Chapter 365: Truly belongs to you
While his brothers laughed and drank with their friends, Gabriel couldn’t bring himself to join in. His gaze drifted across the hall until it landed on Idris, who sat quietly in a corner, his attention fixed on the phone in his hands as he scrolled to pass the time.
A shadow fell over him when one of Dominick’s friends approached. At first, Idris responded politely, his smile small but genuine. Then the man shoved a glass toward him. Idris’s smile faltered.
"Sir, I’m underage. Please don’t force me," he urged softly.
"Underage?" The man chuckled. "That doesn’t matter among elite wolves like us. Just a taste won’t hurt."
Several of his companions called him off, but he ignored them, pressing the glass closer. Idris shifted uneasily, his eyes flicking toward Casaio for help, but Casaio’s back was turned as he drank and laughed with Dominick.
"Come on, boy!" the man pushed again.
Before Idris could respond, a hand shot out and clamped tightly around the man’s wrist. He hissed in pain, looking up, only to find Gabriel towering over him, his violet eyes blazing.
"He’s a child," Gabriel said in an intimidating tone. "When he refuses, you listen." His grip tightened. "If you don’t want to be thrown out, leave now. And don’t bother showing up to the wedding since you’re no longer invited."
"Gabriel, you’re overreacting," the man stammered, trying to twist free. "I was just joking with him."
"Charlie," Gabriel cut him off, "do you really think you can fool me? I heard every word. You’re not welcome in this palace again. Step foot here, and I’ll make sure you don’t walk out."
The hall fell into a hush silence. Those who had witnessed the exchange felt chills crawl down their spines. Gabriel’s words carried the kind of weight no one dared test.
Casaio finally turned, brows furrowing as he saw Charlie storming away, face twisted with anger. Approaching Gabriel, he rested a hand lightly on his arm, wine glass in the other.
"What happened?" Casaio asked.
Gabriel’s eyes narrowed. "Why bring Idris here if you can’t keep an eye on him? Charlie was trying to force alcohol on him." He exhaled sharply and stepped back. "Never mind. Enjoy yourselves. I’ll take my leave."
He strode from the hall, his presence still lingering like a storm. Idris hesitated, then broke into a run after him. Breathless, he caught up in the corridor, but words stuck in his throat. He walked quietly at Gabriel’s side until Gabriel stopped and turned, his one brow arched.
"Thank you," Idris blurted at once, bowing his head slightly. "Your Highness."
"Be firmer when men like Charlie approach you," Gabriel suggested.
"I will," Idris nodded quickly.
"No, you won’t," Gabriel countered, studying him with piercing eyes. "You’re too polite, too respectful. But not everyone deserves your sweetness. People will take advantage of it. You’re a member of this royal family now, carry yourself like one. Don’t be afraid to show your strength, Idris. Let them see the power that truly belongs to you."
Idris nodded quietly, watching Gabriel’s retreating figure. After a second, he hurried to follow.
"I don’t feel like sitting there," he muttered. "Are you going back to your room? Sister Amelie must be busy with the others... and Princess Katelyn said they’d be having fun together."
Gabriel didn’t slow his stride. "Do you want me to keep you company?" he asked.
Idris glanced up at him, hesitating for a moment before answering, "If Prince Gabriel doesn’t have to sleep right now... then yes."
"How’s school going?" Gabriel asked, his tone casual as they walked.
"It’s fun," Idris replied with a small smile.
"Just fun?" Gabriel mused, arching a brow.
"Yes," Idris said, his eyes brightening. "I’ve learned so much in such a short time. If it weren’t for Prince Casaio, I wouldn’t have seen this side of the world at all. But before that... you freed me from the place where I lived like a prisoner. So, in a way, you share in my freedom. I should say... you came into my life like an angel."
Gabriel gave him a fleeting glance, his lips curving in something between amusement and denial. "I’m no angel, Idris. You’ve got the wrong idea about me."
"But you did save me," Idris insisted gently.
Gabriel’s gaze hardened. "I’m also the one who caught your sister spying. Don’t mistake me for something I’m not."
"Oh." Idris tilted his head, thoughtful. "Even though you caught my sister, you... indirectly helped her. I don’t think she would’ve ever accepted Prince Casaio’s proposal if her true identity hadn’t been revealed."
Gabriel’s jaw tightened, his expression unreadable. "I wanted her dead, Idris. Don’t mistake it for kindness. I’m not merciful enough for that." His tone was sharp, final. He took a step back, turning away. "You’ve truly got the wrong idea about me. Now, head to your room. I’ll go my own way."
Gabriel ended the conversation abruptly and went ahead while Idris remained at his spot for a few seconds before heading his own way.
He arrived at the hall, where Amelie was present with the ladies. However, he didn’t go inside. Instead, he mindlinked with Amelie.
’Amelie, it’s quite late. Do you want to stay more?’
Amelie lowered the glass of water and responded with the same mindlink. ’I think I should stay for more time here. Are you sleepy? You should go to bed.’
’No, I’m not sleepy yet. If you’re enjoying, then you must stay.’
Gabriel broke the mindlink and went toward the open balcony on the same corridor. Standing at its one side, he swiped his gaze around the giant palace structure.
"Everything appears to be calm. But how long will it stay like this? I couldn’t find where Ophelia resides. She must be planning something after not able to break through us," Gabriel mumbled, feeling anxious more for Amelie than him.
Just then, his eyes fell upon his and Amelie’s mother, who were in the garden, strolling and conversing with each other.