Transmigrated as the Crown Prince's Mate
Chapter 71: Back to the Palace...

Chapter 71: Back to the Palace...

"He looks good when he’s not scowling, huh?" Relia’s teasing voice broke into her thoughts, making Evelina flush slightly.

"Don’t start," Evelina whispered in her mind, trying to push down the warmth rising to her cheeks.

"I’m just saying," Relia added with a playful, mischievous tone. "You could stare all day, and he probably wouldn’t mind."

"Relia!" Evelina hissed mentally, but her wolf just laughed, the sound fading into the back of her mind.

Evelina shook her head, willing herself to focus on anything but Damian’s peaceful expression. But as she tried to look away, his eyes fluttered open, catching her mid-stare.

"Enjoying the view?" Damian asked, his voice still husky from sleep. A lazy smirk spread across his lips as he stretched slightly.

Evelina’s blush deepened, and she quickly looked away. "You wish," she muttered, feigning nonchalance.

Damian chuckled, propping himself up on one elbow to face her. "If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re embarrassed."

"Maybe you don’t know better," Evelina shot back, crossing her arms. But her lips twitched as if suppressing a smile.

"Admit it," Damian teased, leaning slightly closer. "You were admiring me."

She rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide the amusement in her voice. "I was wondering how someone so irritating could look so harmless while sleeping."

Damian laughed outrightly. "Harmless, huh? That’s a new one." He leaned back against the headboard, a mischievous gleam in his eyes. "Don’t worry, Evelina. If I were you, I wouldn’t be able to resist staring either."

Evelina groaned, throwing a pillow at him, which he easily caught. "You’re insufferable."

"You love it," he replied smugly, earning another groan from her.

Shaking her head, Evelina swung her legs over the side of the bed, standing up to stretch. "We should get ready to leave," she said, changing the subject. "If we’re heading back to the palace, we must plan carefully."

Damian’s expression sobered slightly at her words, and he nodded, pushing himself up as well. "You’re right," he said, running a hand through his hair. "We can’t afford any mistakes."

As they gathered their belongings, Evelina glanced at him thoughtfully. "What about Sofia?" she asked in a serious tone. "If we leave, what happens to her? She’s supposed to stay here to ensure Lily’s cooperation, right? If we leave her here alone, what guarantees her cooperation and safety? We could lose her leverage."

Damian’s expression hardened as he adjusted the strap on his bag. "I haven’t forgotten," he said firmly. "Sofia’s safety is non-negotiable. But we can’t keep her here indefinitely. Once we’re at the palace, I’ll assign one of my trusted guards to protect her."

Evelina nodded slowly but still seemed uneasy. "And what do we do in the meantime?"

Damian’s lips thinned into a grim line. He glanced toward the adjoining room where Sofia was likely still sleeping. "I’ll clarify to her that disobedience isn’t an option. Her sister’s safety—and the rest of her family’s—depend on her staying put."

A sudden knock echoed on the wall next door, as if it were timed perfectly. A moment later, Sofia appeared, her eyes wide and still sleepy. "What’s going on?" she asked uncertainly.

Damian stepped forward. "Sofia, listen carefully. Evelina and I are leaving, but your role here hasn’t changed. You are to stay here until one of my guards arrives. If you try to leave or do anything foolish, the deal we made with your sister ends. Do you understand?"

Sofia’s face paled, but she nodded. "I understand, Your Highness."

"Good," Damian said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Remember, your cooperation is the only thing keeping your family safe."

Evelina took one last look at Sofia as they left the cabin. She felt a pang of guilt but decided to ignore it. They had no option but to play this dangerous game.

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

The grand halls of the palace were as impressive as always, with shining marble floors reflecting the bright midday sun coming through the tall windows. Servants hurried by, quickly bowing as Damian walked confidently toward the throne room, with Evelina beside him.

Evelina felt the weight of everyone’s eyes on her and heard whispers following them. Although she tried to keep her head up, her heart raced in her chest. The tension coming from Damian only made her feel more anxious.

When they reached the throne room, the heavy doors creaked open, revealing King Lucian seated regally at the head of the chamber.

His silver eyes, so similar to Damian’s, briefly showed an emotion that Damian couldn’t place immediately—maybe shock—but it disappeared just as quickly.

"Ah," the King said, his tone deceptively calm. "The Crown Prince returns... with unexpected company."

His gaze landed on Evelina, and a ghost of a smile tugged at his lips. "Evelina, right? It seems reports of your demise were greatly exaggerated."

Damian’s jaw tightened, but his expression remained unreadable. "It seems so, Father. Some might even call it a miracle."

King Lucian’s sharp gaze shifted between them, his displeasure barely concealed. "A miracle indeed," he said slowly. "The kind that often invites scrutiny. Tell me, Crown Prince, what explanation will you offer for this... lost but found?"

"I was lucky enough to intervene before any harm came to Evelina," Damian replied smoothly. "It seems there was some misunderstanding about her circumstances."

Lucian’s lips pressed into a thin line. "A misunderstanding," he echoed sceptically. "How fortunate for her—and for you."

Evelina resisted the urge to flinch under the King’s penetrating gaze.

Instead, she met his eyes with as much composure as she could muster, unwilling to appear weak.

"I trust you’ll provide a full report in due time," the King continued. "For now, I expect you to resume your duties. There is much to discuss regarding the pack and the entire kingdom; there’s a council meeting in a bit."

Damian inclined his head slightly, a calculated gesture of respect. "Of course, Father."

King Lucian’s attention shifted back to Evelina, his expression unreadable. "Lady Evelina, I trust you’ll use this second chance wisely. Not everyone is so fortunate."

Evelina’s pulse quickened, but she forced herself to nod. "I intend to, Your Majesty."