------
The knights dragged Gray through the dim corridor, their boots striking the marble floor in unison. The air was heavy with silence until a smooth, commanding voice broke through it.
"Wait—who is this man?"
The knights halted instantly, turning to face Prince Velco, who stood at the end of the hall, a faint smirk curling his lips.
"Your Highness," one knight bowed. "This man broke into the Queen's chamber. We were ordered to lock him in the dungeon."
Velco's gaze lingered on Gray, scanning him from head to toe. His smile deepened. "Oh, then I shouldn't stop you," he said softly, stepping aside with deliberate grace. "Carry on."
The knights bowed again and continued forward.
As they passed, Gray's lips curved into a faint, knowing smile. He whispered just loud enough for Velco to hear—
"On her wedding ring."
Velco's eyes narrowed slightly, but his grin returned, sharper this time. He turned, watching the knights drag Gray away until their footsteps faded.
Then, under his breath, Velco repeated with amusement, "On her wedding ring."
He chuckled lowly, hands clasped behind his back, and began walking down the corridor, the echo of his boots mixing with his quiet laughter.
----
(Royal Palace — Queen's Chamber)
Eyan stood there in silence, lost in thought, his mind storming with doubt and confusion.
Luca watched him carefully. "Eyan… you don't believe what that fool said, do you?"
Eyan didn't answer. His eyes were distant, his jaw tight.
"Eyan," Luca said again, stepping closer, "you trust your wife, don't you?"
Eyan took a deep breath, his voice barely above a whisper. "I trust her… but…"
"But what?" Luca's tone sharpened.
Eyan sat down on the couch, his elbows resting on his knees, head bowed low. "But I'm confused. I don't know what to believe anymore."
Luca frowned. "Eyan, why are you confused? You've seen how much she loves you. That child—he's yours."
Eyan's eyes lifted, filled with turmoil. "No… it's not mine."
Luca froze. "What did you say?"
"But you said it yourself in front of everyone, that the child is yours."
Eyan's voice trembled slightly. "I only said that in front of everyone to protect Eva's honor. But deep down… I know. The child isn't mine."
"Eyan, stop talking nonsense," Luca said, frustrated. "You're letting their words poison your mind."
"How can I ignore it?" Eyan snapped suddenly, his voice breaking. "The child she carries is already a month old! That means she was pregnant before our wedding. Before she became my wife."
He buried his face in his hands. "There's no way that child can be mine."
Luca clenched his fists, thinking quickly, then suddenly looked up. "Wait. There's a way to prove it."
Eyan looked at him wearily. "What do you mean?"
"My magic," Luca said. "You know my spells don't work on the Therald bloodline. Your body nullifies my magic spell."
Eyan nodded slowly. "Yes… what about it?"
Luca's expression hardened. "If the child is truly yours, my magic won't work on Sister either—because your blood flows in that child."
Eyan's eyes widened in alarm. "Luca… you can't mean—"
"I'll cast a strong spell," Luca interrupted.
Eyan stood up sharply. "No, you can't do that!"
"Don't worry," Luca said calmly, summoning a pale light in his hand. "If the child is yours, your blood will protect her."
Eyan's heart pounded. "And what if it isn't mine?"
Luca looked him straight in the eyes. "Then my magic will strike her down. She and the child will die."
Eyan's breath caught in his throat. "You're insane!" He grabbed Luca's arm. "I won't let you risk her life like that!"
"Eyan," Luca said quietly, "are you afraid that if the child isn't yours, your wife will die?"
"Yes!" Eyan shouted.
Luca's eyes turned cold. "Then she deserves to die."
Eyan froze. "What did you say?"
"If she carried another man's child," Luca said sharply, "she lied to you. She betrayed you. She mocked your love. For that—she deserves death."
Eyan's voice cracked as he shouted, "No! I don't want her to die!"
Luca's expression softened slightly. "Why, Eyan?"
Eyan's answer came in a trembling voice, his heart breaking open. "Because I love her."
Luca exhaled slowly, a faint smile touching his lips. "You lovesick fool."
With a swift motion, he unleashed his magic.
The room roared to life. The wind howled, curtains tore loose, and the walls shook under the force of his spell. A blinding wave of light shot from Luca's hand toward Eva's still form.
"Luca! Stop!" Eyan cried, lunging forward. "Don't hurt her!"
But Luca's voice cut through the chaos. "Eyan—look."
Eyan turned, his heart hammering.
The blinding light hit Eva's body—but instead of harming her, it spiraled and was drawn into her womb, glowing faintly through the thin fabric of her gown.
Eyan froze, eyes wide. "What… what's happening?"
Luca lowered his hand, watching in awe. "My magic—it's being absorbed. By the child."
He smiled. "That means the child carries your blood, Eyan. He's yours."
Eyan's legs gave out beneath him. Tears welled in his eyes as he stumbled toward the bed, falling to his knees beside Eva.
Eyan froze for a moment, his chest tightening as the words sank in. His eyes, glimmering with unshed tears, softened—happiness flooding through them like sunlight breaking through a storm.
Luca slowly lowered his hand, letting the magic around him fade.
Eyan stumbled forward, falling to his knees beside the bed. His trembling fingers reached out, brushing against Eva's still belly as if it were made of glass.
A broken laugh escaped him, tangled with sobs. "My child…" His voice cracked. "My child…"
He bowed his head, voice trembling. "Please forgive me, Eva… forgive me… for doubting you, for doubting your love."
A sob escaped him. "I don't deserve you. I—questioned your loyalty… I failed you."
Luca stepped closer, his tone gentle yet firm. "Eyan, it's not your fault. Anyone in your place would've done the same."
Eyan shook his head weakly, his tears falling onto Eva's hand. "Still… I hate myself. I didn't trust her. I couldn't even accept my own child."
Luca smiled softly. "Then tell me… are you happy now, to know you'll be a father?"
Eyan's lips quivered into a smile as he nodded, still crying. "Yes… I'm happy....I'm so happy."
At the far end of the room, Leo stood quietly—his small hands clasped together, eyes warm and glistening.
A soft smile played on his lips as he whispered to himself,
"Father is happy."