Transmigrated as the Crown Prince's Mate-Chapter 178: Big Strong Arms...

"You were gone longer than I expected." Damian’s voice was low and steady, but there was a hint of worry beneath it.

Evelina hesitated in the doorway for a moment before stepping inside and shutting the door behind her. "I needed some air," she murmured.

Damian crossed the room in a few long strides, his arms wrapping around her tightly as he pulled her against his chest.

Evelina melted into his embrace, her forehead resting against his shoulder as the tension in her body eased.

"I was worried," Damian admitted, his voice rumbling in his chest. "Luther’s already made his move. The last thing I want is for Kyle or anyone else to exploit this situation."

Evelina closed her eyes, her fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt. "Kyle approached me," she admitted quietly.

Damian stiffened, his grip on her tightening. "What did he say?"

She pulled back slightly to meet his gaze. "He offered me a way out. An escape. He even suggested..." She hesitated, her throat tightening.

Damian’s jaw clenched. "Suggested what?"

Evelina’s voice was barely above a whisper. "That I marry him. For protection."

A growl rumbled deep in Damian’s chest, his silver eyes flashing with anger. "Of course he did."

Evelina placed a hand on his chest, her touch gentle. "I told him no, Damian. I told him I’d find my own way. That I didn’t need him to save me."

Damian exhaled slowly, his gaze softening as he cupped her face in his hands. "You’re not alone, Evelina. You don’t have to carry this weight by yourself."

Her chest tightened at the sincerity in his voice. "I know," she whispered.

Damian leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "We’ll figure this out together. Whatever it takes, we’ll expose Luther, clear your name, and make sure you’re safe. I swear it."

Evelina’s eyes burned with unshed tears as she nodded, leaning into his touch. For the first time that evening, the knot of anxiety in her chest loosened just a little.

Relia sighed dreamily in her mind. "See? Big, strong arms. Told you."

Evelina bit back a smile, her gaze locking onto Damian’s. "Thank you."

"For what?" he asked softly.

"For being here. For not giving up on me."

Damian’s lips curved into a small, tender smile. "Never."

Damian looked down at Evelina, her head resting comfortably on his chest. His silver eyes softened as he took in the moment. They both sensed the gravity of what awaited them tomorrow, but for now, everything felt peaceful and safe.

"Eve," Damian murmured in a low and rough voice.

"Hmm?" she replied, her cheek pressed against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

"I’m hungry."

Evelina pulled back slightly, blinking up at him. "Hungry?"

Damian’s lips curved into a small, teasing smile. "You know, it’s been a while since we had a proper meal together. With everything going on, I can’t even remember the last time we sat down and ate like normal people."

Her lips twitched, though her heart still felt heavy. "Well, I wasn’t exactly planning on a romantic dinner tonight."

Damian’s arms remained around her as he tilted his head, studying her. "Maybe we should."

"What?"

"Let’s just forget about everything for a little while," he said softly. "Luther. Kyle. The council. Tomorrow." His thumb brushed over her cheek. "Let’s just pretend it’s a normal evening. Just us."

Evelina stared at him for a moment before sighing softly. "That sounds... really nice."

He smiled, his arms dropping to his sides. "Good. But there’s one problem."

"What’s that?"

"I can’t cook," Damian admitted with a grin, his eyes gleaming mischievously.

Evelina let out a soft laugh. "You’re hopeless."

"Completely," he agreed, stepping closer. "But lucky for me, I have you. So... will you cook for me?"

Her eyes widened slightly. "Cook? As in... go down to the kitchen and make a meal? By ourselves?"

"Why not?" Damian said, shrugging. "We’ll kick the kitchen staff out and make it a private affair. Just you and me."

Evelina raised an eyebrow, amused. "You realise I’m not exactly a trained palace chef, right?"

Damian smirked. "I’ll take my chances."

Relia chuckled in her mind. "He’s practically begging for you to cook him something. Might as well see if you can impress him with a dish from the modern world." 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

Evelina sighed, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Alright. But don’t complain if it turns out terrible."

Damian grinned. "I’d eat anything you made."

She rolled her eyes. "Alright, big talker. Let me grab a bath first, and then we can head to the kitchen."

His smirk turned into something more mischievous. "A bath, huh? Want some company?"

Evelina turned sharply, narrowing her eyes. "No."

Damian chuckled, raising his hands in surrender. "Just thought I’d offer."

——

Fifteen minutes later, both of them had bathed and changed into more comfortable clothes. They made their way down to the palace kitchens, Damian holding Evelina’s hand as they walked through the quiet halls.

The kitchen staff straightened up as soon as they entered; their faces were a mix of surprise and confusion.

"Everyone, you’re dismissed for the evening," Damian announced, waving them off.

One of the head cooks hesitated. "Your Highness, are you sure—"

"I’m sure," Damian said firmly. "We’ve got it covered."

The staff exchanged glances before reluctantly bowing and leaving the kitchen. Evelina watched them go, shaking her head. "I can’t believe you actually cleared out the entire kitchen for this."

Damian smirked, leaning against the counter. "I’d clear out the entire palace if it meant I’d get you all to myself."

Relia snorted. "He’s laying it on thick tonight."

Evelina ignored her wolf and walked over to the pantry, scanning the ingredients. "Alright, let’s see... I’ll make something simple but different. Something from..." She paused, a small smile playing on her lips. "Home."

Damian arched a brow. "What do you mean?"

"That you don’t need to bother. Just assist when I need you to," Evelina said, pulling out a bag of flour, some eggs, and a few other ingredients. "It’s something easy, but definitely not what you’re used to."

Damian watched her with curiosity as she gathered everything she needed. "What are we making?"

"Pancakes," she replied, her smile growing.