(Royal Palace of Velmoria — Evening)
(Leo's Chamber)
A bright teleportation circle suddenly formed in the center of the room. Blue symbols spun rapidly.
In the next instant—
Leo stepped out.
The magic light faded, leaving only the quiet warmth of the chamber.
He looked around… then a wide proud smile spread across his face.
"It worked again," he whispered excitedly. "I can teleport anywhere I want…"
Then suddenly his expression froze.
"…Wait." His eyes widened. "I left Uncle Luca in the market…"
He turned quickly toward the door.
At that exact moment—
BANG.
The door burst open so hard it hit the wall.
Luca rushed inside, breathing heavily. The moment he saw Leo— Relief flooded his face.
"Leo!"
He ran forward and pulled the boy into a tight hug.
"I searched everywhere!" Luca said, his voice still tense. "I thought your father had caught you."
He pulled back slightly, holding Leo by the shoulders and looking him up and down.
"Where did you run off to without telling me?"
Leo scratched his cheek awkwardly. "Oh… Uncle… actually I saw a lady."
Luca blinked. "A lady?"
Leo nodded very seriously. "She was pretty… so I went to ask if she would marry Father."
For one second—
Silence.
Then Luca's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Really?!" He leaned closer eagerly. "And what did she say?"
Leo sighed dramatically.
"She said no."
Luca's hopeful expression collapsed instantly.
He slowly sat down on the floor like a defeated soldier.
"…Leo," he muttered weakly.
"This isn't going to work."
Leo tilted his head. "Why?"
"We can't just walk around asking every woman in the capital to marry your father."
Leo thought for a moment. "Then what should we do?"
Suddenly—
A mysterious smile appeared on Luca's face.
"I have found a very good idea."
Leo's eyes lit up. "Really?!"
"Yes," Luca said confidently.
"With this plan… we can find you a mother very easily."
Leo leaned forward excitedly. "What is it?"
Luca smirked. "Just wait and watch....This idea will definitely work."
Leo grinned.
Something dangerous… and mischievous… was clearly about to happen.
----------------------------------------
(Emperor's Study)
The heavy door burst open.
Eyan stormed inside like a gathering storm.
Hans hurried after him nervously.
Eyan dropped into his chair and took a deep breath. For a brief moment he tried to calm himself.
Then—
BAM.
His fist slammed against the table.
"That woman…" he growled.
"She escaped again."
Hans shifted awkwardly.
"Your Majesty… she is not an ordinary woman." he hesitated before finishing. "…Even you couldn't catch her…"
That sentence hurt more than he expected.
Eyan's jaw tightened.
"Hans," he said coldly,
"Triple the number of knights."
"Search everywhere."
"I want that woman standing right in front of me."
Hans immediately bowed.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Eyan leaned back and ran a frustrated hand through his hair.
After a moment Hans spoke again carefully.
"Your Majesty… should I call for a physician?"
Eyan frowned.
"A physician? For what?"
Hans slowly pointed at his cheek.
Still red.
Slightly swollen.
"…For that."
Then he pointed at Eyan's hand.
Where the clear bite mark remained.
"…And for that."
Eyan's face turned dangerously red.
"No," he snapped. "Don't call the physician."
His eyes darkened.
"Let the bruises stay....So I don't forget what she did to me."
His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper.
"I will make her pay for every little thing."
Hans lowered his head respectfully.
Looks like someone is going to be in serious trouble…
------------------------------------------
(By the River — Night)
The forest had grown quiet.
Only the steady sound of flowing water and the occasional whisper of wind filled the darkness.
Inside the small wooden house, Sia sat near the tiny clay stove, warming her hands over the fading fire.
Suddenly—
" Achooo—!"
She sneezed softly.
She blinked in surprise.
"…Looks like someone is talking about me," she murmured with a faint smile.
For some reason, only one face came to her mind. The small prince with silver hair.
"…It must be His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince," she said lightly.
