(Sia's Chamber)
The heavy wooden doors closed behind her with a soft thud. For a moment… Sia simply stood there.
Her eyes widened slowly as she took in the vast chamber. The high ceilings. The silk drapes flowing like quiet waterfalls. The polished marble floor reflecting the golden candlelight.
Her lips parted in disbelief.
"Wow…" she whispered, her voice barely a breath.
"It's… so big…"
A childlike sparkle filled her eyes.
"I can't believe I get to live in a place like this…"
Before she could stop herself, she rushed forward and threw herself onto the enormous bed.
The mattress sank beneath her weight like clouds swallowing the sky.
She burst into laughter — pure, unrestrained, free.
"It's so soft!" she exclaimed, rolling from one side to the other, kicking her legs happily. "I never… ever got to sleep on a bed like this…"
Her laughter slowly faded. Her hand drifted to her stomach. "And after all these years… this is the first time I've eaten such tasty food…"
A soft smile spread across her lips.
"This marriage… is not that bad."
But then—
A face surfaced in her mind.
Sharp eyes.
Cold voice.
Commanding presence.
Her smile disappeared instantly.
"Except him…" she muttered, turning onto her side.
"He's so full of himself… throwing all those conditions at my face."
She frowned. "I don't know why… but I feel angry every time I see him."
Silence settled in the room.
Then her expression softened.
"Everyone here is so kind…" she murmured dreamily. "Madam Aranel… Master Luca… little lord Nolan… little lady Nayra…"
Her lips curved again. "And most importantly… His Highness, the Crown Prince."
Gratitude filled her eyes. "If it wasn't for the Prince… I would never have come to a place like this."
She lay staring at the ceiling… lost in thoughts she didn't fully understand.
Time slipped away.
When she finally sat up, night had already wrapped the palace in darkness.
"I slept all day…" she muttered.
"There's no way I'll fall asleep now."
She thought for a moment. Then suddenly smiled.
"Let's go get some fresh air."
--------------------------------------------------------
(Outside the Palace - Midnight)
Cool night wind brushed against her face as she wandered through the palace grounds.
Everything looked magical.
Lantern lights flickered softly. Marble paths shimmered under moonlight. The distant fountains sang lullabies to the sleeping world.
After roaming for a while, she sat on a stone bench.
Her gaze lifted.bThe moon hung above her like a silent witness.bShe stared at it… without blinking.
Slowly…Sadness filled her eyes.
"Will I ever get my memories back…" she whispered. "I want to know… what my real name is."
"Eva."
The name echoed. Her head snapped up.
She looked around quickly. "Who's calling Her Majesty's name…?"
Her heartbeat quickened.nDrawn by the sound, she began walking deeper into the grounds. Soon… she stopped.
Before her stood a grand iron gate.
Beyond it lay a vast garden — dark… silent… sacred.
A wooden sign at the entrance read:
"The Empress Eva Garden"
Panic shot through her.
"Oh… this is the Empress's garden…" she whispered. "His Majesty told me not to come near this place…"
She turned to leave.
"Eva."
The voice came again.
She froze.
"…Someone is inside," she murmured. "But who could it be…? Everyone should be asleep."
Sia's breath slowed as doubt suddenly crossed her mind. "Did… someone break in…?"
Her fingers tightened around the iron gate.
She took one cautious step forward — stopping exactly at the boundary line. She made sure her foot did not touch the sacred soil inside.
Leaning slightly, she narrowed her eyes, trying to see through the thick darkness.
Then—
She saw him.
A lone figure sitting on the grass.
Beside a grave.
Her breath hitched painfully.
"His Majesty…?" she whispered. "What is he doing here… in the middle of the night… in complete darkness?"
A broken voice floated through the silent garden.
"Eva…"
Her heart skipped. She looked more carefully.
Eyan sat slumped beside the stone, his head resting against it as if the cold marble were warmer than the living world.
His posture…
his eyes…
his unfocused movements—
He was not himself.
"Eva…" he murmured again.
Realization dawned.
"He's… drunk…"
A strange sadness slowly spread across Sia's face.
"He must be missing her today…" she thought quietly. "Of course he would… He had to give the title of Empress to someone like me… all for his son's sake."
"Eva… did you finish your food today…? …Sorry I couldn't cook for you today. I was busy with something. But tomorrow I definitely will. Don't be sad."
