Five Years Later

The evening air buzzed with excitement as the Harvest Moon Festival drew near.

Golden lanterns swayed in the mountain breeze, casting dancing shadows across the courtyard of Duke Alexandro’s castle.

The ancient stone walls echoed with the sounds of preparation as servants rushed about their work.

Evangeline moved gracefully between the long oak tables, making sure every detail was perfect—silk banners hung just right, platters of roasted meats arranged beautifully, and goblets of the finest wine positioned exactly where they should be.

The festival was a beloved tradition in the Duchy of Meridia, and she was determined to make it unforgettable for all the noble guests who would attend.

Her brother, Duke Alexandro, appeared beside her, a proud smile lighting up his weathered face as he looked over the elaborate preparations.

Five years had passed since she’d arrived at his castle, and in that time, he had proven to be not only her protector but her dearest friend.

“You’ve outdone yourself, sister,” Alexandro said, his deep voice filled with genuine admiration. He stood tall and imposing in his ceremonial doublet, yet there was unmistakable tenderness in his dark eyes when he looked at her. “The Great Hall has never looked more magnificent.”

Evangeline smiled warmly, her fingers smoothing the rich fabric of the table covering. “I just want to make sure you have a wonderful evening, brother. You’ve been hiding away in your tower study for weeks, buried under correspondence and ledgers.”

She winked playfully, her emerald eyes sparkling with mischief.

Alexandro shifted uncomfortably, a slight flush creeping across his noble features. “Don’t start with your matchmaking schemes,” he muttered, glancing away toward the torchlit battlements. “I have no interest in romantic entanglements right now.”

Evangeline raised an elegant eyebrow, her smile becoming more teasing. “Of course not. But tonight brings noble ladies from across the realm. Perhaps fate will step in, and you’ll find love again.”

His expression hardened, his eyes growing distant with old pain. “Don’t joke about such things, Evangeline.”

She immediately grew serious, recognizing the familiar shadow that crossed his features.

She knew the tragic story of his beloved wife, the duchess who had died in childbirth along with their infant son.

The loss had changed him from a cheerful lord into a solitary figure who threw himself into governing his duchy with relentless dedication.

“Forgive me,” she said gently, placing a sisterly hand on his arm. “I only speak from hope for your happiness. You’ve endured enough sorrow, dear brother. You deserve another chance at love.”

Alexandro met her concerned gaze, but his response was interrupted by the arrival of one of the castle’s messengers. The young man approached quickly, his boots clicking against the stone floors as he bowed deeply before his lord.

“Your Grace,” the messenger announced, slightly breathless from his hurry. “An urgent message has arrived. Prince Sebastian of Valdris has sent his acceptance of your festival invitation, along with his father’s blessing.”

Evangeline’s heart dropped into her stomach as though she had been struck by lightning. The golden goblet she had been adjusting slipped from her nerveless fingers, clattering against the stone floor.

Sebastian.

The name she had spent five years trying to forget, the name that still haunted her dreams and waking thoughts.

Her carefully built world began to crumble around her as panic surged through her veins like wildfire.

Before she could control her reaction, she turned and fled toward the castle’s interior, her silk slippers silent against the polished floors as she ran through corridors she knew by heart.

“Evangeline!” Alexandro called after her, alarm clear in his voice, but she was already disappearing up the winding staircase toward the nursery.

Her breath came in ragged gasps as she pushed open the heavy oak door to her children’s chambers.

Her heart both soared and ached as she saw them playing contentedly with their wooden toys, two beautiful five-year-old boys with dark hair that gleamed like polished obsidian and piercing blue eyes that were unmistakably familiar.

Marcus and Adrian, her precious twins, were the perfect image of their father.

Every aristocratic line of their faces, every proud tilt of their chins, every graceful movement reminded her of Sebastian.

She had managed to keep their parentage secret for five years, but she knew that anyone who had known Sebastian would recognize them instantly.

Evangeline forced a trembling smile, desperately trying to hide the terror clawing at her chest.

The boys looked up at her with innocent curiosity, their young faces unmarked by the complexities of their birth.

“Mama?” Marcus asked, his voice sweet and concerned. “Why do you look sad?”

“I’m not sad, my darling,” she whispered, kneeling to embrace them both. “Mama just wanted to see her precious boys.”

Just as she was preparing to leave the nursery, she heard familiar footsteps in the corridor.

Alexandro appeared in the doorway, his expression shifting from confusion to growing concern as he took in her obvious distress.

“Evangeline, what’s happened? Why are you so frightened?”

She wiped away her tears hastily, but they continued to fall despite her efforts.

Her hands shook as she struggled to find words that could explain the magnitude of her fear.

“Please, Alexandro,” she whispered, her voice barely audible above the children’s quiet play. “You must promise me something. When Prince Sebastian arrives for the festival, don’t let him see me. Don’t let him anywhere near the children. Please, I beg of you.”

Alexandro’s expression transformed as understanding began to dawn.

His keen eyes moved from her tear-stained face to the two young boys who continued playing innocently, and she watched as the pieces of the puzzle fell into place in his mind.

“Prince Sebastian… of Valdris…” he said slowly, his voice heavy with realization. “He’s their father, isn’t he?”

Evangeline nodded through her sobs, unable to speak the words aloud.