Transmigrated as the Crown Prince's Mate
Chapter 72: A Mole?

Chapter 72: A Mole?

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."

The King leaned back in his chair, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer before dismissing them with a wave of his hand. "You may go."

As Damian and Evelina exited the throne room, the tension between them felt like a coiled spring. Once they were out of earshot, Damian exhaled sharply, his hands curling into fists at his sides.

"He knows," he muttered under his breath. "He knows that we know, but he won’t act on it—not yet."

Evelina glanced at him. "Then we need to stay one step ahead."

***********

Damian and Evelina had barely returned to their quarters when a sharp knock sounded on the door. Before either could respond, it swung open, revealing Selene standing there in all her calculating beauty.

Her golden hair gleamed in the light, and her perfectly painted lips curved into a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

"Damian," she greeted sweetly. "I’ve been looking all night for you." Her gaze then shifted to Evelina, and the false warmth evaporated. "Evelina. What a... surprise to see you back so soon. I thought you had taken the initiative to... disappear... forever."

Evelina smirked, holding her ground and lifting her chin. "I’d have said it’s a pleasure to see you too, Lady Selene," she replied, keeping her tone neutral. "But it’s not," Eve finished with an icy tone.

Selene’s smile grew colder as she stepped inside, her presence filling the room like a shadow. "It’s strange, isn’t it? How someone’s disappearance can be so thoroughly reported and yet—" she turned, locking eyes with Eve—"here you are."

"Miracles happen," Eve said lightly.

"Or conspiracies," Selene countered, her voice dropping.

She looked at Damian, her face changing to a feigned look of worry. "I just hope you haven’t been misled, my Prince. Sometimes, things are not as they seem."

Damian moved closer, protectively positioning himself between the two women. "That’s enough, Selene," he said calmly but firmly. "If you have any concerns, you should take them to anyone who would care to listen.

Selene’s eyes flicked to Evelina once more, her gaze narrowing. "Consider this a friendly warning, Evelina," she said in a low voice. "Those who overstay their welcome often find themselves... unwelcome."

Before Evelina could respond, Damian’s did. "You’ve made your point, Selene. Now leave."

Selene’s smile returned, but it was sharp and hollow. "Of course," she said, inclining her head slightly. "See you at dinner, Your Highness."

With one last glance at Evelina, she swept out of the room.

Evelina exhaled slowly, her shoulders relaxing once the door closed behind her. "Charming," she muttered.

Damian’s jaw tightened. "Don’t let her get to you. Selene thrives on intimidation. She’s all bark and no bite."

"Maybe," Evelina said quietly, "but I’ve learnt not to underestimate anyone in this place."

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

The next few days blurred together in a haze of meetings and social obligations for Damian. Evelina on the other hand was focused on clearing her name.

On the third day evening, Eve decided to leave the palace to visit Sofia at the cabin and see how she’s faring. Damian had insisted on guards trailing discreetly behind her, though she still felt a pang of unease as she made her way through the winding forest path.

When she arrived, Sofia greeted her with a hesitant smile, offering her a seat by the fire. "Lady Evelina," Sofia said softly, her hands wringing nervously. "How is my sister? Is she safe?"

"She’s fine," Evelina assured her. "Damian made sure of that. But how are you holding up?"

Sofia’s gaze dropped to her lap. "I’m doing as you and His Highness instructed. I won’t go anywhere and haven’t spoken to anyone."

Evelina nodded, satisfied with her compliance. She stayed a little longer, offering Sofia words of reassurance before leaving.

She was close to the edge of the woods when she heard something and froze.

Voices.

They drifted low and urgently through the trees from a nearby location.

Taking a deep breath, she crept toward the sound, her heart pounding. Relia stirred in her mind, alert and ready.

Evelina crouched behind a thick bush, peering through the foliage.

In the clearing ahead, two figures stood under the shadows of the trees. One of them wore the distinct uniform of an Arcadian palace servant, while the other—a hulking figure with rough, scarred features—had the unmistakable look of a rogue.

"I’ve given you everything," the servant hissed. "Maps of the palace, guard rotations, even the hidden passages. That should be more than enough."

"And the prince?" the rogue growled. "You said he’s been protecting someone. A mate, you think?"

The servant hesitated. "Yes. I don’t know much, but she’s important to him. That much is clear."

"Good," the rogue said, a menacing grin spreading across his face. "She’ll be the perfect leverage."

Evelina’s breath caught.

She backed away slowly, her mind racing. She needed to warn Damian—immediately.

Turning silently, she remained in place behind the thick bush for fear of landing on a twig or something. When she was certain they are far gone and she had not been spotted, she took off into a run towards the direction of the palace.

It was only a matter of time until the rogues acted, but knowing when would prove to be a problem. She had no idea how long they had been planning, and no clue what their end goal was.

By the time she reached the palace, she was out of breath, her body covered in a thin sheen of sweat. The guards at the entrance regarded her with surprise as she rushed past, heading straight for the throne room.

The halls were empty, and the silence echoed around her. As she rounded the corner, a large figure appeared before her.

Evelina skidded to a stop, her heart pounding in her ears as her eyes took in who was before her.

Zade.