hesitating "But—"
Eva: gently tugs his hand with a small smile "Kyel… let's go."
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The carriage came to a halt in front of the grand gates of the royal palace. The golden crest of Velmoria gleamed under the morning sun.
Kyel stepped out first and turned to help Eva down. She winced slightly as her foot touched the ground, but quickly masked it.
Kyel: watching her closely "Are you really okay?"
Eva: nodding "I'm fine. I told you, it's not that bad."
Kyel: reluctantly "Alright… then I should head out."
Eva: "Wait."
Kyel: pauses, hand halfway to the carriage door "What is it?"
Eva: meeting his eyes "You should at least greet His Majesty before you leave."
Kyel: startled, eyes widening "What?"
Eva: "Come on, don't be shy. Just a quick greeting. Let's go."
Kyel: nervous "I don't think that's necessary…"
Eva: "Kyel, the Emperor has helped me more times than I can count. You should at least show him some respect. It's just one minute."
Kyel: clearly uneasy "I'll greet him some other time."
Eva: grabbing his hand with gentle force "It'll take a minute. You're already here."
Without giving him another chance to protest, Eva tugged Kyel toward the palace entrance. His heart was pounding—and not just because of the steep marble steps.
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Knock. Knock. Knock.
Hans: from inside "Who's there?"
Eva: "Mr. Hans, it's me—Eva."
The door creaked open, and Hans blinked in surprise when he saw not only Lady Eva but Kyel standing beside her.
Hans: startled "Yes, Lady Eva?"
Eva: "Mr. Hans, where is His Majesty?"
Hans's eyes shifted nervously to Kyel, unsure how to respond.
Hans: "Why… why do you ask, Lady Eva?"
Eva: "I brought my husband to greet him. It won't take long. Where is he?"
Hans glanced again at Kyel, who subtly shook his head, motioning with his hand as if to say "Just tell her he's working." But Hans, flustered, misunderstood the gesture entirely.
Hans: "Oh! His Majesty is… sleeping."
Eva: blinking "Sleeping?"
Kyel closed his eyes and pressed a hand to his forehead in disbelief.
Hans: quickly "Yes! Yes, His Majesty stayed up working all night and only went to sleep this morning. He hasn't slept at all, so… yes, he's sleeping now."
Eva: sighs "Ah, I see."
Kyel: quickly, eager to leave "Eva, I'll greet him another time. Let's go."
Eva: nods "Alright."
She turned and began walking away gracefully down the hallway. As soon as she was a few steps ahead, Kyel lingered, glanced back at Hans—
—and smacked the back of his head lightly.
Kyel: muttering under his breath "Sleeping? Seriously?"
Hans: rubbing his head, whispering "I panicked…"
Kyel gave him a pointed look, then followed after Eva, his footsteps echoing behind her.
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As Eva and Kyel turned to leave the palace, their footsteps echoed softly along the corridor—until a poised voice called out from behind.
Velcon: "Lady Eva."
They both turned around.
Eva immediately offered a graceful bow.
Eva: "Your Highness."
Prince Velcon approached with that familiar charming smile, but his gaze flicked briefly—almost sharply—to Kyel.
Eva: "Oh… Your Highness, this is my husband."
She turned to Kyel and added gently,
Eva: "Kyel, you should greet him."
Kyel hesitated for a second, then offered a respectful nod.
Kyel: "Your Highness."
Velcon: smiling faintly "So you're the husband. I've been wanting to meet you."
Kyel: brows slightly drawn "Meet me? Why, Your Highness?"
Velcon: eyes on him "I've heard quite a bit."
Kyel turned slightly to look at Eva.
Kyel: "About me?"
Eva: lightly "I mentioned you when I met His Highness at Emperor Eyan Lucien Therald's birthday banquet."
Kyel: softly "Ah… right."
Velcon's eyes roamed over Kyel, subtly appraising—his clothes, his posture, his quiet presence. His gaze paused briefly on the silver ring on Kyel's ring finger… but he said nothing. Just offered a slight smile.
Velcon: "You two look good together."
Eva: smiling politely "Thank you, Your Highness."
Velcon: "Oh—and Lady Eva, I heard what happened with Duke Malric Vane. I hope you're alright?"
Eva: composed "I'm well, thank you. I was told he's been sentenced to life in the dungeons. Mr. Hans said I wouldn't need to appear before any court… or give a statement."
Velcon: frowning slightly "Life sentence…"
Eva: "Yes. That's what I was told. He's paying for what he did."
Velcon looked like he was about to say something more, but Kyel stepped forward, his voice calm but firm.
Kyel: "Forgive me, Your Highness… but I'd rather you not bring up that man in front of my wife. She's already endured enough."
Eva turned her head sharply toward Kyel.
Eva: "Kyel, don't speak that way to His Highness."
Velcon raised a hand, brushing off the tension with practiced ease.
Velcon: "No need to apologize. You're right. I shouldn't have brought it up."
A small silence followed before Velcon gave them a final nod.
Velcon: "Well then… I'll take my leave."
Velcon: "Lady Eva—goodbye."
Eva: bowing slightly "Goodbye, Your Highness."
Kyel: nodding "Your Highness."
Velcon turned and walked away, silent, composed—but his eyes had lingered on Kyel longer than necessary.
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