The silence between them was thick with things unspoken. Evelyn stood by the window, her arms wrapped tightly around herself, watching the rain tap softly against the glass. Damien leaned against the doorframe, hands tucked into his pockets, waiting.“You're really going to just stand there until I say yes?” she finally asked without turning around.He smiled faintly. “If that’s what it takes.”Evelyn turned, eyes sharp. “Don’t flatter yourself. This isn’t love, Damien. This is war. And you're asking me to surrender.”“I’m offering peace,” he said calmly. “Protection. For you. For your child.”“You mean Adrian’s child.”Damien’s jaw flexed. “Does it matter?”She walked slowly toward him, her steps measured. “It does to me. That child is all I have left of him. So if I do this… if I marry you… there will be rules.”He nodded. “Name them.”“One,” she began, lifting a finger. “This is a political arrangement, not a romantic one. Don’t touch me without permission.”“Understood.”“Two.

The grand hall of justice stood cold and silent, lit only by long golden torches flickering against the marble walls. Soldiers, dressed in crisp silver and blue uniforms, marched into the castle square. The clang of their boots echoed through the courtyard as they surrounded the tower where the remaining key figures from the kingdom’s past chaos were kept under watch."Bring them out " one of the commanders ordered.One by one, they were led out Damien, battered and quiet; Leona, staring straight ahead; the former king, pale and silent and others who had played their parts in the story that almost tore the kingdom apart.Adrian stood tall at the front, Evelyn by his side. But today, it wasn’t about ruling it was about truth.A room was prepared for private interrogations. Just a wooden table, two chairs and a recording scroll.Damien was the first to be brought in.He walked in slowly, his steps heavy. His eyes were sunken, dark rings underneath. He looked at Evelyn who sat behind the

The royal courtroom was packed, yet the air felt hollow. Heavy. The walls, once covered in bright silks and royal crests, were now dull under the weight of what was about to happen.Evelyn sat beside Adrian, her fingers cold, twisted together on her lap. He looked calm on the outside, but his clenched jaw told a different story.A loud knock echoed through the hall.The judge, in his long robe and firm gaze, stepped in with scrolls in hand. Behind him came the guards, leading Damien and Evelyn’s father in heavy chains. The crowd hushed. The weight of justice had finally arrived.Everyone sat. Only the accused remained standing.The judge cleared his throat."After long hours of interrogation and careful review " he said, voice echoing, "the court is ready to deliver its judgment"Evelyn held her breath. Adrian took her hand silently."The accused, Damien of Ravenhall, is found guilty of attempted coup, framing the crown prince, and multiple counts of violence"Damien’s face was unread

The morning sun rose over the kingdom of Elaria like a gentle blessing, casting golden light over the palace rooftops. It had been just a week since Adrian and Evelyn were crowned King and Queen, and already, there was a new kind of energy flowing through the land. No more whispers of rebellion or fear. Just hope and the heavy weight of rebuilding.Adrian stood in front of the Royal Guards' barracks, dressed in his dark tunic with the royal crest now stitched across his chest. The guards stood at attention as he walked down the line, inspecting each of them closely.“We’ll need more training drills " Adrian said, stopping in front of the captain. “And regular checks at the gates. No more bribes. No more sleeping on duty. We can’t protect the people if we’re lazy"“Yes, Your Majesty!” the captain replied, standing straighter.He turned to the rest. “You don’t serve me you serve the people. Every child sleeping in their home… every mother waiting for her son to return. That’s who you’re

The sun poured softly through the wide castle windows. It should have been a peaceful morning, but Evelyn sat on the edge of the bed, arms folded, staring blankly at the golden wall. She hadn't said much since they woke up.Adrian came out of the bathroom, drying his wet hair with a towel. He stopped when he saw her. “Eve " he said gently, “you’ve been quiet since last night. What’s wrong?”She didn’t reply. She just stood up and began arranging the sheets like it was the only thing that mattered.Adrian walked closer and gently touched her arm. “Talk to me " he pleaded. “Is it about the council meeting?”She turned, her eyes sharp. “No. It’s about her. And them. All of them"Adrian blinked. “What do you mean?”She faced him fully, crossing her arms. “Do you enjoy it? The stares? The whispers? The noblewomen who smile too hard and lean too close?”He frowned, confused. “What? Evelyn, I barely notice ”“You don’t notice?” she snapped. “They practically melt in your presence!”He took