Transmigrated as the Crown Prince's Mate
Chapter 93: Not An Ordinary Trinket...

Chapter 93: Not An Ordinary Trinket...

Morning light streamed through the tall windows of Selene’s room, creating gentle patterns on the shiny marble floor. A hint of jasmine filled the air, blending with the cool breeze that flowed through the light curtains.

Selene reclined comfortably on a plush velvet couch, holding a glass of spiced wine loosely in her hand. Her bright golden eyes remained alert, even in the calm atmosphere.

Lily stood nearby, carefully folding freshly laundered silks, her gaze downcast but her mind racing.

She maintained a neutral expression, the burden of last night’s meeting with Damian and Evelina weighing on her chest like an invisible stone.

She couldn’t afford to slip—not here.

Selene’s smooth voice broke the silence with a curious tone. "You’ve been quieter than usual this morning, Lily. What’s on your mind?"

Lily’s fingers paused briefly over the fabric before she forced herself to smile politely. "Just tired, my lady. It was a long night preparing for today’s council gathering."

Selene chuckled softly, swirling the wine in her glass. "Of course. The burdens of palace life." She shifted slightly, her sharp gaze flicking toward Lily. "Speaking of burdens... what’s the latest gossip?"

Lily straightened, maintaining her composed demeanour. "Not much, my lady. Just the usual—discussions about the outbreak and Lady Evelina’s involvement."

Selene’s lips curled into a faint, knowing smirk. "Ah, yes. Evelina." She leaned back, tapping a finger thoughtfully against her glass. "I suppose with her endless theatrics, everyone’s been kept on edge."

Lily’s breath caught, though she forced a polite smile. "Yes, my lady."

"You know, I’ve been wondering... do you think she and Damian are seeing each other?"

Lily’s heart skipped a beat, but she kept her face impassive. "Uhmm... I wouldn’t know, my lady."

Selene studied her for a moment, her smirk deepening. "Hmm. They certainly seem close. And the way he protects her and all. It’s fascinating how quickly she’s embedded herself into the prince’s life. Makes you wonder, doesn’t it?"

Lily was quiet as she concentrated on folding the silks neatly, but her mind was racing. She had no idea that I’d been seeing Prince Damian and Lady Evelina... together. This thought didn’t bring her much comfort.

"The way I see it," Selene continued, though her voice was smooth; it had an undercurrent of bitterness. "Men always chase after the broken ones. It makes them feel heroic."

"Uhmm... isn’t the prince supposed to be seen as a uhm... hero?" Lily asked cautiously, knowing her silence would soon raise suspicion.

"He’s supposed to be MY heron." Selene snapped as she stood up, pacing toward the tall windows overlooking the courtyard below.

She clasped her hands behind her back, her silhouette framed by the morning light. "Evelina’s presence here feels... disruptive. Like a stone tossed into still water."

She turned abruptly, her gaze falling back on the dragon pearl. "And yet, she survives every ripple."

She placed her glass on a side table and picked up a small nearby decorative box.

Inside the box was the smooth and shiny dragon pearl. Its colours shifted between deep blue and light gold, resembling captured starlight. Selene held it in her hand, turning it gently with casual curiosity.

Lily’s throat tightened as she watched, her mind screaming with the knowledge of what she’d promised Damian and Evelina.

But she said nothing.

Selene tilted her head slightly, frowning as she studied the pearl. "Curious little thing, isn’t it?" she murmured, more to herself than to Lily. "I’ve had trinkets far more valuable, yet this one feels... different."

As she held it, a gentle warmth pulsed against her skin—a subtle thrum, akin to the distant beat of a drum. Her brows knitted together slightly.

Lily swallowed hard, her heart pounding. She’s noticing it.

Selene’s eyes narrowed, the faintest spark of intrigue flickering in her golden gaze. "Strange," she whispered, turning the pearl over in her palm. "It’s as if it’s... humming."

Lily forced herself to keep folding, though her hands felt unsteady.

Selene’s smile slowly returned, though it held a sharper edge now. "Perhaps it’s not just a pretty stone after all."

She stood gracefully, moving toward the large mirror that adorned the opposite wall. Holding the pearl up to the light, she studied it from different angles. The faint pulse seemed to grow stronger the longer she held it, an almost imperceptible rhythm beneath her fingertips.

Selene’s mind raced with possibilities. What are you hiding, Evelina?

She suddenly turned to Lily, her smile soft but her gaze piercing. "Where did you say you found this again? After that little commotion where Evelina disappeared, right?"

Lily’s throat tightened. "Yes, my lady. It was on the ground when... Lady Evelina was being carried away. I couldn’t see who it was—just a man. I picked it up and showed it to you, thinking it might be important."

Selene’s eyes flicked toward her, sharp and assessing. "And you were right." She tilted her head slightly, examining the pearl more closely. "At first, I thought it was just an ordinary trinket. But now..."

Selene’s eyes lingered on the pearl momentarily, as if trying to decipher some hidden code. But then she laughed softly, dismissing the tension with a wave of her hand. "Well, lucky me then."

There was silence for a while. "Funny, isn’t it? The prince is offering fifty silver coins for this little thing. For that price, it’s either sentimental... or powerful."

She turned the pearl over again, her gaze darkening with intrigue. "And Damian isn’t the sentimental type."

Lily forced herself to stay still, though her hands trembled slightly.

Selene walked over to the big mirror on the other side of the room, holding the pearl up to the light.

The weak pulse became stronger, giving off a barely noticeable energy. "What are you hiding, Evelina?" she said softly, her voice just above a whisper.

She returned to her chaise, still turning the pearl between her fingers. "I think I’ll keep it for a while longer. Something tells me it might be more valuable than it seems."

Lily forced a small smile, bowing her head slightly. "Of course, my lady."

As Selene grew distracted again, lost in her own thoughts, Lily’s mind raced. I need to find a way to get it back.