(2 Hours Before — Royal Palace, Night)
(Sia's Chamber)
The night had deepened.
Moonlight slipped quietly through the tall palace window, painting pale silver patterns across the floor.
Leo was still awake.
He sat near the window… small hands resting on the stone ledge… eyes fixed on the dark gardens beyond.
"Mother is late…" he murmured softly.
A faint worry crept into his young face.
"Is something wrong…?"
His fingers tightened slightly.
"I hope she is alright…"
The wind moved the curtains gently — like an answer that never came.
(2 Hours Before — Royal Palace, Night)
(Luca and Aranel's Chamber)
The room was quiet… wrapped in warm candlelight and the soft rhythm of sleeping children.
Luca gently tucked the blanket around Nayra and Nolan.
Their tiny faces were peaceful… unaware of the world outside.
"They just fell asleep," he murmured.
The chamber door opened quietly.
Aranel stepped inside.
Her gaze immediately softened at the sight of the twins.
"Are they asleep?"
"Yes."
She nodded… then turned as if to leave again.
Luca straightened slowly.
"Where are you going?"
"To Her Majesty's chamber," she replied. "She and Leo didn't come for dinner. I want to check on them."
He sighed faintly.
"Why disturb them? Leo trained with me the in day. He must be exhausted… let him sleep more."
Aranel crossed her arms, unconvinced.
"They have been sleeping since afternoon, Luca. It's night now. Who sleeps for ten straight hours?"
A thoughtful smile appeared on his lips.
He walked toward her.
Before she could react — his arms slid around her waist, pulling her close.
He leaned near her ear, his voice low… warm.
"Ten hours isn't that much…"
She stiffened slightly, cheeks already warming.
"Did you forget," he continued softly, "after our wedding night… who slept for twenty-four hours?"
Aranel's breath hitched.
Her face flushed deep crimson.
Luca chuckled quietly.
"It was me," he added. "You were perfectly fine."
She bit her lower lip… eyes darting away.
A shy laugh escaped her.
"Darling," he murmured, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear, "I never knew you were this lonely… but that night you made sure I learned."
She swatted his chest lightly.
"Luca…"
He only smiled — playful… affectionate.
Then he glanced toward the bed.
"And the proof of our love is lying right there."
Aranel covered her face with both hands.
"Stop…"
"You should tell me that when we are alone in bed," he whispered. "Not now."
She pushed him back… though her lips were trembling with suppressed laughter.
He caught her wrist gently.
This time his teasing faded.
His expression softened into something deeper.
His hand rose… cupping her cheek with surprising tenderness.
His thumb traced her skin slowly… memorising the warmth.
Aranel's breath slowed.
Her eyes lifted to meet his.
He leaned closer.
Closer.
Their foreheads almost touched…
Their lips only a breath apart.
The world seemed to hold still.
Then—
"Mother… Father… what are you doing?"
Nayra's bright voice shattered the moment.
Aranel gasped and shoved Luca with sudden strength.
He stumbled backward and hit the wall.
THUD.
Nayra clapped excitedly.
"Mother threw Father away!"
Aranel quickly composed herself and smiled sweetly.
"That's because your father is weak, sweetheart."
Luca stood up, rubbing the back of his head… trying to hide his embarrassment.
He shot Aranel a playful glare.
"I will prove next time just how strong I am."
Her eyes sparkled mischievously.
"Really? You will?"
"You sound very excited."
"Of course I am," she replied, stepping closer again. "But don't forget your promise."
His smile deepened — confident… full of meaning.
"I never forget promises made to you."
-------------------------------------------------------
(Present Time — Royal Palace, Velmoria)
The palace corridors were drowned in silence.
Sia moved like a shadow… her sharp eyes scanning every direction.
Just then — the knights stationed along the passage shifted their positions.
The path ahead cleared.
A faint relieved smile touched her lips.
"Good… now I just have to enter my chamber."
Without wasting a second, she ran toward the wall and began to climb.
Years of training showed in her swift, silent movements.
In moments she reached the edge of her chamber balcony.
But just as she was about to slip inside — her gaze drifted downward.
A figure was running toward the palace.
Fast.
Desperate.
Her eyes widened.
"That jerk… he's coming!"
She turned immediately and knocked on the window.
Tap! Tap! Tap!
Inside, Leo jumped from the bed and rushed toward the sound.
He pushed the window open with excitement.
"Mother! You are ba—"
Before he could finish, Sia practically collapsed inside the room.
Her body hit the floor with a soft thud, breath ragged… chest rising and falling wildly.
She looked completely exhausted.
With trembling fingers, she deactivated the disguise spell.
Golden blonde strands slowly melted into soft peach… Blue eyes darkened into warm brown.
Her real self returned.
Still gasping for air, she pulled the silver chain from her neck and held it out.
"Here… Leo… your mother's ring…"
Leo quickly took the chain and wore it again.
His brows furrowed in worry.
"Mother… what happened? You look terrible… and your forehead—"
Sia touched the swollen bump and winced.
"Ahh… it hurts so bad… is his skull made of iron or what…"
Leo stepped closer.
