Transmigrated as the Crown Prince's Mate
Chapter 63: Housekeeping, my lady...

Chapter 63: Housekeeping, my lady...

Eve tried as much as she could to remain put, but by noon, she couldn’t any longer. She decided to take matters into her own hands. Relia, supportive as ever, was buzzing in her mind.

"You’re going to get in trouble for this," Relia teased, though her tone carried admiration. "But I love it."

Evelina stood outside the cabin, the warm sun on her back. Sophie had hung some clothes to dry, including a simple maid’s uniform—a dark skirt and plain blouse. Evelina eyed it, weighing her options.

"This is what it’s come to," Evelina muttered to herself as she snatched the clothing.

Within minutes, she had changed, tying her hair up in a low bun to conceal her distinctive features. She covered her head with a soft scarf borrowed from the cabin, masking herself further.

The outfit was surprisingly comfortable, and Evelina moved confidently as she left the cabin behind.

************

The journey to the palace was uneventful, Evelina ensuring she wasn’t seen by anyone familiar.

Upon arrival, she avoided the main entrance, instead slipping in through a service hallway. The palace was as busy as she remembered, bustling with staff.

Evelina manoeuvred through the halls, heading straight to the one place in her mind: Damian’s quarters. She was about to knock when she heard voices inside.

Her hand froze midair.

"...You think you can keep hiding her, Damian?" Selene’s sharp voice reached her through the heavy door, each word dripping with venom. Evelina froze, feeling her heart race.

She stepped back and hid in the shadow of a nearby alcove. When she peeked out, she noticed the door was slightly open.

Selene was sitting next to Damian’s bed. He lay still, unconscious, but his breathing was steady even though it was shallow.

Her voice softened, but the malice remained. "You risked everything for her, didn’t you?" she sneered, brushing a hand over Damian’s arm. "Running off to save her... bringing her back. Did you think I wouldn’t find out? I could practically smell her all over you when you returned."

Evelina’s breath caught.

Selene moved closer to Damian, her face showing both anger and obsession.

"You’ve always belonged to me. Mine. I won’t allow that wretch to destroy what we have. I will find her, Damian. No matter where she’s hiding, I’ll track her down and complete what someone else started."

Evelina’s fists were clenched at her sides, filled with anger. Selene continued speaking, unaware of her hidden audience.

"And to think," Selene hissed, her voice dropping to a whisper, "you couldn’t even wait for our wedding before throwing yourself into bed with her and then into danger for her. How much did it hurt when you realised you’d been played? When you realised I was right all along?"

Evelina’s thoughts raced. What does she mean? Selene’s words held a hint of pain, suggesting that her obsession with Damian had hit a breaking point.

Selene leaned back, her gaze trailing over Damian’s motionless form. "You can’t protect her forever," she said softly. "I’ll kill her before she gets the chance to ruin us."

Evelina couldn’t stand listening to Selene any longer.

She felt a whirlwind of emotions: anger, sadness, and a strong desire to be by Damian’s side. Taking a deep breath, she stepped out of her hiding spot. She had to enter the room without drawing any attention.

Evelina made her way to the servants’ quarters, moving quickly but carefully to avoid drawing attention.

Inside, she located a shelf lined with jars and bottles. She grabbed a small vial of perfume and a bottle of oil, then dabbed both onto her skin, ensuring her scent would be masked.

Relia hummed approvingly in her mind. "Smart move, let’s hope it works."

"It has to," Evelina replied silently.

Returning to Damian’s quarters, Evelina adjusted her scarf to conceal more of her face and knocked gently on the door.

"Who is it?" Selene’s sharp voice cut through the air.

"Housekeeping, my lady," Evelina replied softly, her head lowered and her voice calm. "I’ve come to clean and refresh the prince."

There was a brief pause. Evelina held her breath.

"Go ahead," Selene said after a moment, though her tone was hesitant. "I’ll stay and ensure it’s done properly."

Evelina stiffened.

She hadn’t anticipated Selene staying. Her heart pounded as she stepped into the room, fixing her eyes on the floor. Damian lay on the bed, his pale complexion standing out softly against the sheets.

Selene stood by the bedside, her intense gaze fixed on Evelina as if looking for something wrong. Evelina busied herself with gathering a basin and cloth, using the activity to keep her face turned away.

Before Selene could say anything further, the door opened abruptly, and another maid entered, bowing quickly. "Lady Selene, your father and His Majesty request your presence in the council room."

Selene pressed her lips together, showing her annoyance. She took one last look at Evelina, her face giving nothing away.

"Fine," Selene said sharply. "I’ll be back soon. Don’t leave this room until you finish the task."

"Yes, my lady," Evelina answered calmly. She waited until Selene had left the room before allowing herself to breathe again.

The moment the door closed, Evelina’s attention shifted entirely to Damian. His face was pale but peaceful, his chest rising and falling in shallow breaths.

Tears prickled at the corners of her eyes as she moved closer, gently brushing her hand against his.

The warmth of his skin was a small comfort, but the sight of him like this was nearly unbearable.

"Damian..." Evelina whispered, her voice breaking. She sank into the chair beside the bed, her emotions threatening to overwhelm her.

Relia’s voice broke the silence in her mind. "He needs you as much as you need him. You know that, right?"

Evelina nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. "He did all this for me," she whispered.

She sank into the chair beside the bed, her fingers tracing faint patterns on the back of his hand. "I don’t even know how to thank him for what he’s done," she murmured. "He didn’t have to save me."

Relia’s voice softened. "He’s your mate, Evie. That’s what mates do."

Tears pricked Evelina’s eyes as Relia’s words settled over her.

Her fingers tightened around Damian’s, and she leaned forward, resting her forehead against his hand. "I didn’t ask for this," she murmured, her voice trembling. "But I can’t ignore it too... can’t ignore him."

Damian had risked everything for her.

She wouldn’t sit idly by and wait for others to decide his fate.

Standing up, her eyes scanned the room, taking in the faintly glowing vials and bowls of herbs on the nearby table.

She realised the healer must have been treating him to the best of his abilities, but still, he’d been unconscious for three days.

"Relia? Why isn’t he healing?"