Transmigrated as the Crown Prince's Mate
Chapter 84: Acted Out of Necessity...

Chapter 84: Acted Out of Necessity...

"I don’t mean to doubt you, my lady, but are we certain this will work?" Jasper asked, his voice unsure yet playful as he leaned against the table, his eyes flickering to the vial in Evelina’s hand.

"Theoretically, yes," Evelina replied, her grip tightening slightly on the vial. "The components neutralized the toxin in controlled conditions during the experiment. But..." She exhaled softly, "we’ll need a test subject to confirm."

Damian’s brow furrowed, his arms crossed. "The faster we test it, the faster we can act. We can’t afford to wait."

Luther, standing a few steps away, seemed surprisingly composed.

His lips curved into a faint smile as he said, "Impressive work, Lady Evelina. Truly. Your methods were precise, and the results speak for themselves. I commend your dedication."

Evelina stiffened slightly at his praise, her mind racing. What game is he playing? His words were genuine, but his gaze carried something else—calculation.

Still, she forced herself to remain calm, nodding in acknowledgement. "Thank you, Lord Luther."

Jasper quipped, "Well, I think it’s safe to say none of us are volunteering to be test subjects."

His comment eased the tension a bit, but before anyone could reply, they heard the sound of boots coming down the hallway. Moments later, a palace guard entered the lab and bowed deeply.

"Your Highness," the guard said formally. "The King summons you, Lady Evelina, and everyone with you to the throne room."

Damian clenched his jaw, and his silver eyes narrowed as he glanced at Evelina. She felt a lump in her throat, the pressure of the King’s sudden summon weighing on her. ’Did he find out about our experiment?’ she asked herself.

"Here we go," Jasper muttered under his breath, running a hand through his hair as he straightened his posture.

*********

The grand throne room was as imposing as ever, the heavy silence amplifying the tension.

King Lucian sat at the front of the room, his sharp silver eyes focused on the group as they walked in. He looked both annoyed and curious, and his powerful presence filled the space.

As they bowed respectfully, Lucian’s voice boomed. "I’ve heard that my direct orders were disregarded in favour of an unsanctioned experiment. Yet, the same experiment has yielded promising results. Tell me, Lady Evelina," his gaze settled on her like a predator sizing up its prey, "what justification do you have for disobeying my command?"

Evelina stepped forward, keeping her head high despite the anxiety twisting in her stomach. "Your Majesty, I acted out of necessity. The situation was critical, and time was not on our side. Waiting for approval would have cost more lives."

Lucian’s eyes narrowed, and a heavy pause followed. "And your methods? Where do they come from?"

Damian interjected firmly, stepping beside her. "Father, her methods are unlike anything we’ve ever seen but very effective. Without her, we wouldn’t have a viable antidote. She’s the reason we have a chance to stop this outbreak."

The King’s gaze shifted to his son, his expression hardening. "Do not mistake results for permission, Damian. I understand the gravity of the situation, but no one is above the laws of this kingdom."

Evelina forced herself to speak. "I accept responsibility for my actions, Your Majesty. My only goal was to save lives."

Lucian leaned forward slightly, his piercing gaze locked on her. "Your results are commendable, Lady Evelina, but your actions cannot go unpunished. Once this crisis is resolved, you will face the consequences of disobeying a direct order."

The words hit her hard, but Evelina stayed calm. "I understand, Your Majesty."

Lucian’s attention shifted to Damian. "Ensure the antidote is tested immediately. Oversee the process personally and report back with the results."

"Yes, Father," Damian said in a steady voice despite the tension between them.

The King’s sharp gaze swept over the group one last time. "Dismissed."

**********

The return to the lab was quieter, the weight of the King’s words lingering over them. Evelina worked with renewed focus, adjusting the proportions of the antidote for mass production.

Her mind raced with a torrent of thoughts, but Relia’s voice finally broke through. "He found out so fast. The antidote wasn’t finished for more than ten minutes before we were summoned. Someone told him."

Evelina nodded subtly, her eyes narrowing. "It has to be Luther," she replied mentally. "He was still in the lab when the antidote was finalized, and the King summoned us almost immediately. He’s been watching me too closely."

"And he doesn’t trust you," Relia growled. "He doesn’t like you in the palace, either. Acting all nice because we’re Damian’s mate? Please. He’s more of a snake than a wolf."

Evelina swallowed hard, glancing at Damian, who walked a few steps ahead. "He’s up to something," she thought back. "I don’t know what yet, but we need to keep an eye on him."

Relia huffed, feeling protective. "Let him try something. I’m ready to snap those smug looks off his face."

Evelina felt a slight smile tug at her lips in response to her wolf’s fiery words, yet the tension in her chest wouldn’t disappear.

Luther’s indirect questions about her methods, his intense stare, and the timing of the King’s summons all suggested something unsettling.

He was dangerous—not like Selene or the council elders, who were more overt about it, but still a threat in his own way.

"Whatever his motives are, I can’t slip up," Evelina thought. "Not with him watching."

Her hands moved automatically as they returned to the lab, her mind replaying every moment of the throne room encounter—and every subtle glance from Luther.

Hours later, Jasper returned to the lab. "The antidote’s working," he announced. "Patients are showing signs of improvement. But..." He hesitated.

"But what?" Damian asked sharply.

"There’s talk," Jasper admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "Some council members are saying it’s all too convenient—that Evelina’s sudden heroics are suspicious. They’re wondering if she had something to do with the outbreak."

Evelina froze, her chest tightening. Relia growled softly in her mind. "They wouldn’t dare."

Damian’s expression darkened, his silver eyes gleaming with anger. "Seriously?"