Chapter 373: Right about his mother
"What kind of help they need?" Rainard moved closer to Gabriel and took the letter from him.
"But you never visited Aurevalis," Mabel said, getting worried. "Then, why would someone ask you to visit such a place?" she muttered, feeling puzzled. "What does it say, Your Majesty?" Her gaze shifted to Rainard.
"It does say they help of Gabriel. But the purpose is unknown," Rainard replied.
Meanwhile, Gabriel checked the ledger and saw the enteries prepared. They seemed irrelevant until his eyes stopped at the last page.
"When the moon is covered, the past will appear."
Gabriel frowned as he tried connecting the dots, wondering where it would lead him.
"Is it talking about the lunar eclipse?" Katelyn opined.
"I think so. But it doesn’t mention anything else," Gabriel answered, now feeling more confused.
Rainard, on the other hand, checked inside the box and saw a crystal ball. "There’s something more inside," he said, pulling it out. The crystal ball was white in color, showing nothing.
"Dear, drop it. I think it’s related to the witch," said Mabel urgently in a worry.
Gabriel, however, caught it. The ball remained steady, showing nothing. "I think all of this is harmless."
"Just throw it away. We don’t know the sender’s intentions," Mabel said firmly. "It isn’t wise to keep such things around. Lester, take the—"
"Mom," Gabriel interrupted, "I want to keep them. Whoever sent this didn’t do so without purpose. There must be a reason it came to me. Please, don’t be offended. Besides, I’ll speak with Carlos about it, he’ll know more. None of you need to worry."
Mabel’s lips pressed into a thin line as she considered him. At last, she relented with a reluctant nod. "Very well. But you mustn’t keep it near you. Lester will place the items outside the palace, in a separate chamber."
Gabriel gave a hum of acknowledgment. Without further argument, he gathered the contents back into the box and handed it over. "Lester, make sure these are stored safely."
"Yes, sire," Lester replied, clutching the box before bowing and leaving the hall.
A heavy silence lingered until Gabriel finally exhaled, forcing a small smile. "Let’s not dwell on this any longer. Tomorrow is Nick’s wedding, and that should be our focus. Kate, you mustn’t speak of this to anyone, especially Amelie. Do you understand? Keep your mouth shut."
"Of course," Katelyn answered quickly.
Gabriel’s gaze hardened. "I mean it, Kate. You won’t utter a word."
"I won’t," she assured him, nodding with more conviction this time.
~~~~~
Amelie eased herself down onto the bed, moving carefully as the weight of her large belly pressed against her. She had just changed into the dress Gabriel had chosen for her. Her one hand rested protectively on her bump, while the other pressed into the small of her back, trying to soothe the ache that lingered there.
"Where did he go?" she murmured to herself, glancing at the door with tired eyes.
The answer came a second later. The heavy doors swung open, and Gabriel stepped inside. His violet eyes immediately found her, softening as he closed the doors behind him. She greeted him with a gentle smile, and he returned it, though his gaze didn’t miss the strain etched across her face.
"Your back... is it aching?" Gabriel asked as he crossed the room to her. When he reached her, he raised a hand, brushing his fingers against her cheek with a touch as gentle as a whisper.
"A little," Amelie admitted, her lips curving into a playful pout. "And you didn’t even compliment me today." She lowered her head, feigning disappointment.
Gabriel let out a soft chuckle before lowering himself onto the bed beside her.
"Look at me," Gabriel murmured, tilting her chin gently with his fingers until her eyes met his. "Don’t you see? My eyes have always carried nothing but admiration for you." He leaned in, his lips brushing against hers in a soft, lingering kiss.
A faint smile curved Amelie’s lips when they parted. "Yes... I can see it clearly," she whispered, her voice low and shy. "But hearing it from your lips feels different." Her arms slipped around his neck, holding him close as though she never wished to let go.
"You are so breathtaking," Gabriel said, his voice almost reverent. "I can hardly look away. If I could, I would keep you here in this chamber with me for the entire day." The back of his fingers traced down her arm in a slow caress, leaving a trail of warmth until he reached her wrist. He caught her delicate hand, lifting it to his lips.
His eyes never wavered from hers as he pressed a tender kiss to her knuckles.
"But I can’t keep you locked away with me all day," Gabriel murmured, though his eyes still lingered on her with reluctance. Reaching out, he pinched her cheeks gently between his fingers. "But I can at least enjoy these chubbier cheeks of yours."
"Hey!" Amelie swatted at his hands with a mock glare, though her lips twitched with amusement.
"What? Don’t you like it?" Gabriel teased, his grin softening into something fonder. "You’re more beautiful like this than you’ve ever been."
Amelie laughed, lowering her gaze shyly, then gasped lightly. "Ah! Noa kicked!" Her hand instinctively pressed against her rounded belly, wonder shining in her eyes.
Gabriel leaned closer, his expression lighting with joy. "That’s because he agrees with me, his father is always right about his mother," he said proudly. His palm came to rest over hers on her stomach, feeling the life within. "Wolves grow quickly, Amelie. Noa will be a strong boy before we even realize it. He’ll leave us both astonished." His voice softened. "Just imagining that future fills me with a joy I never knew was possible."
"You’re right. It flutters my heart," Amelie said. "I can’t believe I’ve come so far in this journey thanks to you," she asserted. "Every day I thank the Moon Goddess for bringing you into my life," she whispered, turning a little emotional.