Something tightened painfully inside Sia's chest.
"Now… let me tell you about my day…"
And he did.
Like a husband returning home.
He told her everything.
Every meeting.
Every annoyance.
Every small detail.
Sia stood there… listening.
Unable to move.
Unable to leave.
"…So that's what happened," he finished.
Silence swallowed the garden.
Then he spoke again.
"Your birthday is next week… right? Tell me what flavour cake you want. I'll make it for you."
He tilted his head slightly.
As if hearing an answer.
"…Strawberry?" he murmured.
A faint, broken smile touched his lips. "Okay… then I'll make strawberry cake."
Sia's eyes stung. She didn't understand why.
Just then—
Her foot shifted.
CRACK.
The sharp sound of a dry branch breaking shattered the stillness.
His voice turned hard instantly.
"WHO'S THERE?"
Her entire body froze. Eyan slowly stood up. And began walking toward the entrance.
Panic flooded her veins.
I have to run.
Before she could even turn—A hand suddenly pulled her back into the shadows behind the hedge, pressing her against the cold stone wall.
Her heartbeat roared in her ears.
At the gate, Eyan stopped.
Then his expression relaxed.
"Oh… it's you."
Leo stood there, smiling gently.
"Yes, Father. It's me. Did I disturb you?"
"No…" Eyan replied tiredly. "But why aren't you asleep yet?"
"I slept in the afternoon," Leo said simply. "I couldn't fall asleep now."
"Oh."
Leo looked at him carefully.
"Father… did you drink again? I told you not to drink too much. It's not good for your health."
A quiet laugh escaped Eyan's mouth.
"I apologise," he said softly. "I'll keep that in mind."
Leo smiled.
"Good." Then he spoke gently, "It's late now father. You should go and rest."
Eyan nodded. He reached out and patted his son's head. "Shut the door for me."
"Okay." leo said.
Without another word….Eyan turned and walked away.
__________________________________
(Sia's Chamber)
The chamber door closed quietly behind them.
For a few seconds… neither spoke.
Sia leaned back against the door, placing her trembling hand over her racing heart. Her chest rose and fell rapidly as if she had just escaped death itself.
She looked down at the small boy standing beside her.
A shaky smile appeared on her lips.
"My little guardian angel…" she whispered. "You saved me again."
Leo immediately puffed his chest proudly.
"I'm not an angel," he said with a small laugh. "I'm a prince."
Sia shook her head softly.
"No… to me you are an angel. You always save me from danger."
Her eyes grew gentle.
"My little… Leo."
The moment his name left her lips—
Leo froze.
His smile disappeared.
Something echoed deep inside his mind.
A warm voice from a place he could not reach.
"So small… Leo…"
He stood completely still… staring at her.
Sia noticed the sudden change.
She studied his face carefully before speaking in a softer tone.
"Your Highness… did you not like me calling you by your name?"
Leo blinked. Then slowly shook his head.
"No…" He looked straight into her eyes. "It felt… really nice."
A small hopeful smile formed on his lips.
"Can you call my name again?"
Sia smiled warmly.
"Leo."
His eyes shone.
"Yes… mother."
The word slipped out so naturally… so instinctively… as if it had always belonged there.
Sia's smile faltered. Her heart tightened painfully.
Her vision blurred. Tears filled her eyes without warning.
Leo's smile vanished. He quickly reached forward and placed his tiny hand over hers.
"Mother… why are you crying?"
Her tears began falling faster.
She tried wiping them away… but more kept coming.
"I… I don't know…" she whispered helplessly. "I don't know why I'm crying… My tears… they are coming out on their own…"
Leo stood on his toes and carefully wiped her cheeks with his small hands.
Then he tilted his head in innocent confusion.
"Mother… you look ugly when you are crying."
For a moment—
Sia stared at him. Then suddenly laughed through her tears.
A soft broken laugh. Leo laughed too.
And in that quiet chamber… under golden candlelight… A strange warmth filled the air.
__________________________________
After a few quiet moments, Leo finally spoke.
"Are you okay now?"
Sia nodded slowly. Her eyes were still red and swollen… but she forced a small smile.
"Yes… I'm fine."
He continued to watch her carefully. "Why did you cry?"
She hesitated. "I don't know either…"
Just then—
The image of the Eyan sitting beside the grave flashed in her mind.
