Chapter 361: All this trouble for me
Flora set her coffee cup down on the desk and turned her attention back to the report she had been working on. The clock showed it was already past three in the afternoon, and her flight time was drawing near.
With quick movements, she finished typing the final page, then reviewed the document once more before printing it out. Gathering the sheets neatly into a file, she made her way to the manager’s office.
"You may go," the manager said after scanning through the report.
"Thank you," Flora replied with a polite smile. She had just pivoted on her heels to leave when his voice stopped her.
"It’s admirable," he remarked. "Despite your direct ties to the royal family, you still came in today to finish your work. That’s impressive dedication."
Flora smiled again, offering a soft word of thanks before stepping out. Back at her desk, she quickly finished the last sip of her coffee, tossed the cup into the bin, and packed her belongings. Rolling her trolley bag behind her, she headed for the lobby.
As she crossed the first floor, she glanced at her ticket one more time, only to bump headlong into someone.
"Sorry!" she exclaimed immediately, lifting her gaze. Her eyes widened in shock. "Zander? What are you doing here?" Her glance darted around anxiously, hoping no one from her department had noticed.
"To pick you up," Zander replied casually, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "Come on! Let’s go before you miss your flight." Without waiting for her protest, he clasped her hand and took the trolley bag from the other.
Surprisingly, Flora didn’t resist. She followed him quietly outside, where a taxi was already waiting. They climbed in together after Zander put the bag in the car’s trunk. Shortly, the car pulled away toward the airport.
Finally, Flora turned to him. "Why are you here? I mean... how did you even get here? Weren’t you supposed to be in your pack?"
Zander leaned back, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "It’s a long story. And besides, I’m invited to the wedding."
"The wedding isn’t until two days from now," Flora reminded him.
"I know," he said simply.
She shook her head with a sigh, unable to hide the exasperated smile tugging at her lips. "You’re impossible, Zander."
"Why?" he teased, turning his gaze on her. "Do you hate that I came all the way to your office?"
"No, that’s not it." Her tone softened as her eyes met his. "I just... I don’t like that you’re taking all this trouble for me." She wasn’t going to reciprocate his feelings, which was now bothering her. If he continued such things for her, she might fall in love with him, which was the last thing she wanted to do.
~~~~~
Raidan stood at the entrance as he welcomed the Queen and the others. His hand reached instinctively for Mabel’s, his fingers curling around hers as he whispered, "I missed you."
Her lips curved into a smile as she stepped to his side. Raidan then embraced Gabriel firmly, the warmth of brotherhood clear in the gesture, before laying a gentle hand atop Amelie’s head—a blessing from both father and King.
"Mr. and Mrs. Conley," Raidan said, inclining his head with courtesy, "thank you for coming to share such a precious moment with us. Lester will see you to your rooms. But tell me, where is Miss Flora? Shouldn’t she be here for the wedding?"
"Your Majesty," David replied respectfully, "Flora will arrive tonight. She was delayed by some pressing work at her company."
"I see," Raidan said with a nod. "A driver will be sent to fetch her as soon as she lands at the airport." His eyes then softened as they fell upon Katelyn. Opening his arms wide, he beckoned with a smile. "Come here, my precious princess."
Katelyn ran into her father’s embrace, hugging him tightly.
Once the greetings were complete, attendants guided each of them to their chambers.
"Thank you," Amelie said softly as the attendant set a fresh jar of water on the side table. The young woman bowed politely to her and Gabriel before slipping out of the room in silence.
Amelie eased herself onto the bed and slipped off her ballet shoes, sighing in relief. "Finally, I can breathe," she murmured, attempting to settle back against the pillows.
Gabriel was at her side in an instant, steadying her with gentle hands. "Tell me if you feel any discomfort in your legs or feet," he urged, concern flickering in his eyes.
"No," Amelie shook her head faintly. "It’s just my lower back. But that’s normal. I only want to rest for a while."
"Alright," Gabriel replied with devotion. He slid a pillow beneath her head, then drew the duvet over her carefully, as though shielding her from the world itself. Crossing to the windows, he pulled the curtains closed so no light could disturb her.
When he returned, he brushed a strand of hair from her face, his touch lingering. Amelie’s drowsy voice broke the stillness. "Aren’t you going to sleep with me?"
Gabriel smiled faintly, leaning close. "I’m not sleepy yet," he whispered. "Close your eyes." He caressed her head and it didn’t take long for Amelie to fall asleep. His gaze lingered on her for a moment before he planted a soft kiss on the middle of her forehead.
Heading to the washroom, he freshened up and went outside to see Dominick. However, behind, he left a palace maid to keep a close watch on Amelie even though she was sleeping.
Dominick had changed into his normal attire after checking the fit of his wedding suit when a palace maid announced Gabriel’s arrival.
"Send him in," Dominick said, running his hand through his hair.
Within a short period of time, Gabriel was in front of him. "Congratulations on getting married," he said.
"What’s this? Are you genuinely wishing me or taunting me?" Dominick chuckled, bringing his hands out as he hugged Gabriel. "I hope things are good at your end now."
"They are," Gabriel said, pulling away first. "It was a genuine wish," he added.
Dominick smiled and asked him to take a seat. "Casaio is also here. Do you want me to call him too?"
"Sure. I have things to ask him."