Most Eligible...

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."

Damian's eyebrows knitted together as the unexpected word hit him. "Marriage?" he echoed in disbelief.

"Yes," Lucian replied without missing a beat. "It's time, Damian. Your position as Crown Prince requires stability and alliances that only a proper match can bring. This… situation with the poisoning only emphasizes the need for it. Plus, as my heir and the next Alpha, I believe it's important for you to have a heir of your own."

Damian's fists clenched tightly at his sides, his mind spinning. The very idea of marriage felt suffocating, especially when Evelina's face kept flashing in his thoughts.

Her fiery eyes, her biting remarks, her stubborn defiance—he wasn't ready to lose that, not to anyone. "Father," he began, trying to keep his voice measured despite the turmoil within him, "I don't think now is the time—"

Lucian's sharp gaze cut through him. "Now is precisely the time. You've been reckless, Damian. You saved a woman accused of poisoning you, putting her above the council's unanimous decision. Do you think that action inspired confidence in your leadership?" He scoffed. "This isn't about your feelings, Damian. This is about the kingdom."

Damian bristled. "She's my mate," he said, the words escaping before he could temper them.

Lucian's lips curled into a faint sneer. "The same mate who nearly had you killed?" His tone was icy, each word laced with disbelief. "You're a fool if you think I'll let you risk the kingdom for some… wild bond."

"She didn't do it!" Damian snapped, his wolf growling in agreement. "I know she didn't."

Lucian moved closer, his alpha aura filling the air around them. "What you think doesn't matter here. What matters is perception. The people need stability. They need to see their Crown Prince aligned with someone who brings strength, not scandal."

"And, you've already made your choice about who it should be," Damian said quietly.

Lucian nodded. "Selene Veylora."

Damian froze, his body going rigid. "What?

"You heard me, Damian." Lucian's voice was cold, even to his own son.

Damian tried to keep his expression impassive, but the mention of Selene Veylora's name felt like a punch in the gut.

He hadn't seen or spoken to her since the time she had slapped Evelina in the dungeo. But there was no forgetting the look on her face when she'd left—a look that had chilled him to the bone.

"Selene is an excellent match," Lucian continued. "She comes from a strong family lineage, plus her father's wealth and influence will help support the kingdom. I will announce your engagement publicly during the feast tonight."

"What if I don't want it?" Damian growled.

Lucian's gaze hardened. "I didn't say you had a choice, son. This is for the good of the kingdom."

Damian clenched his fists tightly. His wolf howled in outrage, pacing restlessly in his mind.

Selene had always shown her interest in him, even though he's managed to put her in her place. As the daughter of a powerful noble and merchant, she's hailed as the most eligible bachelorette in the kingdom.

But her beauty and wealth were matched only by her reputation—she was ruthless, cunning, and ambitious. Damian had no doubt that the only reason she was interested in him was because of his status.

A part of him wished he could refuse, but the larger part knew his father was as stubborn as a mule. Still, he made a last attempt.

"But Father, you married your mate. Am I not supposed to marry mine?"

"This is not a request, Damian. You will marry Selene. The announcement will be made at tonight's celebration," Lucian declared, leaving no room for argument. "You've been Crown Prince long enough to understand duty comes before personal desires."

Letting out a breath he never knew he was holding, Damian nodded. "As you wish, Your Majesty," he muttered stiffly, unable to mask the bitterness in his tone.

Lucian smiled. "That's the spirit. Now let's go—there's a feast to prepare for."

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

The tension between them remained as the entourage arrived at the palace gates. While his father retreated to his chambers to freshen up, Damian dismounted and went straight to his chambers.

He needed to find Evelina. He needed to tell her about all these before the announcement. If his father's plans were to go forward, she deserved to hear it from him first.

But as Damian searched the palace, Evelina was nowhere to be found.

He checked everywhere he could think of—his chamber, her chamber, the garden—and still, he couldn't find her. When his frustration reached a point, he stormed into his chambers and summoned Jasper.

"Jasper, where is Evelina? I can't find her anywhere."

Jasper looked confused. "Your Highness, she's been supposed to be here. We left her here, remember?"

Damian frowned and Jasper immediately scanned the room. If she was here, the Prince wouldn't have summoned him.

"Oh," Jasper muttered. "Maybe she's still in her chambers."

"No, she isn't. I checked her chambers myself."

Jasper's face turned white. "I'm sorry, your Highness. I don't know where she is."

"You were supposed to keep an eye on her, Jasper. What do you mean you don't know where she is?" Damian's voice was sharp as he paced his chamber in an attempt to calm himself.

Jasper flinched but quickly recovered. "Your Highness, you asked me to leave and announce the council meeting. I couldn't be in two places at once."

"So now it's my fault?" Damian snapped.

"I—I'm sorry, Your Highness," Jasper stammered, bowing deeply. "I'll go look for her immediately."

"You're lucky you've proven useful countless times. Now make it quick," Damian ordered, turning his back on Jasper and running a hand through his hair. His wolf growled in his mind, urging him to find Evelina himself.

Several minutes later, Jasper returned with an uneasy expression. "She's not in the palace," he admitted, "but some staff reported seeing her leave with Prince Zade."

Damian's jaw tightened, his fists clenching at his sides. "Zade?"