Chapter 396
Gabriel walked into the bedroom with Noah nestled in his arms. Moving with care, he laid his son in the cradle and rocked it gently until the baby’s soft breaths evened out into slumber.
“Gabriel, did I take too long?” Amelie hurried in, her damp hair clinging to her shoulders, the faint scent of lavender bath oil trailing behind her. “I ended up soaking in the tub and lost track of time p>
Gabriel turned his head toward her, lowering his voice so as not to disturb Noah. “It’s alright. He’s already asleep.” Stepping closer, he slipped an arm around her and drew her against his chest. His breath brushed her ear as he murmured, “You deserve that time, Amelie. You brought our son into this world. Taking care of yourself is just as important p>
She softened in his embrace, then looked up at him with a faint smile.
“Come,” he said gently, guiding her to the bed. “Let me dry your hair p>
“If you use the dryer, the sound might wake Noah,” Amelie whispered, glancing at the cradle.
“I know,” Gabriel reassured, reaching for the towel. His fingers brushed over her wet strands. “That’s why I’ll do it with this p>
Amelie sat on the bed while Gabriel settled behind her.
“I thought Noah would cry a lot. Kids do cry. But he is a quiet child. Both the Queen and my mother said that it’s alright,” Amelie stated.
“Yes, it’s normal. Noah doesn’t want to disturb his mommy with constant crying. Maybe that’s why,” Gabriel answered.
A smile carved on her lips.
“Did you check the diaper earlier?” she then asked.
“Yes, I did. It was dry. By the way, Kate has gone back to San Ravendale. She has come to see you, but you were in the bath p>
“Oh. I will call her later,” Amelie said. “Even Flora left early in the morning. She hadn’t gotten much leave. Dad also left with her p>
“Yes, I met David before he left with Flora. But they will come again since Noah’s welcoming ceremony,” he replied. Lowering the towel to the other side, he hugged Amelie from behind.
“Did you talk to Carlos and his grandmother p>
“Not yet. I thought we both should to a video call to them when Noah be awake,” Amelie answered.
“Sure p>
“Now, I’ve given birth to Noah, I need to prepare myself for a fight ahead,” Leia told him, her tone turning serious.
“A fight?” he confusedly stared at her.
“Yes. Ophelia is still out there. And after less then two months, we may have to face her. It can happen even earlier too. We never know when the enemies attack. I’ve been weak when Selene wasn’t there. But I think after her awakening, I am no longer weak p>
“Hmm. You’re Alpha she-wolf, so your strength must be remarkable. For now, you can’t think about all of that. You have to recuperate and not leave this chamber. After a few weeks, I will myself take you out. Till then, be inside the chamber, in the palace,” Gabriel said calmly.
“Okay,” Amelie agreed. She turned to him slowly and kissed on his lips. “I love you.” Again, parting her lips, she nibbled his. He also parted his lips, kissing her back with the same passion.
Casaio returned to the palace and went straight to his chamber. The room was quiet, and Zilia was nowhere to be seen, something he had half-expected. With a sigh, he slipped off his overcoat and let it fall neatly over the sofa.
“Your Highness, would you like some water?” a maid asked softly from behind.
“No,” Casaio replied curtly, loosening the top two buttons of his shirt. “Where’s Zilia p>
“Her Highness is with Her Majesty. They’re preparing for the welcoming ceremony of the little prince,” the maid answered with humble respect.
Casaio gave a small nod and turned toward her. “You can go p>
The maid bowed deeply before withdrawing, leaving him alone in the chamber. He sank into the sofa, leaned his head back against the cushion, and closed his eyes, letting the silence settle.
Moments later, his senses sharpened as Zilia’s familiar scent drifted into the room. His eyes snapped open while sitting just as she hurried in, a small box in her hands.
“Cas! When did you return?” she exclaimed, placing the box on the table before quickly sitting beside him. Her eyes scanned him anxiously, searching for any sign of injury.
“I’m fine,” Casaio reassured. “I returned just a few minutes ago p>
“How did it go?” Zilia asked with worry lingered in her eyes.
“We had to patrol the entire night,” he admitted, running a hand through his hair. “It may take some more time before we can arrest them all p>
Zilia’s lips pressed into a thin line. “I’ll accompany you tonight. Don’t even think of saying no. You went alone last night p>
Casaio reached out, resting his hand over hers. “Everyone needs you here,” he said firmly. “That’s why you must stay in the palace. I have an entire army of wolves at my command p>
“I agree, but I am worried,” Zilia said.
“Your presence will worry me more,” Casaio replied.
She didn’t argue and leaned forward. Pouring a glass of water for him, she gave it to him. “Drink it. Then, have a good, refreshing bath. I will bring the meals for you by the time you’ll be ready or do you want to sleep first p>
“I’m not sleepy,” Casaio answered before he finished drinking water.
Zilia took the glass from him.
“I suppose Idris has gone back to the academy,” Casaio stated.
“Yes, he has. He wanted to be near Noah, but Amelie asked him not to think about skipping school,” Zilia replied.
“Hmm. Well, Idris isn’t far from here. He can come whenever he wants,” Casaio replied, rising to his feet. “I’ll take a bath first,” he asserted.
“Sure.” Zilia watched her husband leave. She grabbed the box and took it to their bedroom to keep it safely inside the cupboard.