Transmigrated as the Crown Prince's Mate
Chapter 43: Plan Gone Wrong...

Chapter 43: Plan Gone Wrong...

A Few Moments Earlier...

Selene walked briskly down the corridor, her heels clicking sharply against the floor. Her mind buzzed with fury after witnessing Damian’s focus on Evelina during breakfast.

His indifference to her was bad enough, but to chase after that woman? It was unacceptable.

She clenched her fists, her sharp nails digging into her palms. "If he won’t see reason, then I’ll make him," she muttered under her breath, her mind returning to the small vial hidden in her chambers.

The potion she had acquired not long ago was her solution—a sure way to deepen Damian’s bond with her and secure her place as queen.

Reaching her chambers, Selene shut the door behind her, moving quickly as she pulled the vial from its hiding spot within a jewelry box. The liquid inside shimmered faintly, a faint purple hue swirling as she tilted it.

Selene smiled coldly. "He’ll have no choice but to see me now."

Moments later, Selene made her way to the palace kitchens. She ordered the cooks to prepare a tray for Damian—a selection of his favorites: fresh bread, roasted meat, cheese, and fruit.

While they worked, she prepared two goblets of wine. As she uncorked the vial, a maid entered, startling her and making her turn around.

"Oh! Lady Selene, I didn’t mean to intrude," the maid stammered with widened eyes. "Do you need help with anything?"

Selene plastered a sweet smile on her face, slipping the vial behind her back. "No, thank you. I have everything under control. You may leave."

The maid hesitated but eventually curtsied and exited.

Selene exhaled sharply, then carefully poured a few drops of the potion into each goblet.

The cloaked figure’s voice echoed in Selene’s mind as she stared at the shimmering liquid in the vial. "Be careful. If used improperly, the effects could be... catastrophic."

Selene’s lips curled into a smirk as she poured a few more drops into each goblet. Catastrophic? Hardly. This was about ensuring her future—a future as queen, standing beside Damian as the rightful ruler.

She hesitated for a moment before tilting the vial again, watching as the last of the potion dripped into the wine. When the bottle was empty, she set it aside and swirled the goblets gently, the deep red liquid blending seamlessly with the potion.

"Perfect," Selene murmured in satisfaction. She held the goblets up to the light, admiring the way the wine gleamed. If Damian hadn’t been convinced of their compatibility before, he certainly would be now.

The cooks returned with the tray of food, and Selene arranged it carefully, ensuring everything looked perfect.

She added the goblets to the tray, her smile widening as she imagined Damian’s reaction. He would be drawn to her, unable to resist, and Evelina would become nothing more than a fleeting annoyance.

Balancing the tray, Selene made her way toward Damian’s chambers, the smile on her face never faltering. But as she approached the main corridor, she was intercepted by none other than King Lucian.

"Selene." The King’s tone was gruff but approving. "Where are you off to?"

She smiled sweetly. "I’m just delivering some food and wine for Damian, Your Majesty."

King Lucian glanced at the tray, and Selene held her breath. "I see you’re taking care of Damian even outside the council chambers."

Selene dipped into a graceful curtsy. "I noticed he didn’t eat much at breakfast. I thought it best to ensure he had something later."

King Lucian smiled faintly, his silver eyes showing his approval. "A thoughtful gesture. You’ll make a fine queen, Selene. It’s clear you understand the responsibilities of your future role."

Selene’s heart swelled with pride, but she kept her expression composed. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I only want what’s best for Damian and the kingdom."

At that moment, Jasper approached, bowing to the King. Selene seized the opportunity.

"Jasper," she called, balancing the tray. "Have you seen Damian? I wish to speak with him."

The servant glanced at the tray. "Ah, I believe the prince was on his way to his chambers when I..."

"Excellent," Selene interrupted him before he finished.

"Why don’t you have Jasper take the tray for you?" King Lucian suggested.

"Oh, yes," the servant offered. "I can carry it to him. It’s no trouble."

Selene’s eyes flashed with irritation. "No, thank you. I prefer to deliver the food myself."

"Of course, but I need to discuss something urgent with you," King Lucian told her.

Selene glanced back at him. "Oh? What is it?"

The King gestured for her to follow, and Selene bit her lip, casting a longing glance at the tray. She had wanted to deliver it personally, but she couldn’t disobey the King.

"Here. Could you deliver this to him for me? Tell him I’ll be there shortly."

Jasper hesitated. "Of course, Lady Selene." He accepted the tray, his brow furrowing slightly, but he quickly masked his curiosity. "I’ll take it right away."

As Jasper headed down the corridor, Selene turned her attention to the King, following him to his study. The King mentioned business dealings with her father, a topic she nodded along to while her mind plotted her next move.

She had no intention of letting Evelina get the upper hand.

After her conversation with King Lucian, Selene made her way toward Damian’s chambers with hurried steps. The thought of Damian waiting for her, unknowingly affected by the aphrodisiac, sent a thrill through her.

She’d finally have his attention, and Evelina would fade into irrelevance.

However, as she neared the door, muffled voices reached her ears. Her brows furrowed in confusion. Was he speaking to Jasper? She pressed closer, her hand hovering over the doorknob.

A sharp gasp from inside the room made her freeze.

Her breath caught as the sounds became clearer—Evelina’s voice, breathy and trembling, followed by Damian’s low growl. Selene’s heart sank, replaced by an icy fury.

"Make it stop," Evelina pleaded, her voice barely audible through the thick door.

Selene’s eyes widened, and she leaned closer, straining to hear more.

Inside, Damian’s voice was rough with frustration. "Evelina, don’t... Please, don’t tempt me."

A gasp escaped Selene’s lips, her chest tightening as realization dawned. She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms.

The tray she had carefully prepared, the potion she had administered—it was meant for Damian and her, not...

Not Evelina.

Selene trembled with rage, the voices in the room fading into white noise as she stared at the wall, her vision swimming as she debated her next move.

Should she storm in, or would that ruin everything? Her pulse raced with humiliation and fury.

They couldn’t be... Could they?