The thought warmed her more than the weak fire. She stood up to add more herbs to the pot.
As she turned—
Something glinted faintly on the wooden floor.
She frowned and bent down.
It was a silver ring.
Simple… yet elegant.
Moonlight from the small window reflected softly on its surface.
Sia picked it up carefully between her fingers.
Her brows knitted in confusion.
"…Did His Highness drop this?"
She turned the ring slowly, studying its shape.
For some strange reason…
The moment she touched it—A faint uneasiness stirred deep inside her chest. Like a memory trying to breathe. But it vanished just as quickly.
She closed her fingers around the ring.
"I should return it to him," she whispered.
Outside, the river continued flowing… carrying secrets toward an unknown future.
__________________________________
(Royal Palace — Leo's Chamber)
The chamber had fallen completely silent.
Only the faint sound of night wind brushing against the curtains could be heard.
Leo stood near the center of the room, lost in thought.
His mind kept drifting back to the lonely wooden house by the river…
to the nameless woman who now had a name.
…Sia.
Without realizing it, his hand slowly moved toward his neck. It was a habit.
Whenever he felt nervous… he would touch the chain hidden under his clothes.
But this time—
His fingers touched nothing.
Leo froze.
His heart skipped violently. His hand moved again… faster this time.
Still nothing. His eyes widened in shock.
"No…" His voice came out as a whisper.
Then suddenly panic struck him like lightning.
"NO— Mother's ring… where did it go?!"
He grabbed his collar and pulled it down, searching desperately.
The silver chain was gone.
The ring was gone.
His breathing became uneven. He quickly began searching his room. He ran to the bed and threw the blanket aside. Nothing.
He dropped to his knees and looked underneath. Only darkness.
He rushed to the table, pushing aside books and scrolls. The ink bottle nearly fell. Still nothing.
His small hands trembled as he opened drawers one after another.
"No… no… no…" His voice was getting weaker.
He turned toward the wardrobe, opening it so hard the door hit the wall. Clothes fell down.
He didn't care.
He searched inside… behind… even shook the robes. The ring wasn't there.
Leo slowly stepped back. His chest rose and fell rapidly.
"I must have… dropped it," he whispered. "At the river."
Fear began to settle deep inside him.
That ring was the only thing he had left of his mother. And he had lost it.
Worse—
"If Father found out…" Leo swallowed hard.
For the first time, he truly felt scared.
Not about punishment.
But about losing something that could never be replaced.
He clenched his fists. "I have to get it back…"
And somewhere far away…
The Ring was already resting in another person's hand. Fate had quietly begun to tighten its threads.
__________________________
(Next Day)
(Leo's chamber)
Leo was still worried about the missing ring.
But Luca… Luca was in a completely different mood.
He stood in the middle of Leo's chamber with a proud expression, hands on his waist like a victorious general.
"Listen carefully, my plan" he said dramatically.
Leo looked at him with tired eyes.
"This better be a good plan, Uncle…"
Luca grinned.
"Oh it is."
He pulled out a folded parchment from inside his coat and waved it like a royal decree.
"I have already taken action."
Leo blinked.
"What action?"
Luca unfolded the parchment and began reading proudly.
"It is a marriage announcement pamphlet."
Leo's eyes widened. "… WHAT?"
Luca ignored his shock and cleared his throat loudly before reading in a grand official tone.
Marriage Proposal From His Imperial Majesty
Conditions for the future Empress of Velmoria:
•The marriage will be in name only.
•His Majesty will not offer romantic love or emotional attachment.
•The woman must take responsibility for raising and caring for Crown Prince Leo.
•She will receive the title of Empress, royal luxury, wealth, and the highest respect in the empire.
•His Majesty will treat her with honour and dignity, but she must not expect affection, attention, or companionship.
•She must not interfere in His Majesty's personal matters or demand his presence.
(Only serious candidates should apply.)
