Lady Eveline Alden, the youngest daughter of Baron Alden, had always been a free spirit, uninterested in the constricting ways of high society. While other young ladies of her status busied themselves with learning proper etiquette, Eveline was often found roaming the countryside, her curiosity leading her into mischief more often than not. Carefree and unrestrained, she delighted in flouting the norms of decorum, much to the dismay of her older sister, Cecilia.
Cecilia had always been Eveline's muse and protector. The elder sister was poised, responsible, and ever the voice of reason. Whenever Eveline's reckless behavior led to trouble, it was Cecilia who would swoop in to smooth things over, her patience seemingly endless. While Eveline was the tempest, Cecilia was the calming sea, always there to guide her wayward sister back to safer shores.
One fateful night, Eveline's insatiable curiosity led her to a lively tavern on the outskirts of their village. It was there, surrounded by laughter and the clinking of mugs, that she found herself caught up in the raucous company of her friends. Liberated by the heady effects of wine, she let go of her usual reservations. Amidst the merriment, she crossed paths with a mysterious stranger.
The man was striking—his hair a shade of silvery white that gleamed like moonlight, his eyes a piercing shade of purple that seemed to look straight through her. He was unlike anyone she had ever encountered. In her wine-fueled bravado, she approached him, and the two struck up a conversation that was both playful and surprisingly deep. He revealed that he was a mercenary, a wandering soldier of fortune on his way to the frontlines of some distant war. There was an air of sadness about him, a shadow that lingered in his gaze, though his smile was kind.
Their connection was instant, electric, and before the night ended, Eveline found herself in his arms, succumbing to the thrill of the unknown. It was a night of passion, one she had never imagined for herself. When she awoke the next morning, she found him still there, watching her with a gentle, apologetic smile.
"I'm sorry," he said quietly, his voice carrying a weight that she did not fully understand. "I never intended for this to happen."
Eveline was taken aback. In her experience, men never apologized for taking what they wanted, and she had grown accustomed to playing games with their affections. Yet, this man was different—his remorse was genuine, and it intrigued her.
"Don't be," she replied with a carefree grin. "It was a good night, no regrets."
They spoke for a while longer before he departed, leaving her with only the memory of his mesmerizing eyes and the faint scent of sandalwood. He vanished into the morning mist, a mercenary bound for war, leaving Eveline with a story to tell and a heart unexpectedly touched.
Later that day, Eveline recounted the events to her sister Cecilia, whose reaction was nothing short of explosive.
"You did what?" Cecilia's voice was a mixture of disbelief and outrage as she paced the length of the drawing room, her brow furrowed with concern.
"I had a little adventure, that's all," Eveline replied nonchalantly, lounging back in her seat. "He was kind, handsome, and a perfect gentleman. What more could I ask for?"
"Kind? A stranger who took your virginity after a night of drinking?" Cecilia retorted, her eyes flashing with anger. "You gave yourself to a man whose name you don't even know!"
Eveline merely shrugged. "I may never see him again, but if I do, I hope it's under the same moonlight. He had the most fascinating silver hair and the brightest purple eyes, Cecilia. You'd have to see him to understand."
Cecilia stopped in her tracks, her eyes narrowing. "You almost make it sound like the emperor himself came down from his palace to our village for a romp." She scoffed, dismissing the absurdity of the thought with a wave of her hand.
Life returned to normal, or so it seemed. That is, until several months later, when Eveline's carefree world was turned upside down. She discovered that she was with child—not just any child, but twins. The news sent shockwaves through the Alden household. Their father had passed away only three months prior, leaving Cecilia, now the new baroness, to shoulder the burdens of their estate. Though initially furious, Cecilia's anger soon gave way to compassion.
"I beg of you, Eveline," Cecilia pleaded, her voice softening as she embraced her sister. "Keep the children. I'll do everything I can to protect you and them. I promise."
Eveline agreed, touched by her sister's unwavering support. The months that followed were filled with both joy and apprehension. When the time came, Eveline gave birth to a set of twins: a boy with silvery hair and striking blue eyes, and a girl with golden locks and vibrant purple eyes. The sight of them filled her with a love she had never known, a love that was shared by Cecilia, who doted on her niece and nephew as if they were her own.
For five blissful years, Eveline and her children lived peacefully in the barony, embraced by the warmth of their small family. But fate, it seemed, had other plans.
One crisp autumn morning, their idyllic life was shattered. The sound of heavy boots and the clatter of armor filled the air as the Royal Army descended upon their estate. Soldiers bearing the emperor's insignia surrounded their home, their stern faces betraying no hint of mercy.
Cecilia rushed to the front, her heart pounding. "What is the meaning of this?" she demanded, her voice wavering despite her attempt to appear composed.
The captain of the guard stepped forward, a scroll in hand. "By order of His Majesty, we are to take custody of the children born of the emperor," he declared, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Eveline's heart nearly stopped. "Children of the emperor?" she echoed in disbelief. It had to be a mistake. She had no ties to the emperor—only a fleeting encounter with a nameless mercenary.
But the truth was undeniable. The soldiers had come for her twins, and there was no escaping the decree. With little choice, Eveline, her sister, and the children were escorted to the capital. The journey was long and filled with uncertainty, each mile bringing Eveline closer to a reality she could scarcely comprehend.
Upon their arrival at the grand palace, Eveline was led into the throne room, her heart thundering in her chest. And there, seated on the golden throne, was the man she had never expected to see again—the same man who had disappeared from her life six years ago. The silver hair, the amethyst eyes, the face she could never forget. He was the emperor.
Eveline's mind reeled as she struggled to make sense of it all. The man she had known as a mercenary was, in fact, the ruler of the kingdom. She felt a rush of conflicting emotions—shock, betrayal, and a strange sense of vindication. He had not been a simple soldier; he was the emperor himself, the father of her children. But as she studied him, his regal demeanor and authoritative attitude was nothing like that day. She realized that this was the difference between them. He still had those kind eyes and smile that took her breath away, but he was just on a different level.
Beside him stood another man, identical in nearly every way, save for his raven-black hair and vivid green eyes. He was introduced as Prince Alaric, the Grand Duke and the emperor's twin brother. Though their features were nearly identical, the Grand Duke's aura was cold, bordering on hostile, as if he resented Eveline's very presence.
Identical, yet distinct, they were two sides of the same coin. This was the Royal siblings.
Without further delay, the emperor proposed a marriage, citing his duty to acknowledge his heirs and ensure their legitimacy. Rumors spread like wildfire through the court, suggesting that the emperor had taken Eveline and her children in only because he was impotent and unable to father children by any other means. The whispers were relentless, casting a shadow over her sudden rise to the position of empress.
Though the emperor before her was undoubtedly the man she had spent that fateful night with, he was also a stranger in many ways. His demeanor was formal, his affections distant, leaving Eveline to wonder how much of that night had been genuine.
Determined to secure a future for her family, Eveline made a single request: that her sister Cecilia be granted the title of countess, along with additional lands to expand their barony. The emperor agreed without hesitation, and thus, the deal was sealed.
Eveline's life as the empress had begun, with the oath to protect the twins with her life.