The palace lay quiet in the deep night, candlelight flickering as the air in the chamber remained taut. When facing High Priest Agus of the Holy See earlier, Queen Evelyne had clasped her hands in greeting, her tone calm yet resolute as she held the royal family's bottom line. But after the meeting, with memorials beside the throne still unsorted, her thoughts had already flown to distant crises. Lucian stood nearby in silence, his golden eyes brimming with tenderness and worry. He stepped closer softly, even in his black leather armor, reluctant to shatter the delicate peace. Reaching out, he smoothed a strand of golden hair tangled by her frown, then tucked a lock that had fallen over her snowy shoulder behind her ear—his gestures gentlemanly and gentle.
Evelyne smiled down, her profile radiant in the faint light, a smile that made Lucian's heart skip. Who would imagine the twenty-six-year-old queen, bearing enormous burdens, now longed so deeply for someone to share her worries. "Your Highness, please rest first," Lucian urged softly, his voice like a clear spring in the night, easing the lingering tension from the meeting. He sat in a nearby leather chair, taking her slightly cold hand, the warmth of his palm seeping between her fingers, offering wordless support.
Evelyne gazed at their clasped hands, her heart stretched almost to breaking. Taking a deep breath, she lifted her eyes, their dark coffee depths dotted with starlight: "Lucian...?" Before she could finish, a tear slipped down. Lucian brushed the tear stain, murmuring: "Your Highness, I will stay by your side. No storm can destroy our oath." The gentle words and firm gaze gave Evelyne long-absent warmth. At last, she let down all defenses, falling into his embrace with a whisper: "With you here, I'm no longer alone... I trust you." In that instant, all barriers between them dissolved.
Overwhelmed, Lucian cupped her face, his tongue brushing her lips. He closed his eyes, savoring the warmth like long-awaited nectar. Evelyne responded passionately, arms looping around his neck to pull him closer. Their breaths began to intertwine, hearts racing in unison. "Don't be afraid; I'm here," Lucian whispered, drawing her back into his arms. By candlelight, his embrace felt like the warmest haven in the night, making her tremble as her thoughts blurred in their tangled breath. The faint scent of medicine and lingering leather warmth mingled in their heated friction, igniting her long-suppressed desire.
Lucian slowly released her, gently placing Evelyne on the ebony armchair in the study. Candlelight cast her translucent skin in a soft, warm glow, his gaze enraptured in the play of light and shadow. He leaned down to kiss her warm lips, then trailed kisses to her neck. Evelyne closed her eyes, relishing each touch as warmth spread through her. "Your Highness..." Lucian began, but she had already gripped his shoulders, pulling him close in longing.
Now pressed together again, Lucian wrapped his arms around her waist, lifting her gently so her legs naturally coiled around his powerful hips. The heady mix of Evelyne's medicinal scent and the warmth of her skin fueled Lucian's urge to explore. His tongue responded to her desire—sometimes gentle, sometimes fierce.
With a low moan, Lucian finally eased fully into her, beginning their deepest union. Evelyne shut her eyes as initial pain melted into overwhelming pleasure. She felt their rhythms align, breaths and heartbeats resonating in sync. He was steady and loving, each thrust like an oath etched into emptiness. "Lucian..." she breathed, arms tightening around his neck. Her fingertips left faint marks on his back, carrying desire and silent encouragement. He felt every clench and murmur, like a collision of their souls.
Before climax, Evelyne shuddered, nails raking his spine as tears welled—perhaps from happiness, perhaps from unbridled release. She called his name in a trembling voice, overflowing with exquisite satisfaction. Lucian groaned in reply, holding her close as they crested the peak of passion together. Their breaths were hot and rapid, candlelight and moonlight witnessing the flame of their oath ignited deeply.
In the afterglow, Lucian slowed, carefully gathering Evelyne into his arms. Sitting back in the chair, he let the unextinguished candlelight illuminate their lazy, satisfied expressions. She nestled quietly against his chest, still feeling the lingering warmth of their bodies. Lucian kissed her forehead softly, asking: "How do you feel, Your Highness?" Evelyne nodded, placing her hand on his chest, comforted by his strong pulse. "All is well," she said gently. "With you here, I fear nothing."
Lucian stroked her hair, voice low and firm: "No matter how dangerous the path, I will hold your hand tightly." His words were as powerful as an oath. Evelyne looked up at him, smiling: "I believe in you—only you." As they shared a smile, new hope seemed to kindle in their hearts.
The night grew deeper, only candleflames dancing. They embraced in the mingled glow of candlelight and moonlight, their breathing the gentlest rhythm of the night. Both knew this warm peace was fleeting shelter. But for now, Evelyne and Lucian cast aside all plots and noise. Nestling against Lucian, she whispered in his ear: "No matter how dangerous the future... I will trust you."
Outside, insects chirped as dawn quietly approached. Candlelight faded into the faint morning glow, and Evelyne and Lucian smiled at each other, closing their eyes to sleep in each other's arms. In this hour before the storm, their hearts were unshakable in each other's embrace.