His tiny hand gently cupped her cheek.
A soft crimson glow flickered in his eyes.
Magic pulsed through the air.
Within seconds — the swelling vanished… the pain faded like it had never existed.
Leo looked at her anxiously.
"Does it still hurt?"
Sia smiled weakly.
"No… it doesn't. My guardian angel healed me."
Leo's face turned red instantly.
"Mother… don't call me that…"
Her eyes softened as she watched him.
How can a devil like him have an angel for a son…
They may look alike… but they are completely different.
Leo tilted his head.
"What are you thinking?"
She shook her head quickly.
"Nothing."
Slowly she stood up, brushing the dust off her dress.
"Leo… tonight you will sleep with your father. Go to his chamber. I want to rest… I had a very bad day."
She walked toward the table, picked up a glass of water and began to drink.
But the moment the cold liquid touched her lips—
A memory crashed into her mind.
Eyan's arms around her.
His trembling fingers on her face.
That desperate… burning kiss in the darkness.
Her hand froze mid-air.
The glass trembled.
Suddenly she rushed toward the bathroom.
She turned on the water and began rinsing her mouth again and again.
"I hate him…" she muttered angrily.
"If I see his face again… I don't even know what I might do to him…"
Water spilled down her chin as she kept rinsing.
Then—
"Mother…"
Leo's voice came from behind.
She turned sharply.
"Leo? Why are you still here? Go to your father."
"I will… but can you change your dress and give it to me? I have to return it."
Sia frowned and looked down.
Her green dress was covered in dust and mud.
"It's dirty… I'll have it washed and then give it to you. You can return it later."
Leo hesitated.
"No… I have to take it now. Otherwise Father will be furious…"
Her brows knitted.
"Your father? Why would he be furious?"
Leo swallowed.
"Because… I stole this dress from his chamber and gave it to you without his permission…"
Sia blinked.
"Oh… you stole it from your fathe—"
Her words stopped.
Her eyes slowly lowered to the dress she was wearing.
Her voice came out as a whisper… shaking.
"Leo… whose dress is this?"
Leo smiled innocently.
"It's Mother's dress."
Something inside her shattered.
The world seemed to tilt.
Her knees gave way and she sank onto the floor. Images collided violently in her mind.
Eyan running after her… calling his wife's name…Holding her like she would disappear…Kissing her in the dark with aching desperation.
Her hand flew to her mouth.
"So… he saw the dress of his late wife… recognised it instantly… and thought I was her… That's why he—…"
Her fingers clutched the cloak. She brought it close and inhaled.
"It's a different scent… not mine… He was breathing this… her scent…"
Her mind replayed everything.
Her forehead smashing into his.
The brutal slap.
Her knee crashing into his face.
And still…
He had run after her… laughing…like a crazy person…
Guilt crushed her chest painfully.
"No… what have I done…"
Her voice trembled.
"His Majesty didn't do anything wrong… I am the one at fault…"
She looked at Leo.
"Leo… wait outside. I'll change."
He nodded quietly and left the bathroom.
-----------------------------------------------------
After some time, Sia stepped out wearing her night dress.
She handed the green dress and red cloak to Leo.
He took them silently… then disappeared into a glowing teleportation circle.
The room fell quiet again.
Sia stood there… unmoving.
Then slowly she covered her face with both hands… and let out a long, heavy sigh.
__________________________________
(Royal Palace — Front Gate)
Eyan was still running… breath uneven… heart pounding wildly.
Just as he reached the palace entrance—
SHHHING!
Two swords crossed before him.
Knights stepped forward, blocking his way.
"You intruder! How dare you run inside the royal palace without permission!"
Confusion flickered across Eyan's face.
Before he could react, they grabbed his arms… ready to drag him away.
His voice dropped cold and dangerous.
"YOU TWO… WANT TO DIE?"
The knights froze.
That voice.
They instantly released him and fell to their knees, trembling.
"Forgive us, Your Majesty! We couldn't recognise you… we thought some intruder had broken in!"
Eyan frowned slightly.
"You couldn't recognise me… but why?"
The knights hesitated… then slowly raised their eyes.
"Your Majesty… it's your face…"
"My face? What happened to my face?"
He turned toward the marble pool beside the entrance.
Moonlight reflected clearly on the water's surface.
He leaned closer.
His eyes widened.
His forehead was swollen to almost twice its size…
One side of his face puffed up… lips split and stained with dry blood.
He touched his reflection in disbelief.
"Is that really me…"
His fingers moved to his jaw.
A sharp pain shot through.
He chuckled softly.
"Looks like my jaw is broken…"
Then suddenly he laughed — breathless… almost boyish.
"My Princess has gotten very strong…"
The knights exchanged worried glances.
"Your Majesty… who did this to you?"
Eyan's swollen lips curved into a smile.
"Only one person in this world is capable of doing this…"
His eyes shone with something wild… hopeful.
"And that's is your Queen."
The knights blinked in shock.
"But… Her Majesty is sleeping right now."
Eyan shook his head.
"No… not Lady Sia."
His voice turned soft… reverent.
"It was Eva."
