Transmigrated as the Crown Prince's Mate-Chapter 180: Moved Forward...

Morning light streamed in through the curtains, filling the room with warmth. Evelina woke up, feeling snug against Damian, who had his arms wrapped around her and one hand resting on her waist.

For a moment, everything felt peaceful. Safe.

Relia was unusually quiet, and Evelina could feel her presence more than usual. The silence felt strange—not completely comforting, but not overwhelming either. It seemed like Relia was preparing for whatever might happen next.

Damian’s breath tickled Evelina’s neck, and she smiled faintly, shifting to face him. His silver eyes blinked open slowly, heavy with sleep but soft with affection as they locked onto hers.

"Good morning," he murmured in a voice deep and rough with sleep.

"Good morning," Evelina whispered, her fingers lightly brushing a strand of hair from his forehead.

A lazy smile curved Damian’s lips, and he leaned forward to press a kiss to hers. Evelina sighed into the kiss, her arms slipping around his neck as she melted into him.

When they finally pulled back, Damian rested his forehead against hers. "Are you ready for today?"

Evelina hesitated, her fingers absently tracing patterns on his shoulder. "As ready as I can be."

Damian cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing over her skin. "You’re not alone in this. Whatever happens, we face it together."

Evelina nodded, her chest tightening. "I know."

With a sigh, they got out of bed, the chilly air reminding them of the day that lay ahead. Damian held her hand as they walked to the bathroom, taking their time with each step.

Steam filled the room as they bathed together. Damian gently washed Evelina’s hair, his fingers massaging her scalp with care. She leaned into his touch, allowing herself to relax, even if just for a moment.

"You smell like lavender now," Damian teased, his lips brushing against her temple.

Evelina smirked. "You’re welcome." 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

The light moment helped relieve some of the tension between them, but as they dried off and got dressed, the heaviness of the day returned.

Relia didn’t say a word still, and her silence left Evelina feeling uneasy and aware of her absence.

As they stepped outside, the fresh morning air welcomed them. Jasper stood at the bottom of the stairs, looking alert, but his clothes were a bit rumpled. Evelina noticed some tiny leaves on his shoulders and that the bottom of his pants was damp.

Damian frowned, his silver eyes narrowing. "Jasper, have you been to the woods?"

Jasper hesitated, his mouth opening and closing as if searching for the right words. "I... needed some air," he said finally in a slightly off tone.

Damian studied him for a moment longer before nodding slowly. "Alright."

Evelina glanced between the two men, curiosity flickering in her chest, but she didn’t press. There wasn’t time to dwell on it.

Together, they headed to the council chamber. When they entered, the room was already full, the council seated around the long table with King Lucien at the head.

Luther was there, of course, his expression composed but his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. Evelina’s stomach churned at the sight of him.

King Lucien raised a hand, and the murmurs in the room quietened. "We’ve convened early this day due to pressing matters," he began. "New evidence has come to light, and the council has agreed that Lady Evelina’s deadline must be moved forward."

Evelina’s heart dropped. She exchanged a sharp glance with Damian, whose jaw tightened in anger.

"Moved forward to when, Your Majesty?" Damian asked in a barely restrained, frustrated tone.

King Lucien’s gaze was firm. "Three days from now. After the Annual Alpha Ball."

The room buzzed with murmurs again, and Luther leaned back in his chair, a small smile playing on his lips.

Evelina felt a knot of anxiety tighten in her chest.

"The annual ball?" Damian asked in surprise. "It isn’t due for another month. Why is it being moved forward?"

"The passing of the Crimson Comet," King Lucien explained. "It’s an event that marks renewal and clarity for our kingdom. The council and I have decided it’s fitting to combine these two significant festivals into one."

Evelina swallowed hard, nodding slowly. "I see."

"The ball will also serve as an opportunity for you to present undeniable proof of your innocence," Lucien continued. "Fail to do so, and the consequences will be immediate."

Damian stepped forward, speaking in a cold voice. "And what about the possibility of this so-called evidence being planted? You’re asking Evelina to prove herself under circumstances that have already been tampered with."

Lucien’s expression didn’t waver. "The council’s decision is final."

Damian’s fists clenched at his sides, but Evelina placed a hand on his arm, silently urging him to stand down. She turned to the council, her voice calm but firm. "I’ll have what you need by then."

The room fell silent, the council members exchanging wary glances. Finally, Lucien nodded, signalling the end of the meeting.

As Evelina and Damian left the chamber, Jasper fell into step beside them, his expression tense. "We don’t have much time," he said quietly. "We need to act fast."

"We will," Damian said firmly. "Evelina, we’ll go through everything we have. There has to be something we’ve overlooked."

Evelina nodded, determination hardening her features. "We’ll find it."

—

Meanwhile, across the palace, Selene stood by a window overlooking the grounds, her fingers idly tracing the edge of the glass.

The news of the ball’s being moved forward had reached her ears, and a wicked smile curved her lips. "So, the little dove is going to make her grand defense."

Lily hesitated behind her. "Do you think she’ll succeed, my lady?"

Selene chuckled darkly, turning to face the girl. "It doesn’t matter if she has the truth on her side. All that matters is perception." Her eyes gleamed with malice. "And by the time I’m done with her, no one will believe a word she says."

Her mind was already spinning with plans, each one designed to humiliate Evelina publicly. After all, the Alpha Ball wasn’t just a gathering of leaders—it was a stage.

And Selene intended to make sure Evelina’s performance ended in ruin.