Her fingers tightened unconsciously.
"Leo…" she asked softly, "Does your father often go to your mother's garden late at night… like that?"
Leo nodded without hesitation.
"He does. He goes there every night… and tells Mother about his whole day."
Sia blinked. "Every single day?"
"Yes," Leo said simply. "And he also cooks food for Mother."
A strange heaviness filled Sia's chest.
"His Majesty is surely a very busy person…"
"Hm…" Leo murmured.
Then he suddenly looked at her seriously.
"Mother… what were you doing near Mother's garden? You could have gotten into trouble. No one is allowed to enter that place. Only Father goes there."
"Not even you?" she asked in surprise.
He shook his head. "Not even me."
Sia's gaze drifted somewhere far.
"Then… who takes care of the flowers there?"
"Father does," Leo replied. "Every morning he goes there and looks after the garden himself."
Then he added firmly, "So don't go there again."
Sia let out a soft sigh.
"I'm glad you came and saved me… or else I would have had to leave the palace tonight."
Leo's eyes widened. "Leave the palace? But why?"
"Your father told me," she explained quietly, "If I ever go near your mother's garden… I must end this marriage and leave."
Leo immediately shook his head. "…But I don't want you to leave."
Something warm yet painful flickered in her eyes.
"I don't want to leave either. That's why I have to follow his rules… and not make him angry."
Leo fell into deep thought. Then suddenly his face brightened.
"I'll help you!"
She blinked. "You… will?"
"Yes!" he said confidently.
"I know what to do so Father won't get angry."
Her lips curved. "Then tell me."
Leo cleared his throat importantly and began counting on his tiny fingers.
"1) Eat your food well.
2) Sleep early.
3) Drink milk.
4) Don't fight and don't lie.
5) Don't talk back.
6) Respect your elders.
7) Brush your teeth.
8) Study well…"
"And—"
Sia burst into laughter.
Leo looked offended. "Mother! Why are you laughing? I'm not finished yet!"
She wiped the corner of her eye, still smiling.
"These rules are for you, Leo… for a child. Not for a grown person like me."
He blinked in confusion. "…Really?"
"Yes."
His shoulders dropped. "Then… it looks like I can't help you."
Sia looked at him gently. "You can help me… just tell me what servants or maids do that makes your father angry."
Leo frowned slightly. "But Father never gets angry at servants or maids…"
"Never? Not even once?" she pressed.
He shook his head slowly. "Not in front of me… at least."
Sia lowered her gaze.
Of course… he wouldn't behave like that in front of his son, she thought.
"Forget it," she said softly.
"Just tell me if there's something really important I should be careful about."
Leo fell silent. He thought for a long moment… his small brows furrowed in seriousness.
Then he nodded. "Yes… there is something."
Her expression sharpened. "What is it?"
"Sometimes… my father gets really angry," Leo said quietly. "And he hits people."
A chill ran through her.
"When that happens… Aunty Aranel takes us to a room and locks the door. All the servants… maids… even knights… no one goes near him."
Sia swallowed.
"I asked Uncle Luca once what happens to Father," Leo continued. "He said… Father gets sick sometimes."
She stared at him. "So… he gets sick… and then hits people?"
Leo nodded. "Yes."
A small fear crept into her voice. "If that happens… if your father gets sick like that… do you think he would hit me too if I went near him?"
Leo didn't hesitate. "Yes. He will."
Her eyes widened slightly. "Oh…"
Silence filled the chamber for a moment.
"Then… when it happens… who stops him?" she asked.
"Uncle Luca does," Leo replied.
"Then the physician comes and treats Father. But sometimes… even Uncle gets injured....I saw it once… Uncle coming out of Father's room… bleeding."
Sia felt her heart grow heavy.
"But Master Luca is a magician," she said slowly. "Why doesn't he use magic to control His Majesty when he hurts people?"
Leo shook his head.
"Uncle's magic doesn't work on us. Not on me… not on Father… and not on Grandfather."
Her brows knitted. "Why…?"
"I don't know," he whispered.
She remained silent for a moment.
"Then how will I know when it starts… when your father gets sick like that?"
Leo thought again.
"I can't tell you exactly… but every time it happens… it's always on rainy days."
Her breath stilled.
"When lightning strikes… when storms come… Father gets sick."
Sia slowly turned her head toward the tall window.
