Transmigrated as the Crown Prince's Mate-Chapter 135: Seeing Her Again...

Oakenshaw – The Royal Courtroom

Kyle sat in the royal meeting chamber, his fingers tapping idly against the polished mahogany table. Across from him, his father, King Darius, leaned back in his chair, studying the reports before him.

The room was softly lit by flickering candlelight, which created long shadows on the stone walls. A map of Arcadia was laid out in front of them, with small markers indicating important locations—symbols of plans that had fallen apart unexpectedly overnight.

Kyle’s jaw tightened as he leaned forward. "We spent months ensuring the poison would cripple them. If the cure had remained out of their hands, they would have had no choice but to buy it from us, thereby boosting our revenue."

Darius exhaled, rubbing his temple. "Yet, here we are. Evelina found the cure."

Kyle resisted the urge to smirk.

That, at least, was a part of the problem he wasn’t too angry about.

His father tapped the map. "This doesn’t mean our plans are completely ruined. We aren’t exactly enemies with Arcadia, but we’re not allies either."

"Well, they’ve made it clear in so many ways that they are independent and don’t need any form of an alliance."

"How about we change that?"

Kyle arched a brow. "You want to make peace?"

Darius’s lips curled slightly. "Peace... is one way to put it. A formal alliance would give us access to their trade routes and their resources. And in exchange, we offer... stability."

Kyle leaned back in his chair, considering. "A political alliance means they need something in return." He traced his finger along Arcadia’s capital on the map. "And if we really want to seal that alliance..." His lips curled. "A royal marriage is a start."

Darius gave him a pointed look. "Are you volunteering?"

Kyle smirked confidently. "I wouldn’t mind." He’s been reluctant to talk about it to his parents, but since they took it well, he’s been quite confident and eager to have Evelina. "After all, I already have someone in mind," he added.

His father chuckled, shaking his head. "You’re playing a dangerous game, boy."

Kyle’s eyes gleamed. "When have I ever played it safe?"

Darius exhaled and gave a nod. "Fine. We leave tonight. We’ll arrive before the sun sets tomorrow."

Kyle stood, rolling his shoulders. "I’ll make the preparations."

Darius’s voice stopped him at the door.

"Kyle."

He turned.

His father’s expression darkened slightly. "If Evelina truly means something to you... don’t let your emotions make you reckless."

Kyle’s lips twitched, but he said nothing.

And then he left.

********

Kyle had barely taken five steps away from the throne room when he caught a familiar scent.

A soft, floral note—lavender and honey.

His sister.

He exhaled through his nose and didn’t bother stopping.

"You can come out now. I’m alone."

There was a beat of silence.

Then, from behind one of the thick marble columns, Seraphina emerged.

She grinned, brushing off the dust from her deep red gown. "Damn. I was sure I was stealthy this time."

Kyle gave her a flat look. "You forget—same way you have heightened hearing more than any werewolf in this kingdom, I have an even better sense of smell."

Sera huffed. "Annoying."

Kyle smirked. "Accurate."

She walked beside him as they strolled through the corridors, her arms swinging lazily at her sides. "Sooo... where are you going in such a hurry?"

Kyle didn’t answer.

Sera narrowed her eyes. "Wait. Are you going somewhere?"

Kyle exhaled, already regretting stopping to talk.

Sera gasped dramatically. "You’re going to Arcadia, aren’t you?"

Kyle kept walking.

Sera stepped in front of him, placing her hands on her hips. "I’m coming with you."

Kyle didn’t even hesitate. "No."

Sera’s jaw dropped. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me."

Sera scoffed. "Why not?"

Kyle stepped around her, but she followed. "Because I said so."

She gaped at him. "You’re not even King yet and you’re already being mean to me with orders."

Kyle didn’t break stride. "Then go talk to Father. See if he’ll grant your wish."

Seraphina scowled. "We both know Father wants me as far away from all this as possible."

Kyle grinned. "Exactly."

Sera pouted. "Which is why I came to you. If I convince you to let me come, you can convince Father."

Kyle stopped walking.

He turned to her, arms crossed. "And why, exactly, do you want to come? It’s just a peace visit. Nothing is expected to go wrong."

Sera beamed. "Exactly! Which is why there’s no reason I shouldn’t come."

Kyle narrowed his eyes. "Yeah, except I prepare for the unexpected."

Sera’s golden eyes gleamed mischievously. "But does expecting the unexpected not make it already expected?"

Kyle gave her a long, unamused look. "Seraphina."

She batted her lashes. "Kyle."

He pinched the bridge of his nose. "You’re not going."

She huffed. "Fine. I’ll just stay here and be bored, then."

Kyle smirked. "Oh, I doubt that."

Sera arched a brow. "And why’s that?"

Kyle’s smirk widened. "Because isn’t the Prince of Ravenclaw supposed to visit you tonight?"

Sera’s entire demeanour changed.

She scowled.

Kyle chuckled. "Ah. That’s why you suddenly want to go with us."

Sera crossed her arms. "I know, alright? That’s why I want to leave."

Kyle mock gasped. "Sounds like someone is avoiding their fiancé."

"I’m not avoiding him," she snapped. "I’m just... trying to find a more interesting way to spend my time."

Kyle snorted.

Sera sighed dramatically. "Come on, Kyle. Take me with you. I swear I won’t cause trouble."

Kyle stared at her, unimpressed.

Sera sighed again, this time placing a hand over her heart. "Okay, fine. I promise I will try not to cause trouble."

Kyle arched a brow.

Sera groaned. "Ugh, fine. I’ll consider trying not to cause trouble."

Kyle shook his head, smirking. "No."

Sera gasped. "Kyle!"

Kyle turned and walked away.

Sera called after him. "You’re such a terrible brother, you know that?"

Kyle lifted a hand in a lazy wave. "And yet, here we are."

Sera groaned.

Kyle grinned.

He was going to Arcadia.

And if all went as planned...

He was going to see Evelina again.