(Ends - 12 days from now)
Luca finished reading and looked up proudly.
Leo stared at him in stunned silence.
"…Uncle."
"Yes?"
"This sounds less like a marriage proposal… and more like hiring a royal babysitter."
Luca gasped dramatically.
"Don't say that! It sounds extremely dignified."
Leo buried his face in his hands. "No woman will agree to this…"
Luca smiled mysteriously. "You underestimate desperation."
Leo slowly looked up. "…What do you mean?"
Luca began pacing around the room like a mastermind.
"There are many women in the empire who would accept such conditions."
"Widows seeking protection."
"Nobles wanting power."
"Families craving influence."
"And some…"
His smile turned slightly mischievous.
"…might simply want to stand beside the Emperor."
Leo tilted his head. "But Father clearly doesn't want anyone beside him."
Leo sighed deeply. "This is going to create chaos in the entire capital…"
Luca's eyes sparkled.
"That is the point."
He leaned closer to Leo and whispered like he was revealing a divine strategy.
"In chaos… destiny reveals itself."
Outside the palace walls—
Royal messengers were already spreading the pamphlets.
By the next ray…
The whole empire would know. And countless fates would begin to move toward the throne.
__________________________________
(Evening — Leo's Chamber)
Leo was pacing restlessly across his chamber.
Back and forth. Back and forth.
His small hands were clenched behind his back.
"I need to go and get Mother's ring…" he muttered. "But how… I can't step outside for ten days…"
He stopped near the table and sighed deeply. "What should I do…"
Slowly he closed his eyes.
"Mother… forgive me… I couldn't protect it…"
Just then—
Knock. Knock.
Leo's eyes opened. He looked toward the door.
But the sound… was different. It wasn't wood. It was lighter. Softer. Like fingers tapping glass.
Confused, he turned toward the window. The curtains were moving gently with the evening wind.
Leo walked closer… then pushed the window open.
Suddenly—
A shadow leapt inside.
Leo stumbled back in shock. "Who are—"
A soft hand covered his mouth. "Your Highness… it's me."
Leo's eyes widened.
"…Sia?"
She slowly removed her hand.
For a moment Leo could only stare. She looked completely different. Gone were the rough clothes of a thief.
She was wearing a simple pale-yellow dress that flowed softly around her figure like sunlight caught in fabric.
Her peach-coloured hair was tied loosely at the back, but a few silky strands had escaped and were brushing gently against her cheeks in the evening breeze.
Her skin glowed faintly under the golden light of sunset. She looked… quiet. Gentle. Beautiful.
Sia tilted her head slightly. "You didn't recognise me, Your Highness?"
Leo blinked slowly, still stunned.
"…Lady Sia…" His voice became soft. "You are… so pretty."
Her eyes widened. "Really?"
Leo nodded honestly.
"I didn't get to see your face properly before… but like this…" He smiled. "You are so beautiful."
A faint blush coloured her cheeks. "Oh… you flatter me, Your Highness."
But Leo's expression suddenly changed.
His face became serious. "Wait — that's not important. Why are you here?"
He grabbed her wrist and began pushing her toward the window. "You don't understand — Father is searching for you everywhere. If he finds you here—"
"Wait," she said quickly. "I came to give you something."
Leo froze.
Sia reached into her pocket and carefully took out a silver ring.
She placed it in his trembling palm.
"…Here. This belongs to you, right?...You dropped it in my house."
Leo's eyes lit up instantly.
"My ring!" His voice filled with relief. "I was looking for it everywhere…"
He looked up at her gratefully. "Thank you… for bringing it back."
Sia smiled gently.
"Then I should go now. I only came to return this....I know how precious it is to you."
Leo looked surprised. "How do you know?"
She answered simply,
"It's a woman's ring… and you kept it you like a treasure. So it must belong to the late Empress."
She looked at him softly. "Of course it is precious."
Leo's eyes shimmered. "…Yes."
