[Scene – Morning of the Ceremony – Eivar’s Room]

The soft morning light falls on the bed. Eivar wakes up, a little tired, but with a forced calmness. He sits in front of the mirror and patiently brushes his hair.

Eivar (internal, tired but determined):

“It’s just a simple ceremony… like all those simple royal ones!”

[Scene – Downstairs Hall]

Eivar comes down the stairs and suddenly faces a large table full of beautiful boxes—boxes with royal ribbons, filled with men’s jewelry, rings, brooches, and luxurious fabrics.

Eivar (surprised, eyes wide):

“What are these?!”

Sin (with a half-smile):

“They’re all for you. Sent from the palace. And they even sent a special outfit just for tonight.”

Eivar (still in shock):

“Whaaaaaat?!”

[Sarit enters, running a hand through his silver hair.]

Sarit:

“Was all of this really necessary? It’s not like it’s some grand occasion.”

[The Duke Kael enters, glancing over the gifts.]

Duke Kael:

“I’ll have to send an official letter of thanks. This level of attention is unprecedented.”

[At the top of the stairs, Alina enters in formal wear, her expression disdainful.]

Alina:

“For someone about to enter the royal family, this is the least he should expect. He shouldn’t be so shocked.”

[Scene – Evening – Eivar’s Room]

Eivar stands in front of the mirror. He’s wearing his royal outfit but seems a bit lost in the grandeur of it. He adjusts slightly.

[The door opens—Sin walks in, adjusting his own clothes.]

Sin (straightening Eivar’s clothes):

“Breathe. It’s just a simple ceremony, not an execution.”

Eivar (deep breath):

“Simple for you maybe…”

[Scene – Downstairs Main Hall – Alina and the Duke of Riven are waiting]

Eivar and Sin descend the stairs. The candlelight flickers. Everyone is ready.

Eivar (looking around, worried):

“Where’s Sarit? He should be here too…”

Alina (dry and biting):

“Him? He’s not even a consort. How could he be allowed here?”

Eivar (frowning):

“He’s my father! How could he not be here?”

Sin (louder than usual):

“Eivar’s right. He should be here.”

[The hall doors open—Sarit enters dressed in guard attire, serious and dignified.]

Eivar (eyes lighting up):

“Dad!”

Alina (angrily):

“What is the meaning of this?!”

Sarit (calm but firm):

“Tonight, I’m not just Eivar’s father. I’m his guard.

With the Duke’s permission, this was already arranged.”

[Flashback – A Few Days Earlier – Duke Riven’s Study]

[Sarit stands in simple clothes, but his gaze is firm.]

Sarit:

“I want to be there for the ceremony. I know I can’t be there as his father. Let me stand by my child as his guard…”

Duke Kael (after a few seconds of silence, softly):

“Alright. Just make sure no one notices.”

Duke Kael (internal monologue):

“You were always meant to be there… as Eivar’s father.”