Transmigrated as the Crown Prince's Mate -
Chapter 19: Two Plans
Chapter 19: Two Plans
After spending all night tossing and turning in a restless sleep, Evelina stepped out of her chambers with two distinct goals: uncover the truth behind the attempt on Prince Damian’s life, or find a way back to her own time and world.
One plan or the other would work—she was determined to see at least one through.
The fresh morning air from the palace corridors brushed against her face, helping to clear her thoughts as she moved quickly.
’No distractions,’ she told herself firmly. ’Especially not Damian.’
But as fate would have it, just as she turned a corner, the last person she wanted to see appeared at the other end of the hallway. Damian’s unmistakable figure strode toward her, his silver eyes already locking onto hers.
Eve felt a rush of panic and, without a second thought, turned around and went back the way she had just come.
"Evelina!" Damian’s voice echoed.
Relia’s voice practically purred in her mind. "Running now, are we? That’s not very subtle of you, or is it?"
"Oh, shut up," Eve hissed mentally, quickening her pace.
"You know you can’t outrun him. You might as well just stop and—"
Evelina’s thoughts cut off as she heard Damian’s footsteps growing louder behind her. She didn’t need Relia’s commentary to know that he was catching up.
Before she could process her next move, Damian grabbed her arm, spinning her around and pinning her firmly against the cold stone wall. The force of the movement left her breathless, her heart racing as she glared up at him.
"What the hell is your problem?" she snapped.
Damian’s expression was dark, his silver eyes blazing as he held her in place. "Why did you run?" he demanded.
Eve’s lips twitched, a smirk forming despite her irritation. "I thought you could use the exercise," she said sweetly. "You know, to stay fit for your big day. You’ll need to look good for the wedding pictures."
Damian’s jaw tightened at her sarcasm, and he relaxed his grip on her arm a bit before he abruptly stepped back. "Don’t bring up the wedding," he said tersely.
Eve straightened, smoothing the front of her gown as she tilted her head to regard him. "Then why were you chasing me down the hallway? Looking for a repeat of last night, Your Highness?"
Her voice was laced with mockery, and her smile didn’t reach her eyes. "Sorry, but I’m not available for that anymore. Wouldn’t want Lady Selene to slap your mate again, now would we?"
The deliberate emphasis on Selene’s name made Damian’s eye twitch, but before he could reply, a soft cough interrupted them.
"Prince Damian," a voice said smoothly. "I’ve been looking for you."
Both Damian and Eve turned to see Lord Luther standing a few paces away, his expression calm but his gaze sharp as it shifted between the two of them.
"Lord Luther," Damian said stiffly. "I was just speaking to Evelina about—"
"Oh, Evelina. Your mate," Luther interrupted with an easy smile, stepping closer. "I’ve been meaning to speak to her myself, but haven’t had the chance."
Damian’s eyes narrowed. "Why? Is there something wrong?"
"Nothing to worry about, my Prince," Luther replied, his tone soothing. "Why don’t you fetch the history text we discussed earlier? I’ll be right behind you."
Damian hesitated, his gaze flicking to Evelina. The look in his eyes was unreadable, but it made her pulse quicken. After a long moment, he gave a curt nod and strode away, leaving her alone with Luther.
The moment Damian was out of earshot, Luther’s expression shifted, his smile fading slightly as he focused fully on Eve. "So," he started, speaking in a casual way but with a clear purpose. "How’s your progress? Have you found out who tried to poison our dear Prince?"
Evelina crossed her arms, leveling him with a guarded look. "Why do you care?"
Luther chuckled softly. "Oh, I care about many things, Lady Evelina. Especially when it concerns the future of this kingdom."
Eve’s instincts bristled at the subtle undertone in his words. "If you’re trying to ask me something, just say it," she said bluntly.
Luther’s smile widened slightly, but his eyes remained sharp. "I’m merely curious about your methods. After all, it’s not every day that the Crown Prince’s mate—accused of poisoning him, no less—is given the freedom to investigate such matters."
Evelina didn’t flinch, keeping her voice steady. "I’m only trying to prove my innocence. If that bothers you, maybe you should take it up with Damian."
Lord Luther’s smile returned. "I know you’re trying to find the killer, and I’m on your side. So, if there’s anything you need to aid your investigation, don’t hesitate to come to me," he said smoothly. "Who better than a Lord within the palace to provide support?"
Evelina narrowed her eyes, trying to gauge his sincerity. She wasn’t one to trust easily, especially not in a world where she was constantly on the defensive. "Why the sudden interest?" she asked cautiously.
Luther chuckled softly. "It’s not sudden, my dear. My concern has always been for the kingdom and its future. And if someone is targeting the Crown Prince, we must root out the culprit before more harm is done."
Evelina remained silent, her arms crossed as she studied him. His words made sense, but something about the ease in his tone felt off—too rehearsed.
"If you truly want to help," she said slowly, "then keep your ears open. Information is the most valuable thing right now."
"Of course," Luther agreed, inclining his head. "And should you require resources—anything at all—don’t hesitate to ask. Consider me your ally in this, Lady Evelina."
Evelina didn’t return his smile but offered a polite nod. "Thank you, Lord Luther. I’ll keep that in mind."
Luther’s expression softened, as though her gratitude genuinely pleased him. "I look forward to seeing justice served," he said, stepping aside to let her pass. "Until next time, my lady."
With a curt nod, Evelina walked away.
As she continued down the dimly lit corridor, her mind replayed the conversation with Lord Luther. The way he talked and acted made her feel uneasy, but she could not think about it too much.
There was too much at stake.
’Focus,’ she thought. ’You have a goal, and you’re closer than ever.’
As she approached the next door, it creaked slightly, drawing her attention. Before she could process what was happening, an arm shot out, grabbing her by the wrist.
Eve barely had time to gasp before she was yanked inside, the door slamming shut behind her.
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