The knights stared at him, stunned.
"Our late Empress…? But Your Majesty… how is that even possible?"
Eyan inhaled deeply.
"It is possible. I saw her… she is alive."
His gaze sharpened suddenly.
"You two were stationed here. Did you see a lady enter? She was wearing a green dress and a red cloak."
They shook their heads quickly.
"No, Your Majesty. No one came through here."
Confusion clouded his face.
"She didn't come here…?"
His thoughts raced.
Did I misunderstand…? Did she go to our other home…?
Just then—
"Father!"
A small voice echoed across the courtyard.
Eyan turned.
Leo was running toward him with his tiny legs.
At the sight of his son, Eyan immediately dropped to his knees and opened his arms.
"Come here… come to Father."
Leo rushed into his embrace.
Eyan hugged him tightly… burying his face in the boy's hair as if holding his entire world.
His voice trembled with overwhelming emotion.
"You wanted a mother… didn't you?"
He pulled back slightly and looked straight into Leo's eyes.
"Now you don't have to worry anymore...Leo… your mother is alive...I saw her."
Leo's eyes widened.
"Mother… you saw her?"
"Yes."
Eyan cupped his son's face gently.
"I couldn't see her face…but it's looks like she was using a disguise spell…"
He laughed softly… almost disbelieving his own words.
"She was in front of me this whole time…"
A hint of amusement flickered through his pain.
"I can't believe she became a thief..."
His smile turned warm… determined.
"This time… Father will bring your mother home. Then you can meet her too."
Leo swallowed nervously.
"Mother… is a thief…? Father… where did you see her?"
"In the southern forest," Eyan replied.
Then he looked at Leo gratefully.
"Thank you… you were the one who told me where she was. You found your mother."
Leo's fingers tightened slightly.
"What… was she wearing?"
Eyan's expression softened with deep nostalgia.
"She was wearing the dress and cloak I gifted her on our first date… It was the very first gift your father ever gave your mother."
Leo lowered his gaze.
" First gift.…"
Eyan slowly stood up again.
"Leo… can you sleep in your uncle and aunty's room tonight? Father has to go and find Mother."
Leo hesitated.
"But—"
Eyan didn't let him finish.
He slowly turned toward the knights.
"Take him to Luca."
The knights bowed at once.
"Your Highness… please come with us."
Leo didn't move.
He kept staring at his father's face — bruised, swollen, lips torn and stained with blood… yet glowing with a happiness he had never seen before.
"Father… you are hurt," Leo said softly. "Let me heal you."
Eyan blinked in surprise.
"You can use healing magic…? Since when?"
Leo lowered his gaze.
"Today… I learned it today. I wanted to treat your old scars… they look ugly." He hesitated. "And Grandfather too… he has been sick since I was born… so I worked very hard."
Something inside Eyan melted.
His eyes filled with pride.
He pulled Leo into another tight embrace.
"I'm proud of you… my boy."
His voice trembled slightly.
"Now your grandfather will get better… he will finally be able to see Nayra, Nolan… and you."
He pulled back, cupping Leo's small shoulders. "Our family will be whole again."
Leo nodded.
"Father… take off your shirt so I can heal you."
Eyan gave a small smile and obeyed.
Slowly… carefully… he removed his shirt.
From behind a tall marble pillar — unseen by anyone — Sia was watching.
The moment his bare back came into view, her eyes widened in shock.
His body…It was covered in scars.
Deep, brutal marks that looked as if iron chains had once dug into his flesh… wrists bearing cruel imprints… old wounds layered over older ones.
Her breath caught.
His body… is in such bad shape…
Just then Leo placed his tiny palm against Eyan's chest.
His eyes began to glow crimson.
Magic pulsed through the air.
A warm golden light wrapped around Eyan's entire body… gentle… divine.
Slowly… unbelievably… the scars began to fade.
One by one.
Like ghosts disappearing at dawn.
Until his skin became smooth… unmarked… whole.
The golden glow vanished.
Leo's eyes returned to their normal colour.
He jumped back excitedly and grabbed his father's arms, turning them this way and that.
Then he clapped happily.
"Yay! Father… you are healed!"
Tears slipped down Eyan's cheeks.
Leo tilted his head and wiped them away with his small fingers.
"Why are you crying?"
Eyan took his tiny hand… and kissed it with deep gratitude.
"I am so grateful to you… I love you."
Leo immediately wrapped his arms around him.
"Leo loves Father too."
Eyan smiled softly and pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead.
"Go now… it's late. Sleep, okay?"
Leo nodded obediently and left with the knights.
The courtyard fell silent again.
Eyan slowly dressed himself… his movements calmer now… lighter somehow.
Then he turned… and walked away into the night.
Behind the pillar, Sia's vision blurred with tears.
Her legs gave way and she sank down, leaning against the cold marble.
"I shouldn't have come here…"
Her voice was barely a whisper.
"I ruined everything…"
She covered her mouth, guilt crushing her chest.
"Now His Majesty is searching for his late wife… who doesn't even exist…"
Her fingers trembled.
"I should tell him… the truth…"
.
.
.
To be continued—