Eyan was abruptly pulled from his thoughts by Eva's gentle voice.
"Tea," he said, voice low but firm.
Eva's eyes sparkled with a faint hope as she bowed slightly. "Yes, Your Majesty. Please accept it."
A shadow of hesitation flickered across Eyan's face, uncertainty clouding his usual composure.
"Oh..." Eva's tone softened, tinged with sadness. "It's alright, Your Majesty. I won't force you if you don't wish to come into my humble home."
Her gaze dropped, voice trembling just a bit. "I know... my house is not fit for royalty like you. That must be why you hesitate."
She swallowed hard, pain flickering behind her eyes. "I should have known... a tea made by a commoner like me wouldn't be welcome."
A sudden panic flashed in Eyan's crimson eyes. "Lady Eva, it's a misunderstanding."
He took a steadying breath. "I hesitate not because of you, but because it's late... and it wouldn't be proper for me to visit while you are alone."
"If anyone saw us..." His voice tightened with worry. "It could bring trouble."
Eva's delicate shoulders sagged. "Right, Your Majesty... your image would be stained."
But Eyan's gaze was earnest, almost pleading. "Lady Eva, I do not care for my image. What worries me is yours."
Her lips quivered with a smile. "Don't worry, Your Majesty. Everyone is likely asleep. No one will see you."
He glanced around the dimly lit street, then nodded slowly. "Very well."
Eva opened the door wider and gestured inside. "Welcome, Your Majesty."
His footsteps were soft as he crossed the threshold.
"Please, sit here," Eva offered, guiding him to the couch.
Eva called out softly, "Kyel... Kyel?" The silence answered her.
Eyan settled down, his fingers tapping a nervous rhythm against the armrest.
Eyan's eyes flicked toward her. "Lady Eva, whom do you seek?"
"My husband," she said quietly, voice edged with worry. "It seems he hasn't returned."
"Perhaps something kept him," Eyan suggested, voice gentle.
Eva nodded, a hint of hope in her eyes. "I suppose."
"Your Majesty, please wait here. I will prepare the tea."
She disappeared into the open kitchen connected to the living hall.
"Put the pan on the stove..." she murmured to herself, fingers tracing the counter. "Now, where did Kyel keep the tea herbs?"
She rifled through shelves, the soft clink of jars breaking the silence.
Eyan's voice broke in, calm but concerned. "Lady Eva, is something amiss?"
"Your Majesty, I am searching for the tea herb."
"It's not here... where did Kyel put it?"
She hurried up the wooden staircase.
"Lady Eva, where are you going?" Eyan called after her.
"To the bedroom... the tea herb," she replied breathlessly.
Eyan's thoughts flickered with amusement. "Princess, why are you looking for the tea herb in the bedroom? Who puts it in the bedroom?"
He laughed softly, "And making tea in a pan?"
He sighed. "Princess, it's right there in the jar."
Eva returned, shaking her head. "It's not in the bedroom."
She gave a small, apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty. My husband usually works in the kitchen—I'm not familiar with where things are kept."
She grabbed a sturdy wooden stool.
"I should check here too."
She climbed onto the stool, reaching for a high shelf.
Eyan sprang up, eyes wide with worry. "Lady Eva, please be careful—you might fall!"
"Let me help you."
"No, Your Majesty. I can manage. Please don't worry—I won't fall."
But the stool slipped suddenly.
Without hesitation, Eyan lunged forward, catching her before she could hit the floor. "Lady Eva, be careful."
She stumbled slightly, and he fell with her, his arm instinctively shielding her head.
Their faces hovered mere inches apart, breaths mingling in the quiet room.
Their eyes locked—hers wide with surprise, his filled with a frantic, almost vulnerable urgency.
Eyan quickly stood, stepping back and clearing his throat. "I apologize, Lady Eva! I only wanted to protect you."
Eva's cheeks flamed with a rosy hue as she averted her gaze. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Eyan rubbed the back of his neck, a nervous smile tugging at his lips. "Lady Eva, I should take my leave. It's late."
"I'm sorry, Your Majesty... I couldn't even offer you tea."
He shook his head gently. "It's quite alright. No need to apologize."
"Then, Lady Eva... good night."
She bowed gracefully. "Good night, Your Majesty."
Eyan opened the door and stepped outside, pressing his back against the cool wall.
His hand clutched at his chest.
My heart is going crazy... she was so close.
He took a deep breath and turned to his coachman. "Return to the palace. I have urgent matters to attend to—I'll come later."
The coachman bowed and rode off.
Inside, Eva stood flushed, her hands trembling slightly.
Why is my heart pounding so fast? she wondered, fingers brushing her cheek.
Is it from the fall?
She scolded herself softly, Eva, why did you fall from that foolish stool?