He closed his fingers tightly around the ring.
"It's my mother's last memory." His voice broke. "I almost lost it…"
A tear slipped down his cheek.
Sia froze. For a moment she didn't know what to do. Then slowly… carefully… she stepped closer.
And hugged him. "Don't cry, Your Highness…"
The moment her arms wrapped around him— Leo felt something warm spread through his chest. A comfort he had never felt before.
His tears stopped. His breathing steadied. His heart… felt strangely peaceful. As if he had found a safe place.
Without thinking, he hugged her back tightly.
She gently patted his back. "It's alright… you got it back."
After a while she pulled away and looked into his eyes. "Are you alright now?"
Leo nodded. "…Yes."
She smiled. Then quietly stood up and walked toward the window.
Cool evening air rushed inside as she opened it.
"I'm leaving now," she said. "Please take care of yourself, Your Highness."
Leo hurried after her and watched as she carefully climbed down.
"Be careful," he called softly. "Don't get caught."
She looked up at him and grinned.
"Don't worry....I am someone whom even The Emperor couldn't catch."
Leo laughed.
Then she jumped lightly to the ground. In the next moment—She disappeared.
Leo remained standing at the window for a long time. Then he looked down at the ring in his hand.
He pressed a gentle kiss to it.
"…Mother," he whispered. "You came back to me."
__________________________________
(Royal Palace Garden — Evening)
The royal garden was glowing under the soft golden light of sunset. Flowers swayed gently in the evening breeze.
Fountains whispered quietly.
Between tall hedges and marble pathways— A silent shadow moved.
Sia.
She was slipping through the palace grounds like wind itself, careful… alert… unseen.
Just then—
She heard laughter. Light. Carefree. Innocent. Children.
She stopped. Slowly she turned toward the sound.
Not far away—
Two small children were running across the grass, chasing each other with bright giggles.
A young noble lady was playing with them, kneeling on the ground, her long dress spread around her like a blooming flower.
She was smiling warmly.
For a moment… Sia forgot to breathe.
Something stirred deep inside her chest.
A strange warmth. Unfamiliar… yet painfully comforting.
Her hand slowly rose to her heart. "Why… do I feel this way…"
Her eyes remained fixed on the lady. "Who is she…"
Then she looked at the children again. Their laughter rang in the air.
And suddenly—
Her gaze sharpened.
Something dark was moving beneath the grass.
A slow… silent crawl.
Her breath caught. "…Snake."
Without thinking—
She ran.
At that exact moment— Little Nayra's foot landed directly on the snake's tail.
The snake hissed violently and raised its head to strike.
Everything happened in one second.
Sia lunged forward and caught the snake just below its head with her bare hands.
"RUN!" she shouted.
Aranel turned—
Her eyes widened in horror.
She immediately lifted both Nolan and Nayra into her arms and stepped back.
The snake twisted wildly, its body coiling around Sia's wrist.
Aranel's voice trembled. "Be careful!"
But Sia's expression was calm.
Almost used to this.
She grabbed the snake's tail firmly and with one swift motion— Threw it far outside the garden wall.
Silence fell.
Only the frightened sobs of the children remained.
Sia dusted her hands lightly and turned. "Are you all alright—"
She stopped. Because the lady was staring at her. Not just staring.
Looking as if she had seen a ghost.
Her eyes shimmered with shock… disbelief… longing.
Her lips parted.
"…Eva."
The name slipped out like a forgotten prayer.
Sia blinked in confusion.
"Madam… my name is Sia." She tilted her head slightly. "You must have mistaken me for someone else."
Reality crashed back into Aranel.
Her expression changed quickly.
"…Right." Her voice softened. "… I apologise."
Sia smiled gently. "It's alright. You don't need to apologise."
Aranel hugged the crying children closer. "Thank you… for saving my daughter just now."
Sia shook her head. "No… please don't thank me. I was only passing by."
