Transmigrated as the Crown Prince's Mate
Chapter 206: Sabotage...

Chapter 206: Sabotage...

The next morning dawned soft and golden.

Sunlight streamed through the tall windows of Damian’s chambers, casting long, warm beams across the stone floor. Evelina stirred first, still tangled beneath the furs, her head tucked under Damian’s chin and one of his arms draped possessively across her waist.

She didn’t move immediately.

She just listened to his heartbeat—a quiet, steady rhythm that grounded her in a world that seemed to shift and challenge her every day.

Relia stretched lazily in her mind. "Waking up in a prince’s bed every morning. You’ve come a long way from laboratories and backstabbing exes."

Evelina smiled faintly. "Don’t ruin it," she whispered.

Damian stirred beside her, groaning softly as he pulled her closer. "Talking to your wolf again?" he mumbled.

"She’s sassy in the mornings."

"I like her. She approves of me."

"She likes that you don’t snore."

"I don’t snore," he said indignantly.

"You do."

He cracked one eye open. "Lies."

Evelina rolled on top of him with a grin. "You sound like a dying bear."

"You wound me, my mate," he murmured, hands already roaming over her back. "But I forgive you."

They stayed in bed far longer than either of them should have, stealing kisses between teasing insults and lazy touches. It was one of those rare days where no council meeting was scheduled before noon, and Jasper had left a tray of sweetfruit and cheese on the table beside them.

"Today might actually be quiet," Evelina said between bites.

Damian arched a brow. "You say that every time before everything explodes."

Relia snorted. "Stop jinxing us, woman."

—

Later that morning, peace met its predictable end.

Lady Neressa, one of the senior advisors on the royal council, summoned both Evelina and Selene to the solar hall, a vast, sunlit chamber usually reserved for planning festivals and regional events.

"There’s a royal delegation arriving from the Northern Highlands in two days," Neressa explained. "They’ve agreed to resume diplomatic ties, but only if we impress them with a proper welcome—banquets, ceremonies, exhibitions. Something that shows Arcadia is thriving and stable."

"And let me guess," Selene said with a too-sweet smile, "you’d like Evelina and me to work together."

"It would send a strong message," Neressa replied. "The council has already voted."

Selene’s smile didn’t falter. "Of course. Anything for the good of the realm."

Evelina offered a polite nod. "You can count on us."

The moment they left the solar hall, Evelina sighed. "Don’t start," she said preemptively.

"Start what?" Selene said, tilting her head with false innocence. "I’m just thrilled to work with you."

"I’m sure you are."

They spent the rest of the day buried in details—menu planning, security rotations, invitation lists, and arena schedules.

At first, it was civil enough.

Evelina handled logistics with calm efficiency, while Selene charmed every servant and noble aide they passed, delegating tasks with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

But by the second afternoon, the sabotage began.

The chef received two contradictory menus—one signed by Evelina, the other by Selene.

Half the guards assigned to the northern courtyard were suddenly redirected to patrol a different wing based on "revised" orders.

And the noble families from the Highlands? They received conflicting seating arrangements that, if followed, would place bitter enemies side by side at the main banquet.

Evelina cornered Selene in the velvet-draped hallway outside the royal kitchens just after sunset.

"You switched the placement charts," she said flatly.

Selene turned, playing with the golden ring on her finger. "Oh? Did I? That’s strange. So many papers moving around these days."

Evelina stepped closer. "We’re not doing this, Selene. Not again."

Selene’s expression hardened slightly, but her voice remained sweet. "You mean you’re not winning again? I suppose that would feel new."

"I don’t need to win," Evelina said. "I just need to do my job. And maybe try to keep this kingdom from falling apart while the rest of you posture."

Selene’s smile vanished. "You think you’re better than me. Because you have his ring now."

"No," Evelina said coolly. "I think I’m different. You scheme in corners. I walk into rooms and say what I mean."

Selene’s eyes flashed. "And that’s why they’ll never fully accept you. You don’t understand this world."

"I understand more than you think," Evelina said, stepping closer. "And the next time you sabotage something with my name on it, I’ll call a public inquiry. Let’s see how your father likes you being exposed for political sabotage."

Selene’s hands clenched at her sides. "You don’t have the power to—"

"I have the prince’s backing," Evelina said quietly. "And soon, I’ll have the crown’s."

Relia hummed in approval. "Yes, queen. Threaten softly and carry a big damn sword."

The hallway stretched with tension until Selene finally stepped back, her smile returning like a mask slipping back into place.

"Let’s not let things get ugly," she said lightly. "After all... you have a banquet to run."

"Stay out of my way, and I’ll stay out of yours."

As Evelina turned and walked away, she could feel Selene’s gaze burning into her back.

But she didn’t flinch.

Because the game had changed.

Selene was no longer simply a threat.

She was a warning.

And Evelina was done playing by her rules.

—

By the time Damian found her that night, Evelina was sitting on the palace balcony overlooking the moonlit garden, her shoulders tense and her fingers curled tightly around a cup of tea.

He wrapped his arms around her from behind without a word.

"Long day?" he murmured against her neck.

"Selene’s being... Selene," she said, leaning back into him. "Trying to undermine every part of the event planning."

"I’ll talk to the council."

"No," Evelina said quickly. "If you step in, it’ll look like I can’t stand on my own. I need to win this one my way."

He nodded, pressing a soft kiss to her temple. "You will."

Her voice dropped. "She’s going to keep pushing, Damian. Her and her father."

"I know."

"They’ll come at us with everything."

"And we’ll meet them together."

Relia sighed dramatically in her head. If this man gets any more perfect, I might start crushing on him myself.

Evelina smiled, eyes on the moon.

She didn’t know what the next day would bring.

But for now, she had him.

And she had herself.

And Selene could scheme all she wanted.

This time, Evelina was ready.