Transmigrated as the Crown Prince's Mate
Chapter 140: Summoned By Distinguished Guests...

Chapter 140: Summoned By Distinguished Guests...

"Why does my clothing bother you, your smuginess?"

Selene’s lips curled. "Because we have distinguished guests, and surprisingly, they are asking for you. I wonder what you did to piss them off."

Her eyes sparkled with malice as she added, "I’m sure it’ll be a delightful conversation. Do try to compose yourself."

And with that, Selene sauntered away, leaving Evelina and Jasper behind.

"Whatever this is, milady, I think it’s best you don’t keep the royal court and its distinguished guests waiting."

Evelina nodded as she watched Jasper walk away.

Her jaw tightened with irritation as she hurried to her chamber, the smug words of Selene lingering in her mind like a bad taste.

Distinguished guests.

Asking for her.

That alone was enough to set her on edge.

Relia’s voice hummed in her mind, mirroring her irritation. "Who the hell could they be? You don’t exactly have a long list of admirers in the noble world."

Evelina exhaled sharply, pushing past a few palace servants who scurried out of her way. "No idea. But if Selene’s that pleased about it, then it’s nothing good."

"I bet the prince is already in there." Relia’s tone was full of distaste. "Probably dealing with whatever mess this is. And now they want you in it, too?"

That was what unsettled Evelina the most.

She wasn’t important enough for the royals in this kingdom to care about—unless she was a problem.

But then, royals from a different kingdom?

That was a different story altogether. Unless someone had deliberately drawn attention to her, creating a sense of mystery that reached beyond their borders.

Unless someone had made her a problem.

Her mind spun through possibilities. Could it be related to the poisoning? Had word spread beyond Arcadia? Or was this something else entirely?

She needed answers.

But first—she needed to stop looking like she had crawled out of a crypt.

The moment Evelina entered her room, she tore off her dust-covered cloak and tossed it aside. She then moved quickly, pulling open the wooden chest near her vanity and grabbing a fresh set of clothes.

A bath. She needed a bath.

Her body hurt—not only from the visions but also from being so tired. She had been relying on sheer willpower since the morning, and now that the adrenaline was wearing off, she could feel every sore muscle and every lingering headache.

But there was no time to dwell on it.

She stepped into the bathing chamber, letting the warm water wash away the grime and tension clinging to her skin.

Relia, of course, did not remain silent.

"We should consider running."

Evelina paused mid-scrub. "Excuse me?"

"I’m just saying. Every time someone ’important’ asks for you, it’s never for a good reason."

Evelina rolled her eyes. "You just don’t want to deal with people."

"That’s true, but... I’m just saying. Every time you get called in by royalty, someone either wants to frame you, marry you, or kill you. Sometimes all three."

Evelina let out a dry chuckle, rolling her shoulders as she let the warm water soothe her aching muscles. "Good to know you have so much faith in me."

"Oh, I do," Relia assured her. "I have faith you’ll punch at least one person before the day is over."

Evelina smirked. "Tempting."

But she knew she had to keep her temper in check. At least until she knew what she was walking into.

After a few more minutes, she stepped out of the bath and dried herself off, moving swiftly as she dressed.

She chose a deep navy gown with silver embroidery along the sleeves and hem—something elegant yet deceptively simple. It hugged her waist without being overly elaborate, and the high slit along the side allowed for easy movement.

A dagger was hidden under the fabric, strapped discreetly to her thigh, completing the look.

By the time she stood before the mirror, her wet hair fell in gentle waves over her shoulders, and her deep blue eyes were more intense than before.

She looked composed. Regal, even.

And if someone had summoned her with the intention of belittling her, they were in for a surprise.

"There," Relia purred. "Now we don’t look like a corpse. Much better."

Evelina smirked. "Glad to have your approval."

With one final deep breath, she turned and left the room.

********

As Evelina strode through the palace corridors, she spotted Jasper—efreshed and neatly dressed—leaning casually against a pillar, almost like he was waiting for her.

His sharp eyes flicked over her appearance before he let out a low whistle. "Damn, milady. You look almost royal."

Evelina arched a brow. "Careful, Jasper. That almost sounded like a compliment."

He smirked. "It was. Thought I’d give you something nice before you walked into whatever royal disaster awaits."

Evelina huffed, shaking her head. "Well, if I’m going down, might as well look good doing it."

Jasper chuckled. "That’s the spirit."

Evelina shot him a sideways glance. "Since you always seem to know more than you should—tell me, who exactly is visiting?"

Jasper’s smirk remained, but there was something more thoughtful in his gaze. "I asked around—maids, guards, a few loose-lipped nobles—and from what I gathered, it’s not just any royal family. It’s a delegation from OakenShaw."

Evelina frowned. "OakenShaw?"

Jasper nodded. "A werewolf kingdom, just like Arcadia. Not too far north from here, but not close enough to be considered part of Arcadia’s sphere of influence. They aren’t our enemies, but they sure as hell aren’t our allies either."

Evelina’s brow furrowed. "Then what does that have to do with me being summoned?"

"That’s the million-gold question, isn’t it?" Jasper mused. "For all we know, they could be here for trade negotiations, military discussions..." He paused, then grinned. "Or, you know, they could be here for you."

Evelina narrowed her eyes. "Not funny."

Jasper simply shrugged. "You did ask."

By now, they had reached the throne room doors. The guards stationed outside straightened at their approach, their expressions carefully blank.

Jasper stepped ahead of her, giving an exaggerated bow as he gestured toward the massive wooden doors. "Only one way to find out, Lady Evelina."