Decision, not a discussion...

Damian's lips lingered on Eve's for just a moment longer than either of them anticipated. Sparks from the mate bond surged, leaving her breathless and him momentarily stunned. 

Eve felt her mind racing in disbelief, anger and a strange warmth filling her chest.

"Your Highness!" Jasper's squeal broke through the haze, his voice dripping with poorly concealed delight. "Oh, I knew there was tension there, but this is even better than I imagined!"

Damian pulled away abruptly, his silver eyes narrowing at Jasper, but not before letting out a deep sigh. "What is it with you and bad timing, Jasper?" he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck as if the door smack still lingered.

Eve, on the other hand, couldn't quite mask the breathlessness that left her lips slightly parted. 

'That was good timing,' she thought but Relia's voice in her head instantly countered.

"Nope. Definitely bad timing."

"I'm sorry for interrupting," Jasper began, clearly not sorry at all, "but we've just received news. Your father—His Royal Majesty—is a few hours away. He sent a forerunner ahead."

Damian stiffened. "My father's back?" he asked in disbelief.

Jasper nodded. "He's on his way, Your Highness. We'll need to start preparing for his arrival."

Damian glanced at Eve briefly with an expression she couldn't quite place, before turning his attention back to Jasper. "Call the council. We need to begin preparations immediately." 

Without another word, Damian left the room, shifting his mind to his father's arrival.

As the door closed behind him, Eve let out a long breath. "That... that was…" She shook her head, trying to push away the sensation of Damian's lips against hers. 

'I need to find a way to put distance between us,' she thought, standing up and heading to the door.

Opening it slowly, she peeked out, glancing left and then right. Coast clear. Quietly, she stepped into the hallway and closed the door behind her carefully.

But as she turned, she collided with something solid—a soft wall mass which by the second seemed more like someone's chest. Her gaze shot upward, locking onto the familiar face of Zade.

"Evelina," Zade said softly.

Her pulse quickened as she stammered, "Zade? I… I wasn't expecting to bump into you."

"And I've been trying to find a way to talk to you… alone," he said, his eyes scanning hers. "But you seem jumpy and… Wait, why are you red? Are you okay? Are you hurt in any way?"

Eve shook her head and averted her gaze. The last thing she wanted was for Zade to find out Damian kissed her.

"I'm okay. It's nothing."

"You sure?"

Eve hesitated, considering her next move, before a spark of an idea formed. "Actually, I've been trying to find you too."

Zade arched a brow. "Oh? What for?"

"I was wondering if you knew anyone—or anyplace—where someone could get anything." She leaned in, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Including smuggled goods, you know, the black market."

His eyes lit up, and he smiled. "Ah, now I see where this is going. Trying to track down the poison, aren't you?"

"Exactly," Eve replied, nodding. "I need to find out who's behind this. Do you know anyone who might have access to the ingredients?"

Zade crossed his arms. "As a matter of fact, I do. And I can take you there."

Eve blinked in surprise. "You can? Right now?"

"Of course," Zade said, grinning. "Why not? The timing's perfect—my dear brother is busy preparing for our dear old father's return, so no one will notice you're gone. Plus," his grin widened, "we get to spend some time together."

Eve raised an eyebrow, already second-guessing her decision to involve Zade. "This isn't about spending time together," she said firmly.

"Of course not," Zade replied with a mock bow. "This is strictly about finding your killer."

Eve nodded, though her suspicion lingered. "Alright then. Lead the way, Your Highness."

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

Damian sat atop his black stallion at the palace gates, his silver eyes scanning the horizon. The banners of his father's entourage were visible in the distance, fluttering in the wind as the procession drew closer. 

Without waiting for them to arrive, Damian spurred his horse forward to meet them halfway.

The royal entourage was a stunning sight. Knights in shining armour surrounded the carriage, their spears sparkling in the sun. The carriage was beautifully crafted, painted a rich red with gold trim, and pulled by four dazzling white horses.

Leading them was Damian's father, King Lucian Draven, his tall figure commanding attention. His dark hair had hints of grey, and his sharp features gave off a sense of authority that one could easily feel the aura from his wolf even without him shifting.

As Damian approached, King Lucian's gaze landed on him, his stern expression softening slightly. "Damian," he greeted with a nod. "I see you couldn't wait for me to arrive."

Damian dismounted. "Father," he replied, inclining his head respectfully. "It's good to see you."

The two clasped hands briefly. Lucian's grip was firm, his sharp silver eyes—similar to Damian's—scrutinizing his son closely.

"How was the trip?" Damian asked, breaking the silence.

Lucian waved a dismissive hand. "Uneventful. Though the matters I attended to were necessary, they aren't my primary concern at the moment."

Damian frowned slightly. "And what is, Father?"

Lucian's gaze sharpened. "What's this I hear about you being poisoned?" Rather than answering Damian, he countered his question with something more important.

Damian's shoulders stiffened, his jaw tightening as he debated how much to reveal. "It's nothing," he said finally. "I've taken care of it already."

"By saving her from execution?" Lucian countered.

Damian's eyes widened slightly. "Father, you weren't even back in the city yet. How do you know—?"

"It's my kingdom, son. I always know what's going on," Lucian interrupted.

Damian exhaled, forcing himself to remain calm. "Well, you left the kingdom in my hands, Father. The city is still standing, I'm alive and well, so there's nothing to worry about."

Lucian's eyes narrowed, his wolf stirring faintly in his gaze. "On the contrary, there is. That's why I returned—to discuss the next step for you." He paused, letting his words settle. "Your marriage."