Transmigrated as the Crown Prince's Mate
Chapter 176: Want Me to Run?

Chapter 176: Want Me to Run?

"Prince Kyle," Eve said in a cautious tone. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Evelina arched a brow, folding her arms as Kyle approached. The faint moonlight caught the glint of mischief in his ocean-blue eyes, though there was something heavier lurking beneath his usual charm.

"Company," Kyle said with a casual smirk as if it was the easiest thing in the world.

Evelina tilted her head, giving him a dry look. "And here I thought lurking in palace hallways and gardens wasn’t your style, Your Highness. Is this your grand idea of charming a lady?"

Kyle chuckled softly, stopping a few feet away. "Charming a lady, yes. Lurking? Absolutely not. I’m much too graceful for that."

Evelina let out a breath of exasperation, shaking her head. "Kyle, I’m not really in the mood for—"

"Jokes? Flirting?" he interrupted smoothly, shrugging. "Fair. But I thought you might be in the mood for company." He took a step closer, his smirk fading into something softer. "You’ve been through hell these past two days, Evelina. Even the strongest people need a moment to breathe."

Evelina’s guard stayed up despite the genuine warmth in his voice. "And you’re here to be my... breathing companion?"

"Why not?" Kyle countered lightly, though his gaze was sharper than his tone. "You could use a distraction. Besides, I’m not here to give you trouble. At least, not this time."

She studied him for a moment, trying to gauge his true intentions. Kyle might’ve been quick with his jokes and charm, but he was far from foolish. If he was here now, it wasn’t just to make idle conversation.

Kyle watched her carefully, sensing her hesitation. She was sharp, always questioning, always calculating. It was one of the reasons he found her so intriguing—and dangerous if he was honest with himself.

"I heard about the council meeting," he said finally in a quieter voice. "About Lord Luther’s... accusations."

Evelina stiffened.

Her chest tightened at the mention of the meeting, her mind flashing back to the servant trembling with the poisoned bottle in her hands and Luther’s smug, measured words.

Kyle raised his hands in mock surrender. "Relax, I’m not here to poke at old wounds. But I thought you should know—I’ve been hearing things. Whispers."

"Whispers?" Evelina repeated skeptically, narrowing her eyes.

Kyle sighed, his tone losing its usual teasing edge. "Look, I may just be a ’visiting prince’ to most of the council, but people talk. And I’ve got ears."

Evelina arched a brow. "Are you trying to tell me that, as a guest, you somehow know what Luther is planning?"

Kyle smirked faintly. "Not quite. But I know enough to realise he sees you as a threat. And if he’s smart—which we both know he is—he’s already moving pieces to take you off the board."

Evelina’s heart sank, though her face remained impassive. She didn’t need Kyle to tell her that Luther was plotting against her—she’d felt the weight of his schemes since the moment she had stepped into Arcadia’s court.

But hearing it confirmed by someone else made the reality of her situation hit harder.

"And why," Evelina asked carefully, "are you telling me this? You could’ve kept quiet and let me stumble into whatever trap he’s laying."

Kyle’s smirk returned, though it lacked its usual arrogance. "Because I know a losing game when I see one. And Luther? He’s playing recklessly. The council might fall for his games now, but sooner or later, they’ll see through him. And when they do..." He trailed off, letting the implication hang in the air.

Evelina crossed her arms, her mind racing. "So, you’re telling me this out of... what? The goodness of your heart?"

Kyle grinned. "Hardly. I told you before, Evelina—I like you. And I don’t particularly enjoy watching people I like get chewed up by a corrupt council and a scheming lord."

Evelina hesitated, torn between skepticism and a begrudging sense of gratitude. She wasn’t sure she could fully trust Kyle, but his words were true, and there was something in his tone that felt genuine.

"Whispers, huh?" she said finally, softening her stance just a fraction. "And what exactly do these whispers say?"

Kyle’s smirk widened, but his eyes stayed serious. "That Luther’s starting to plant doubts. He’s twisting the narrative, painting you as someone dangerous—someone who might bring more harm than good to Arcadia."

Evelina’s jaw tightened. She had suspected as much, but hearing it aloud made her anger simmer just below the surface. "And you’re only telling me this now?"

Kyle tilted his head. "I wasn’t sure you’d even listen to me. But after what happened in the council meeting... let’s just say it seemed like the right time to speak up."

Evelina exhaled sharply, her gaze flicking to the stars above. "If you know so much, why not use your own influence to stop him?"

Kyle chuckled, the sound bitter this time. "Oh, I’ll do my part. But the real fight? That’s yours, Evelina. Whether you like it or not, this isn’t just about Luther or the council—it’s about you. About proving you’re not someone they can easily discredit."

She clenched her fists, a spark of determination lighting in her chest. "I don’t plan to let him win."

"Good." Kyle stepped closer, his voice dropping slightly. "Just remember—you don’t have to fight alone."

Evelina’s gaze flicked to his, searching for any hidden motives. She folded her arms, her guard rising once more. "And what exactly do you mean by that?"

Kyle hesitated for a moment as though weighing his next words carefully. "I’m saying you don’t have to stay here."

Evelina’s brows knitted in confusion. "What are you talking about?"

"I’m talking about leaving," Kyle said plainly. "Getting away from all of this—Luther, the council, the kingdom."

Evelina blinked, her heart skipping a beat. "You’re joking."

Kyle didn’t smile. "I’m serious, Evelina. You’re smart. You’re capable. You could leave Arcadia and start over somewhere else. Somewhere, you’re not constantly fighting to prove your innocence to a pack of blind elders and a corrupt lord."

Evelina stared at him, her mind reeling. "You want me to run?"