The white crescent moon was trapped in the black sky outside the window. Evelyn had been staring at the sky all the time since she returned to see Adrians condition. She still couldnt accept everything that passed by like a storm and didnt seem to be over soon.

Sir Serus.

Princess, His Majesty has returned.

Evelyn turned her head, moving her blue eyes, I know. She thought Fabian would call her first, but the prediction was wrong. It seemed Fabian was badly injured too.

First of all, it took time to get treatment by a medic.

Did he say anything else?

Oh, His Majesty sent a secret message to the Felice Kingdom to inform the news. So dont worry too much.

Sending word to Arthur, it was a gentle caring that wasnt like Fabian. However, he had to, because if Arthur lost contact with the two of his family who was taken away one-sidedly, he definitely wouldnt stay still.

Looks like His Majesty hasnt been looking for the Princess yet. I apologize, but I have to go see His Majesty right now. If you need anything else .

Evelyn raised one hand and stopped him from speaking. Sir Serus. Why is the medic seeing Adrian so often? There was deep anxiety buried in her calm voice. At first, Evelyn thought it was a simple examination, but it was too frequent.

Why do the medic keep putting Adrian to sleep?

Evelyn wasnt even allowed to see the treatment process. She could only see the medics back and forth carrying Adrian, who was fast asleep. When Evelyn tried to ask something, everyone immediately ran away and didnt want to answer her question. So she had no choice but to try to understand.

I dont know anything about that.

Serus expression was calm. He didnt seem to hide something. Then Evelyn decided to lure Serus and ask him because he was bad at lying, Then, does His Majesty know about this?

Maybe, since hes the one who called the medics.

All right. As expected, Serus was honest. And Evelyn took a deep breath, You said youre going to meet His Majesty, right?

Yes.

Then, Im coming with you. Evelyn raised herself before Serus could answer.

But t-thats a littleyou need to get some rest.

Seruss face was pale from fatigue and anxiety. Evelyn, who wore a simple dress while living in the fort, styled her hair to make it less embarrassing for anyone to see

If Your Majesty refuses, then Ill rest.

Serus nodded reluctantly and stepped forward first. The whole decision was a matter for the two to settle anyway.

After opening the bandage, Fabian relaxed for a while, wearing a linen shirt that was a bit loose. He had a very hard time the last few days, but the worst part was when he had a headache like now.

Its easier to deal with the Demon.

Everything that could be solved with a sword was better. And he found it much easier to rule the country as Emperor. Problems like this could also be ended easily with Fabians orders. Since it was also the only solution, he knew.

But Fabian rarely hesitated. At some point, Evelyn seemed to have become the most difficult person for Fabian to deal with in the world.

Fabian was confident that he could make decisions quickly. But whenever he remembered Evelyns desperate eyes, he kept hesitating. Thinking about her who hid Adrians existence, even though Fabian was angry like fire, but a corner of his heart was pounding.

Knock, knock

A knocking sound at the door suddenly broke Fabians reverie. Serus, come later. Fabian answered briefly and turned his eyes out of the window. His chest was stuffy so that he couldnt shut his eyes for a bit.

Knock, knock

But the knocking sound bothered Fabian again.

Haaahh. He felt like his stomach was going to burst. And when he heard Serus knock, his fever suddenly rose. Fabian got up from his chair, rushed to the door, turned the knob, and opened it roughly.

Dont you understand my words.. Fabian immediately stopped the words he was about to spit out. In front of him right now was Evelyn, who was thin and confused. And he found Serus stood a few steps behind her.

Its not Sir Serus fault. I insisted on seeing Your Majesty. Evelyn opened her mouth to give an excuse. Fabian glared at his aide over Evelyns shoulder. But somehow, it was too late.

Could you spare me some time? But Evelyn didnt step back and bit her lips tightly, Its okay even if its only for a moment.

Eventually, Fabian sighed. Evelyns complexion was terrible. Besides, her condition was much messier than the current situation. This was the first time Fabian had seen Evelyn so weak that he could neither refuse nor push her out.

Fabian took a step backward instead of answering. Then Evelyn stepped in carefully and closed the door behind her back.

What should I say first?

The tired tone on Evelyns voice provoked anger in Fabians heart for no reason. If she was so cold and arrogant, she should have done well to the end. But why did she look so pitiful right now?

I did it because I wanted to. There is no need for gratitude or apology. Fabian said.

The night breeze blowing through the window was freezing. Today, Evelyns shoulders looked so small. Fabian frowned at such a figure and threw the blanket beside him at Evelyn, Cover yourself and sit down. Fabian pointed his eyes at the chair.

No, how could I.

Since when have you been polite to me?

Hearing Fabians harsh voice, Evelyn reluctantly sat on the chair and covered her lap with a blanket. What a strange view in this room, which only had one chair. The Emperor was standing, and she was sitting.

It was you, Evelyn, who threw everything against me.

