Chapter 447
“Noah, call me Grandpa. Say it,” Raidan murmured, his deep voice softened almost to a coo as he gently bounced the newborn in his arms. He repeated the command that was utterly unsuited for a powerful Alpha King.
But Noah only offered him a gummy, triumphant smile, a soundless cheer that nonetheless flooded Raidan’s heart with pure joy.
“Fix his cap, Your Majesty. The weather is turning cold,” Mabel instructed her husband, her eyes already on the baby. Simultaneously, she turned to the maid. “Is the massage oil warm enough yet? Not too hot p>
Raidan obeyed immediately. His hands carefully adjusting the brim of the soft wool cap over Noah’s little head. Noah responded by laughing, a bright, breathy sound, and enthusiastically throwing his arms and legs into the air.
“You hear that, little one? You will get a good massage soon from your grandmother,” Raidan chuckled, his gaze full of affection as he watched Mabel.
She was already busy preparing a safe, warm space, spreading a soft blanket on the mattress before gesturing for Raidan to place the baby down for his oiling.
Noah, resting comfortably, suddenly made a happy gurgle, his eyes fixed on the face above him. “Ma! Pa!” he managed, his tiny voice pronouncing the familiar sounds he associated with Amelie and Gabriel.
Raidan’s eyes gleamed with renewed determination. “Yes, but now call me Grandpa! Grandpa!” he urged playfully, leaning in close.
Ignoring his grandfather’s request, Noah repeated his successful syllables, “Pa! Pa p>
Raidan threw his head back and laughed. “Look how sweet his voice is!” he pronounced, his heart fluttered, and he peppered the soft, round cheeks of the boy with rapid, gentle kisses.
“Enough, you big tease,” Mabel said, smiling indulgently at her husband. She extended her hands. “Give Noah to me. I have to start the massage before he falls asleep again p>
“Here, go to your grandmama,” Raidan cooed to the newborn as he carefully and reluctantly handed Noah into Mabel’s arms.
“Noah will get a body massage,” Mabel said softly, her focus entirely on her grandson. She slowly and carefully undressed him. Once he was freed from his clothes, she placed the young one on the soft blanket, then rubbed the warm oil between her palms, warming it slightly more with her own body heat.
She began the massage, spreading the oil over his tiny arms first, an action that made the baby giggle with pleasure.
The maid assisted the Queen, ensuring the oil was ready and handing Mabel fresh towels, while Raidan remained seated nearby.
Just then, the memory of his troubled son, Dominick, broke through the peaceful bubble. “Dear, I’ll check on Nick,” he said, rising.
“Yes, sure. Go to him,” Mabel replied without looking up as she massaged Noah’s chest. “He must be awake and is likely hurting still p>
Raidan smiled down at the baby. “Grandpa is going, Noah!” he pronounced, giving his grandson one last gentle head pat before turning toward the door.
Entering the main hall, Raidan saw his son Lester talking quietly with the chief servant’s head. The moment they spotted the King, they both immediately bowed in respect.
“Is Dominick awake?” Raidan queried with concern as he momentarily lowered himself onto a plush couch.
“Yes, Your Majesty. I saw Prince Dominick in the garden a short while ago. Shall I send someone to call him inside?” Lester asked politely.
“No, I’ll go to the garden myself,” Raidan pronounced, rising swiftly to his feet. He didn’t want the formality of a summons; he wanted a quiet moment with his son.
He headed toward the garden, following the familiar stone paths. It didn’t take him long to spot Dominick. He saw him sitting on a white wrought-iron bench in solitude while his gaze fixed on the distance as if deeply contemplating some painful, internal argument.
“Nick,” Raidan softly whispered, ensuring his approach didn’t startle his son.
Dominick’s head lifted instantly, and he swiftly stood up in respect for his father. “Good morning, Dad p>
Raidan walked up to him and placed a large, reassuring hand on Dominick’s shoulder, giving it a gentle, comforting pat. “Good morning. Let’s sit.” The father and son sat down on the bench together.
“Last day, you entered the cursed forest,” Raidan stated gently. “May I know why? And you even rejected Juniper. You could have taken some time to think about such a monumental decision.” His hand remained resting on Dominick’s arm, offering a steady source of support.
“I had made up my mind to reject June,” Dominick said with lingering sorrow. He stared at the gravel path. “And honestly, Dad, I didn’t wish to bring more troubles to anyone. She… she was ready to harm Amelie and Gabriel. They didn’t even do anything to her. That discovery, that she could be so cruel, was devastating p>
He sighed. “I was deeply hurt and anguished by my own pain. I was walking aimlessly, and I truly didn’t realize when I entered the cursed forest and got trapped. But everything felt good there in that moment p>
“Yes, but the forest never gives true relief,” Raidan asserted, shaking his head slightly. “It only mutes your current suffering by intensifying a different, often darker one, later p>
“I know,” Dominick murmured. “Casaio rescued me. But… he’s now angry with me.” He finally revealed the core reason for his current low spirits, the recent rejection by his brother perhaps hurting more than Juniper’s.
Raidan’s brow furrowed with immediate concern. “Ahh! There’s a reason behind that, son,” he said, drawing his son’s attention. “Gabriel mentioned something to us last night. The flame of the lantern extinguished right before Casaio could step out of the forest boundary with you. That means the last memory he whispered to the flame of lantern was related to both of you, which had disappeared from his head p>
Raidan paused for a second before speaking again, “The forest’s magic must have selectively wiped that final saving act from his immediate memory. Did he say something… something bad to you, Nick?” Raidan inquired, fearing the worst of the cursed forest’s influence.