Nayra and Nolan clung tightly to Aranel, still trembling.
She whispered to them soothingly. "Shh… don't cry. The snake is gone. This nice aunty threw it away."
Sia's lips curved into a small smile. "They must have been very scared."
"Yes," Aranel nodded. "But you handled it very well."
Sia shrugged lightly. "Oh… it was nothing. I see snakes like this almost every day near my house."
Aranel looked surprised. "Where do you live?"
Sia opened her mouth. "It's in the fores—"
She stopped abruptly. Something inside warned her.
"…It's in front of the old temple."
Aranel frowned slightly. "There are snakes there?… but it is quite a developed area."
Sia forced a small laugh. "Is it? I don't know… I never noticed."
Aranel blinked. "What?"
"…Nothing."
Sia bowed politely. "Then, Madam… I should take my leave."
She turned and began walking away.
Aranel suddenly called out, "Wait — listen!"
But the girl had already vanished between the hedges like a fleeting shadow.
Aranel stood frozen. Her heart was still racing.
"…She reminded me of you, Eva," she whispered.
__________________________________
(12 Days Later)
(Royal Palace — Grand Hall)
The vast hall was heavy with silence.
At one side of the hall stood Luca. Arms folded. Face tired.
In the center—
On the imperial chair sat Eyan. One leg crossed over the other. His posture relaxed.
His expression calm.
Too calm.
In front of him stood five noble women, dressed in the finest silks and jewels.
Yet none of their beauty could hide their fear.
Eyan's gaze moved slowly from one face to another. Measured.
Cold.
Observing.
Then he spoke.
"Ladies… I believe you have already read the conditions written in the pamphlet."
No one answered.
Only the faint sound of their uneven breathing could be heard.
A faint smile appeared on Eyan's lips.
"I asked you something."
The five women visibly trembled.
Luca closed his eyes.
Ah… this one is a failure too.
Eyan turned his eyes toward the first lady.
He didn't even speak. He only looked at her.
Her fingers tightened around her dress. Within seconds she lowered her head.
Eyan shifted his gaze to the second.
She lasted even less.
Her eyes dropped immediately.
Third.
Fourth.
Fifth.
None of them could hold his gaze for more than a few seconds.
Eyan sighed. Then he looked toward Luca.
"So… you want me to choose a woman to marry from among them…" His voice was quiet."…they cannot even look me in the eyes."
Luca frowned. "Why does it matter?"
"You are choosing a mother for Leo — remember?"
"It's not like they need to win a staring competition with you."
Eyan leaned back slightly.
"Even if the marriage is only in name…At least the woman should be able to face me without fear....Otherwise it will look like I am forcing her into something."
A pause.
Then Eyan said calmly.
"Send them back."
The noble women looked both relieved and humiliated as they hurriedly bowed.
Luca ran a hand through his hair in frustration.
"Eyan… then what am I supposed to do?"
"Where am I going to find someone who agrees to all your conditions… and is still not afraid of you?"
Eyan smiled faintly.
"Exactly....There is no such woman."
He stood up.
"And today was the last day."
He looked at Luca steadily.
"You failed....So from now on… neither you nor Leo will ever speak about my marriage again....Is that clear?"
Luca lowered his head silently.
Eyan smiled and placed a hand briefly on Luca's shoulder.
"You worked hard."
Just as Eyan turned to leave—
The grand hall doors suddenly opened.
"Wait."
A soft voice echoed inside.
Everyone turned.
A woman stood at the entrance, slightly breathless as if she had run all the way.
Her simple dress moved gently with the wind behind her.
She stepped forward.
Luca frowned in confusion.
Eyan's gaze settled on her calmly.
The woman stopped at a respectful distance and bowed her head.
"Greetings your Majesty...
"....My name is Sia."
Then she lifted her face and met his eyes directly.
"And i came here to marry you."
Silence fell over the entire hall.
Even the air seemed to stop moving..
.
.
.
To be continued—