Before the deadly incident occurred, Evelyn denied that Fabian was Adrians father. She refused to admit it to the point of risking her own life. In the end, if Adrians life werent in danger, she would have been like that to the end.

Back then, when I gave that child an antidote, I I didnt know what to feel.

Fabians low voice was filled with resentment. Evelyn quietly lowered her head in front of him. To Fabian, she was a traitor who secretly gave birth and raised his child after divorcing him for no reason.

I will accept it if you admit that youre wrong.

But now both knew the truth. Even the fact that they had known each other.

Your Majesty, Im now talking about Adrian.

No. You have to give me an answer right now. You cant do anything until I get a clear answer. Fabian came to a step closer. Because otherwise Im going to go crazy. His deep-low voice rang right in front of her. Fabians black eyes were looking down at Evelyn. His breath and the look in his eyes seemed to scratch her.

Why. Fabian came up with a painful word. Why did you do that? He always wanted to ask. If only he could know the reason, maybe it would be less painful.

With what kind of thinking ? Fabian breathed slowly, trying to control his soaring anger.

For the first time, Evelyn felt Fabians feelings flared up. His emotions in the dark were as fierce and intense as a storm. Suddenly, she remembered how scary Fabian was. It wouldnt be surprising if Evelyn died at his hands now.

Why.Why! In a low, terrifying voice, Fabian stretched out his hand roughly. Evelyn was ready to face the worst and close her eyes, but she couldnt stop her shaking shoulders.

But, no matter how long she waited, Fabians hand didnt touch her. When Evelyn opened her eyes, his hands wandered through the air and took Evelyns.

I What should I feel?

Evelyns heart ached at those depressing words. She always thought that Fabian didnt have this kind of feeling. But it was Evelyns arrogance. There wouldnt be a person without feelings in this world, but she didnt know it. No, she didnt want to know.

Ive never been so depressed like this since I was born. he said. It had never felt this hard to breathe since he lived in this Empire.

I am so distressed now. Im going insane right now and I think my head will explode. Evelyns blue eyes trembled when Fabian cried desperately.

Even if I had a knife stuck in my chest, it wouldnt hurt this much. Fabian had no strength anymore. His hand, which held Evelyns, dropped hard. His pain spread like a poison.

No. Thats better .. Its fine if everyone in this world is afraid of me. I dont care if they hate me.

Fabian didnt want to admit it, so he denied the reality, but it was useless.

But Evelyn, does it have to be you? His black eyes dug painfully into Evelyns heart, What the hell have I done to you! The overflowing feelings that Fabian had been holding back all this time finally erupted. Evelyn couldnt answer and only bit her lip.

He was suffering for a mistake he hadnt made yet. Tears rolled down the cheeks of Evelyn, who was speechless. Fabians body temperature, who held her hand, felt burning, and it made her heart hurt even more.

Look at me, Evelyn. Fabian begged, Why things turned out like this?

There were so many lonely nights. Fabian didnt laugh since Evelyn left. Such helpless years had passed. It was Fabians lonely struggle. He was an Emperor who couldnt fall for a day, and what could help him through those days was a belief that someday, Evelyn would come back.

I was wrong.

It was an empty word. When he spoke those words out of his mouth, it seemed that all the strength that supported Fabian had disappeared. Without knowing it, Fabian fell and slumped in front of Evelyn.

Ha..

Evelyn doubted her eyes, but Fabian didnt move. He still held Evelyns hand, even though he was kneeling in front of her. As if her hand was the only string of hope.

I cant stand it any longer. Fabian said as if he were doing atonement.

Evelyn. Fabian buried his head in her lap, Im tired..

The tears belonged to Evelyn, but she felt it was Fabian who was crying.

Im so tired.

Evelyn unwittingly reached Fabians head and then paused for a moment.

Why did you leave me, I asked myself, and I blamed myself that was too cruel. Every countless night, every time I was alone, every time an indelible memory appeared, it was so cruel to miss it. Fabian looked up, staring at Evelyn. His eyes were watery. There were painful, sad, and longing feelings in it.

And also .. there were memories of love remained.

Evelyn..I loved you.

Another drop of her tears flowed before his confession was over.

And I still love you..

Fabian reached out and wiped Evelyns tears away, I have no choice but to do so for the rest of my life.

Only

Now Fabian was once again begging for her love. For the first time, he laid down all his pride, clinging to Evelyn as a man.

Is it still not enough? Fabian asked calmly. No matter what happened today, he had to listen to Evelyns answer. There was nothing more to hesitate or to waste. An Emperor had knelt in front of her, so what else Fabian could give?

If I split my heart and take it out and put it in your hand, will you know my suffering?

No, no. Evelyns voice trembled faintly.

You hate me. Thats why you gave me this pain, didnt you? It wasnt a rebuke. Fabian was sincere.

Evelyns neck was choked by the pain in his eyes that was so deep.

And she couldnt get away from those eyes.