Transmigrated as the Crown Prince's Mate-Chapter 124: Doubt?

"Where is it?" Selene whispered, but her tone was sharp.

Her golden eyes swept over the scattered trinkets, overturned silk cushions, and dishevelled chests that had once been neatly arranged. She felt a tight frustration in her chest as she searched through her things for the third time.

It should have been here.

It was here.

And now it wasn’t.

Her jaw clenched as she straightened, exhaling sharply through her nose.

This was not a coincidence.

The moment she had returned from her two-day visit to her father’s mansion, something had felt off. The air in her chamber was different, disturbed. She hadn’t even unpacked before she realized it.

Her newly acquired, and now precious possession was gone.

Selene’s fingers twitched, eager to grab something—perhaps someone—to vent her rising anger on.

She inhaled deeply, forcing herself to stay calm. To think.

Only a handful of people had access to her chambers.

And one name immediately came to mind.

"LILY!"

The shout echoed through the halls.

A few moments later, hurried footsteps approached before a small, nervous-looking Lily appeared at the doorway.

Her light brown hair looked a bit messy, as if she had been working when she was called, and her wide, dark eyes showed a noticeable hesitation.

Selene narrowed her gaze, immediately sensing it.

Guilt.

Oh, this was going to be interesting.

"L-Lady Selene," Lily said, bowing her head. "You called for me?"

Selene folded her arms, stepping forward.

"I was gone for two days," she said smoothly, watching Lily’s reaction closely. "And in those two days, something of mine has gone missing."

Lily’s hands fidgeted at her sides. "I—I wouldn’t know anything about that, my lady."

Selene’s lips curled, but there was no amusement in her expression. "Would you like to try again?"

Lily swallowed.

Selene stepped even closer, lowering her voice.

"You and I both know exactly what I’m talking about," she murmured. "So I’ll give you one chance, Lily. Tell me where it is."

Lily’s pulse thundered in her ears.

Damn it.

Of course Selene noticed.

Of course she knew.

But what was she supposed to say? That she had taken the Dragon Pearl—the very artifact she had given to Selene the day Evelina got missing—and now handed it over to the Crown Prince and Evelina to save her family?

That she had willingly betrayed Selene’s trust?

Yeah. No.

Lily lowered her gaze, forcing her expression into something more neutral. "My lady, I—I don’t know where it is."

Selene’s eyes flashed.

Lily barely had time to react before Selene moved.

Faster than she could track, the noblewoman closed the distance and grabbed her wrist in an iron grip.

Lily gasped, instinctively trying to step back, but Selene’s hold was unbreakable.

"I don’t like liars, Lily," Selene whispered. "Especially ones who steal from me."

Lily’s breath hitched. "I—I didn’t steal—"

Selene’s fingers tightened.

"I suggest," Selene continued, her voice dangerously soft, "that you start talking before I lose my patience."

Lily’s heart pounded.

What the hell was she supposed to do now?

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

The sun was setting as Damian and Evelina made their way back to the palace. Their ride home had been silent, with many unanswered questions between them.

Matthew’s home had been a disappointment. There were no hidden documents, no secret letters, and no conveniently placed evidence revealing who he was protecting.

Nothing.

Evelina let out a sigh as she adjusted herself in the saddle. "Well, that was a complete waste of time."

Damian, riding beside her, exhaled through his nose. "It was worth a shot."

"Agreed."

Jasper, riding slightly ahead, turned in his saddle with a grin. "But let’s not forget the most crucial discovery of the day."

Evelina arched a brow. "Which is?"

"Lord Matthew’s deeply concerning obsession with boots. I mean who would have known him to have an alarmingly large collection of expensive boots."

Damian’s lips twitched. "I’ll admit, I wasn’t expecting that many boots."

Evelina huffed out a laugh, shaking her head. "Honestly, I’m still processing it. He had more boots than actual useful documents. What does a man even need that many pairs for?"

Jasper sighed dramatically. "If only we were searching for fashion crimes instead of treason, we’d have had our man by now."

"Right?" Evelina shook her head.

"Maybe he walks a lot."

Evelina huffed. "Or maybe he’s compensating for something."

Damian pinched the bridge of his nose. "You two are ridiculous."

Jasper grinned. "Correction: I’m ridiculous. She’s just enabling me."

Evelina smirked. "Proudly."

Damian exhaled, shaking his head.

The palace walls were just coming into view when his voice broke the comfortable silence. "Evelina."

Something about the way he said her name made her straighten slightly.

Damian’s grip on the reins tightened, his expression unreadable. "I owe you an apology."

Evelina blinked. Before she could respond, Jasper suddenly straightened in his saddle.

"Oh, look at that," he said loudly. "I think I’ll, uh—go check ahead." Without waiting for a reply, he dug his heels into his horse and sped forward, giving them space.

Evelina narrowed her eyes. "Coward."

"He’s a nuisance," Damian muttered before turning back to her. "But I meant what I said. I really owe you one."

Evelina tilted her head, pretending to think. "An apology, huh?" She placed a hand over her chest dramatically. "Did I hear that correctly?"

Damian gave her a look. "Don’t start."

Evelina grinned but softened slightly. "What exactly are you apologizing for?"

"For doubting you," Damian said, his voice quieter this time. "For not believing you sooner."

Evelina slowed her horse slightly, tilting her head. "You doubted me?" she asked, feigning hurt as she placed a hand over her chest. "My dear prince, I think you might have wounded me."

Damian gave her a pointed look. "Don’t be dramatic."

Evelina gasped. "Dramatic? I’m offended."

Damian rolled his eyes, though there was amusement in them. "I didn’t doubt you," he corrected. "I just... didn’t know what to believe at first."

Evelina hummed, pretending to consider his words. "Mm. So, what you’re saying is, you sort of doubted me?"