As day broke, orange-red morning light poured through the high windows, spilling onto the palace's golden silk carpet and casting Evelyn's slightly trembling silhouette. The previous night, her whispered words and passionate kisses with Lucien in the royal garden had transformed all weariness and unease into their most intimate vows. Now, with firmer steps, she embraced the new day.
In the imperial square, officials and delegates of all peoples gathered. Evelyn wore a light purple embroidered robe, her holy light emblem gleaming in the rising sun. Clearing her throat, her voice was gentle yet resolute: "My lords, the West Ridge undercurrents have been thoroughly investigated by our forces. The bandit stronghold 'Green Abyss North Pit' will be handed over to the civilian council today for reconstruction; more relief and rebuilding plans will launch simultaneously. As I vowed to Lucien on the night of our alliance, justice and love alike demand daily practice." The crowd erupted in warm applause, many faces glowing with hope for rebirth.
After her proclamation, Evelyn moved to the antechamber where Lucien awaited. He removed his cloak, draping its dewy-cool fabric over her shoulders, and murmured: "Your Highness, today's agenda is full—I will guard you." Evelyn smiled, clasping his hand: "With you beside me, no challenge is too great."
As court proceedings unfolded, Evelyn and Lucien separately visited four areas—from the orphanage in the palace's north wing to the old teahouse in the south marketplace—listening firsthand to civilian voices. Orphan children presented the queen with paintings; their young yet sincere smiles brought Evelyn to tears. An old woman in the teahouse sat solemnly on a futon, tremblingly submitting a petition to reduce tea taxes and restore old streetlights—seemingly trivial matters, but vital to livelihoods. Lucien assisted in signing the petitions, promising on the spot to include them in the next council agenda.
As the sun set, the royal study piled high with today's memorials and petitions. Exhausted yet content, Evelyn sat at her desk, a half-cup of cold tea still in her saucer. Lucien handed her a fresh cup of herbal tea and draped a velvet shawl over her shoulders: "Your Highness, rest now. The night is beautiful, and it's time for us." His voice was as soft as water, melting her fatigue in an instant.
Night fell, and the Fountain Pavilion in the royal garden glowed with lights as promised. Evelyn and Lucien sat opposite each other, the fountain trickling, flower scents drifting in the night breeze. Nestling in his arms, she traced the emblem on his chest with her fingertips, recalling the day's moments: "The smiles and tears I saw today only strengthen my belief that this path is worth walking, no matter the difficulty."
Lucien pressed his lips to her neck, murmuring: "And you are the one worth defending above all in my life." He lifted her in his arms, carrying her to the nearby couch as flower shadows and candlelight intertwined around them. On the soft velvet, Lucien unfastened the golden chain at her waist, tenderly unarming her from the heavy armor of duty. Evelyn closed her eyes in welcome, her body arching slightly, breath quickening with warmth and longing.
Their kisses began gentle, then grew passionate. Lucien's fingers wandered to her waist, brushing the royal blood mark and drawing a faint shiver. Evelyn wrapped her arms around his neck, elevating the lingering kiss and chest-to-chest closeness into primal desire. Her gasps and murmurs enraptured Lucien, each embrace feeling like a tender strike to her heart.
The rustle of silk against leather, skin glowing in candlelight, the lingering scent of post-rain flowers—at this moment, they wove dawn's duties with night's tenderness. As Lucien gradually quickened his pace, Evelyn's fragmented breaths and the fiery kiss marks on her neck flickered like flames in the dark, entwining into a wordless vow.
When flame and soul climaxed together, the fountain's murmur outside became the softest overture in the night. Gradually calming in the afterglow, they clung to each other as Lucien stroked her hair and Evelyn nestled against his chest, hearts full of faith in the reborn capital and endless reliance on each other.
Deep in the night, they slept wrapped in warmth and love. Morning dew would soon awaken the city, bearing witness to the continuation of their vows.