Dark clouds were already beginning to gather in the distant sky.
"Rainy days…" she murmured. "That means… it will start soon."
Her fingers curled slightly.
Season will change soon….
After a moment, she looked back at him and smiled softly. "Leo… thank you for helping me."
He smiled proudly.
"Let's sleep now," she said.
He nodded and climbed onto the bed, lying down obediently.
Sia lay beside him.
Without thinking… her hand began gently tapping his back in a soothing rhythm.
Leo turned toward her.
"Mother… can you sing that lullaby again? The one you sang last time."
Her smile deepened. "Of course."
She began to hum. A soft.... melody.
Leo listened quietly. Then slowly… instinctively… he shifted closer.
He placed his head over her chest. One leg draped over her waist like a child claiming his rightful place.
Sia smiled faintly and began combing her fingers through his hair.
His breathing grew slower. His eyes grew heavy.
Within moments—
He fell asleep.
__________________________________
(Five days later - Sia's Chamber)
Sunlight filtered through the silk curtains like golden dust. Sia sat quietly before the mirror while maids prepared her for the day.
Heavy jewels. Layered silk. A crown that felt colder than metal.
She watched her own reflection.
It still didn't feel real.
Queen…
The word felt foreign.
Behind her, the maids moved efficiently — but their faces were stiff. Their eyes avoided hers. Their hands were careful… distant.
Respectful.
But not warm.
One maid accidentally met her gaze in the mirror.
For a brief second…
Disgust flickered across the girl's face.
It disappeared just as quickly.
Her head lowered.
"My apologies, Your Majesty."
Sia said nothing.
They don't like me…
She could feel it.
In the way they touched her hair.
In the way they held her robes.
In the silence that followed her presence.
They hate me.
Her fingers tightened slightly over her lap.
What did I expect…
------------------------------------------------------
(Throne Hall)
The massive doors opened. The announcement echoed. "Her Majesty, The Queen."
Hundreds of eyes turned. Sia stepped inside.
The throne hall was filled with nobles, ministers, knights, officials — all dressed in authority and pride.
At the end of the hall sat the Eyan.
Cold.
Untouchable.
Their gazes met for only a second.
She Bowed then walked forward and took her place beside him.
Eyan rose from the throne.
His voice was steady.
"From today onward… she will participate in Royal matters."
Murmurs spread like wildfire.
Some nobles frowned openly.
Some whispered behind fans.
Some simply stared… unimpressed.
Not a single welcoming smile.
Sia kept her face calm.
But inside—
This is exactly what I expected.
The session began.
Disputes were presented. Trade conflicts. Land issues. Criminal appeals. Military reports.
Sia listened silently at first.
Carefully.
Observing how power moved in this room.
How people spoke.
How decisions were made.
Slowly… she began asking questions.
Simple ones.
Clear ones.
Some ministers looked surprised.
Some looked annoyed.
Hours passed.
Finally, the matters were concluded.
Silence fell.
Sia rose from her seat.
She turned toward the Eyan… and gave a respectful bow.
Eyan gave a short nod
Then she turned and began walking away.
Her steps were calm.
Measured.
Dignified.
She was only a few steps away from the massive doors when—
They burst open.
The sound echoed like a strike of steel across the throne hall.
Armored knights rushed inside, their boots hitting the marble with urgency that instantly shattered the formal calm of the court.
Gasps rippled through the nobles.
The knights stopped before the dais and dropped to one knee.
"Your Majesty!"
The Emperor's expression hardened.
"What has happened?"
The leading knight lifted his head, his voice tight with strain.
"A murder has taken place in the capital."
Whispers erupted immediately.
But the knight continued.
"The killer was still at the scene when we arrived… but we were unable to capture them. They escaped into the alleys."
A heavier silence followed.
Eyan's gaze darkened.
"Did you find anything?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The knight carefully unwrapped a piece of black cloth he had been holding.
He raised it high enough for the throne — and the court — to see.
"This cloak was dropped near the dead body. We believe it belongs to the killer."
At the entrance—
Sia's steps stopped mid-motion.
Her entire body stiffened.
Her breath vanished.
Her eyes widened in raw terror as recognition struck like lightning.
That's… mine.
Her fingers slowly curled into her palm.
And for the first time since entering the palace—
True fear flooded her heart.
.
.
.
To be Continued—