Transmigrated as the Crown Prince's Mate
Chapter 67: Greater Good?

Chapter 67: Greater Good?

True to his word, Damian instructed Jasper to discreetly take Lily’s younger sister, Sonia, to the cabin where Evelina was staying.

While her presence was an insurance policy, Damian ensured Sonia was treated respectfully and unaware of her role as leverage. Still, under the guise of a maid, Evelina continued her daily visits to the palace to check on Damian.

Even though Damian didn’t want her to, Evelina insisted on staying nearby. Her presence was both comforting and worrying to him.

The palace was not safe, not with suspicion hanging over them like a storm cloud. Someone was after Evelina’s life—if not Selene, then someone else close enough to wield such influence.

Alone in his room, Damian’s silver eyes shone in the faint light as he talked with Storm.

"This isn’t Selene’s usual scheming," Damian said aloud, pacing. "She’s manipulative, yes, but murder? I don’t think she has the backbone for it."

Storm growled in agreement. "You think it’s the King?"

Damian shook his head. "No. My father wouldn’t stoop so low as to have Evelina eliminated. He’s ruthless, yeah, but... nahhh. He’s focused on alliances and strengthening the kingdom. A political marriage is important to him but sabotaging my mate and shedding innocent blood to enforce his will? That’s beneath him—or at least, I’d like to believe so."

He sighed, rubbing his temples. "Still, this isn’t random. Whoever orchestrated her poisoning and abduction wants her out of the way."

"And if it isn’t the King or Selene, then who?" Storm pressed.

"That’s what we need to find out," Damian replied, his jaw tightening. "But one thing is certain—I won’t let them succeed."

A sharp knock on the door broke his thoughts. "Enter," he called steadily.

Jasper walked in, looking both amused and slightly annoyed. "You’re being summoned, Your Highness," he announced. "The King wants you at dinner."

Damian raised an eyebrow. "Why the formality?"

Jasper grinned slightly. ""Lord Edric, Selene’s father, is in town, back from one of his business trips. The King is throwing a feast in his honor."

Damian scoffed, turning to face the window. "Of course he is," he muttered sarcastically. "The richest merchant in the region graces us with his presence. How could we not celebrate?"

"It’s more than just celebrating," Jasper added. "Word is, this feast might be a precursor to something bigger—a formal announcement or agreement, perhaps."

Damian’s fists clenched at his sides, his expression darkening. "An announcement of my engagement, no doubt," he muttered under his breath.

Before he could add anything further, Jasper interjected. "Your Highness, if I may speak freely?"

Damian waved his hand in permission.

Jasper continued. "It would be best to keep your cool tonight. The King is clearly not happy about the search party you still have out for Lady Evelina."

To avoid suspicion, Damian had the search party continue, to create a sense of Eve still missing.

So, the King wasn’t happy he was more focused on his missing mate instead of pressing kingdom and pack matters.

Jasper cleared his throat, snapping Damian out of his thoughts. "It would be best to avoid provoking him at the dinner tonight," he continued.

"Yeah, yeah," Damian muttered, running a hand through his hair. "I’ll be there."

As Jasper left, Damian turned his attention back to Storm. "This is their game, Storm," he murmured. "And we’ll play along—for now. But we’ll make our move when the time is right."

"Just remember," Storm growled, "no one threatens what’s ours and gets away with it."

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

Damian entered the grand dining hall, commanding attention as soon as he stepped in. He wore a dark, intricately embroidered tunic accentuating his broad shoulders and sharp features.

His silver eyes scanned the room, quickly spotting his father seated at the head of the table with Lord Edric beside him.

Selene was nearby, her golden hair cascading down her back in perfect waves. She wore a shimmering dress that clung to her figure, her eyes lighting up when she saw Damian approach.

She moved gracefully to intercept him. "Damian," she greeted him, her voice dripping with charm. "You look dashing tonight."

Damian smiled tightly. "Selene," he said calmly, sounding polite but emotionally distant.

The King stood up from his seat and raised a goblet to get everyone’s attention. "Ladies and gentlemen," he began, ensuring all eyes were on him. "Tonight, we are pleased to welcome Lord Edric, a man whose wealth and power have greatly benefitted our kingdom."

The guests applauded, their murmurs of approval spreading through the hall. Lord Edric stood up for a moment, nodded in thanks, and then sat down again.

As the applause faded, Damian approached the table. He sat beside his father, who nodded curtly. The King’s expression remained stoic, but Damian sensed subtle tension in the air.

Lord Edric leaned slightly toward Damian. "Your Highness," he began, his deep voice effortlessly carrying across the room. I must apologise for my absence during such a crucial announcement and the preparations for the union."

Damian’s jaw tightened, but he forced a polite smile. "Lord Edric," he replied smoothly, "your ventures are, of course, vital to the kingdom. I’m sure your absence was necessary."

Edric chuckled lightly, raising his goblet in a silent toast. "Ah, but nothing is more important than the solidification of alliances, especially ones as strategic as this."

Damian didn’t respond immediately, engage in a quiet discussion with his wolf. "Strategic," Storm growled in his mind. "The man speaks as though you’re bartering cattle."

The King cut in smoothly, his voice carrying a hint of authority. "Edric, your return couldn’t have come at a better time. We’ve been progressing well with the arrangements. Damian has been... managing his duties admirably."

There was a pause, a slight shift in the King’s tone as he added, "Though his attentions have been divided as of late."

Damian turned his head slightly, meeting his father’s gaze. "Divided?" he asked, his voice calm but hinting at a challenge.

The King took a sip from his goblet. "The search for Evelina," he said simply. "While noble, it has consumed much of your focus. One might wonder if it’s worth the effort."

Damian’s silver eyes narrowed slightly, though his tone remained controlled. "The safety of my mate is always worth the effort, Father."

Edric chuckled again, this time with a touch of unease. "Ah, young love. It’s admirable to see such devotion. Though I must say, I had hoped the union with my daughter would take precedence. Selene is, after all, well-suited to her role."

Damian felt a surge of anger rise but kept his composure. "Selene is certainly... dedicated," he said diplomatically, his gaze flicking to Selene, who was listening intently, her smile strained.

The King spoke loudly, cutting through the tension. "Damian knows what he needs to do for the kingdom," he said, meaningfully. "We all have to make sacrifices for the greater good, whether we want to or not."