Transmigrated as the Crown Prince's Mate-Chapter 184: Milady ’this’, Milady ’that’...

The warm light from the lantern shone through the small cabin window, gently lighting up the room. Seraphina sat on the edge of the wooden table, her legs swinging back and forth as Jasper walked in, carrying a basket filled with bread, dried meats, and fresh fruits.

"You know," she began with a playful lilt in her voice, "if you keep this up, I might start to think you enjoy taking care of me, Jasper."

Jasper smirked, setting the basket down with practised care. "Only because I’m duty-bound, milady," he teased, glancing at her. "A knight must see to the well-being of his charge."

Sera groaned, rolling her eyes dramatically. "Must you always call me that? ’Milady’ this, ’milady’ that... Do you call everyone you meet milady?"

"Only those who demand my undying loyalty," he replied smoothly, pulling a chair closer to the table. "Besides, it suits you."

She gave him a pointed look, leaning forward slightly. "You mean it annoys me."

"That too." Jasper’s grin widened as he reached for a piece of bread, offering it to her. "Eat."

She took the bread, though she seemed far more interested in continuing their verbal sparring. "You know, I’ve seen almost every part of this little town," she mused between bites. "The streets, the markets, that tavern with the questionable stew..."

"I must say I’ve been an amazing tour guide," Jasper shot in.

"Surprisingly, yeah," She wrinkled her nose slightly before adding, "But there’s one place I haven’t been."

Jasper didn’t need to ask to know what she meant. His expression turned cautious as he leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. "Your Highness..."

"The palace," she said with a bright smile, as if she hadn’t noticed his change in tone. "I want to see it."

Jasper sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You know that’s not a good idea. Your father and brother—"

"Are leaving soon," she interrupted in a light but firm voice. "You told me that yourself. This is probably my last chance to see it."

"They’re attending the annual ball tonight," he countered. "Which makes it even more dangerous. Half the court will be there, not to mention every guard in the palace."

Seraphina tilted her head, her violet eyes sparkling with mischief. "And yet you’ll be there, won’t you?"

"That’s different," he said quickly, sitting up straighter. "I’m there on official business. I mean, the prince will be looking for me by now."

"Exactly," she said, hopping off the table and stepping closer to him. "You’re going, so why not take me with you? We’ll be careful. We can stay out of sight, and I promise I won’t cause trouble."

He gave her a skeptical look. "You? Not causing trouble? That’s hard to believe."

She laughed, the sound light and melodic, and gave his arm a gentle shove. "You wound me, Sir Jasper. Have I really been so difficult?"

"Do you want an honest answer?" he quipped, but his tone softened as he watched her. "Your Highness, I’m serious. If your father or brother sees you..."

"They won’t," she said, cutting him off. "I’ll stay in the shadows, blend into the crowd, or whatever else you want me to do. Just..." She hesitated, her confidence faltering for the first time. "Come on, Jasper, indulge me for a little bit. Please."

He watched her for a moment, his resolve weakening under the weight of her gaze.

Finally, he let out a heavy sigh and stood. "Fine," he said in a resigned tone. "But we’ll have to leave now if we’re going to make it in time. And you will stay out of sight. Agreed?"

Her face lit up with excitement as she nodded quickly. "Agreed."

Jasper shook his head, muttering under his breath as he grabbed his cloak and handed her one as well. "I swear, you’ll be the death of me, milady."

"See?" she said with a grin as she wrapped the cloak around her shoulders. "You do call me that just to annoy me."

He chuckled softly but said nothing, gesturing for her to follow him out into the cool evening air.

—

The palace was even more impressive than Seraphina had pictured. Its tall towers and shining golden domes sparkled in the moonlight, while lanterns lit up the wide stone paths that led to it.

Music and laughter spilled out from the grand hall, a lively waltz carried on the breeze.

Jasper led her through a side entrance, keeping to the shadows as they made their way inside. Seraphina’s heart raced as they passed through the halls. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

"Stay close," Jasper whispered, glancing over his shoulder to make sure she was following. "And don’t draw attention to yourself."

She rolled her eyes but did as he said, keeping a few paces behind him as they slipped into an alcove that overlooked the ballroom.

From their hidden vantage point, she could see the crowd below, a sea of colorful gowns and tunics swirling across the dance floor.

"It’s beautiful," she murmured, her voice barely audible over the music.

Jasper glanced at her, his expression softening at the wonder in her eyes. "It is."

She turned to him with a teasing smile. "See? This wasn’t so bad, was it?"

"Not yet," he admitted cautiously. "But the night’s still young."

Before she could respond, a familiar figure on the dance floor caught her attention, and her smile faded. Her brother was there, laughing with a group of nobles, his presence commanding as always.

Seraphina’s grip on the edge of the alcove tightened as she watched him. She hadn’t seen him in days, and though she’d prepared herself for this moment, the sight of him still made her heart ache.

Jasper noticed her reaction and gently placed his hand on her shoulder. "Are you alright?"

She hesitated, her gaze lingering on her brother for a moment longer before nodding. "Yeah," she said quietly. "I’m fine, I’m okay."

Jasper studied her for a moment. After a moment, he spoke softly, his tone careful. "What’s it like with him?"