Chapter 371
The next morning, Gabriel rose at dawn, the first rays of sunlight spilling softly through the tall windows of the chamber. After refreshing himself and donning a finely tailored set of clothes, he stepped out.
As he entered the main hall, his eyes fell upon a passing palace maid. Raising his hand slightly, he stopped her.
“Lady Amelie is still asleep,” he said. “Remain by her side until she wakes p>
The maid bowed respectfully and proceeded toward the chamber where Amelie rested.
Gabriel continued down the polished corridor, the air carrying the faint aroma of freshly brewed tea. When he reached the grand sitting room, he found his father and mother already settled on the ornate sofa as they sipped from delicate porcelain cups.
“Good morning, Mother, Father,” Gabriel greeted warmly, bowing with grace.
“Gabriel!” Raidan exclaimed, setting down his cup with a smile. “Good morning. Come, have a seat p>
Gabriel inclined his head politely before lowering himself onto the sofa, crossing one leg neatly over the other.
“Your brothers and sisters are still fast asleep,” Raidan remarked with a trace of amusement. “I heard you all enjoyed yourselves quite a bit last night. Yet… it seems you didn’t drink p>
“That’s right,” Gabriel replied evenly.
Mabel’s eyes softened as she turned to her husband. “Gabriel has been especially considerate of Amelie. He’s refrained from drinking for quite some time now p>
A faint smile curved Gabriel’s lips. “That is one of the most beautiful parts of parenthood,” he said softly.
“I couldn’t agree more,” Mabel replied, her gaze warm.
“I do have something important to discuss with you both,” Gabriel continued, straightening slightly.
“Go on,” Raidan encouraged, raising his cup once more and taking the last sip of tea.
“I would like Amelie’s baby shower to be arranged soon,” Gabriel said.
Raidan’s brows lifted in surprise. “Your mother and I spoke of the very same thing last night, before retiring.” For a brief moment, he realized, perhaps for the first time, that Gabriel’s resentment toward Mabel had eased, and that some unspoken reconciliation had taken root between them.
Gabriel turned his head, meeting his mother’s eyes with a gentle smile.
“Since you and Amelie reside in San Ravendale, it would be best to hold the baby shower there,” Mabel suggested thoughtfully.
Raidan leaned back, astonished as he observed the soft exchange that now passed between his wife and son, a tone he had not expected from Gabriel, had moved his heart.
“Gabriel, you’re speaking so naturally with your mother,” Raidan remarked with a note of amusement. “Don’t tell me that both of you’ve reconciled p>
“I have,” Gabriel replied calmly. “Didn’t Mother tell you?” He cast a brief glance at Mabel, and Raidan instinctively turned his head toward her.
“Last night, we spoke at length,” Mabel said softly, her eyes meeting her husband’s. “Gabriel has finally forgiven me p>
A look of relief spread across Raidan’s face. “That’s wonderful!” he exclaimed, his laughter light but sincere. “Both of you carried such heavy burdens for far too long. Forgiveness—” he smiled broadly “—is the surest path to peace p>
Just then, a maid approached quietly, setting a steaming cup of coffee before Gabriel with a graceful bow.
“Please enjoy it, Your Highness,” she said respectfully. Lester, who stood attentively nearby, inclined his head as well.
“Thank you,” Gabriel said, his tone polite but warm as he lifted the mug in his hands.
“I’ve been far too stubborn for too long,” Gabriel admitted, his voice steady yet tinged with remorse. “I should have tried to understand what my mother endured for my sake, but I failed. If she hadn’t opened her heart to me last night, I might have taken much longer to even consider it. I’ve been ungrateful… a troublesome son who only gave her pain. But it won’t happen anymore. That ends here p>
Mabel’s eyes glistened as tears welled up in them while her lips curving into a trembling smile. “And I, too, failed to understand the simple fact that I should never deprive you of a mother’s love,” she said. “But I’m glad you finally see me as your mother p>
Raidan’s face lit with pride. He nodded firmly and declared, “This calls for celebration. Bring out the sweets! The two of you must share them, feed each other as a sign of this new beginning.” He looked at Gabriel with warmth shining in his eyes. “I’m proud of you, my son. Now, drink your coffee before it grows cold p>
Gabriel nodded, then suddenly paused, sensing a presence nearby. His eyes shifted, catching sight of Idris lingering half-hidden behind a tall marble pillar. Narrowing his gaze, he called out, “Why are you hiding over there p>
Idris stiffened the moment their eyes met. As the King and Queen also turned their heads toward him, he lowered his gaze, guilt written in his posture.
“Didn’t you hear me?” Gabriel’s tone sharpened, carrying a hint of authority.
Startled, Idris hurried forward and bowed deeply. “I—I was only curious to see what the King and Queen looked like,” he stammered. “That is why I came here. Forgive me if I’ve caused any trouble.” His head remained bowed, his voice trembling with nervous respect.
“Take a seat, Idris,” Mabel said gently, her tone softening the tension in the air.
“Sit here, beside me,” Gabriel added, patting the space on the sofa next to him.
Idris obeyed quickly, settling into the seat. His shoulders hunched slightly as he fiddled nervously with his fingers, uncertain under the weight of so many watchful eyes.
“Why do you look scared? We aren’t going to punish you,” Mabel said. “You’re the brother of Zilia. She never once got so nervous before us,” she opined.
“The Queen is absolutely right. Idris, dear, always keep your gaze straight and head high. That’s the sign of being a confident man,” Raidan pronounced.
“Idris is scared of both of you,” Gabriel chuckled. “Because none of you ever visited him. He feels he’s still an outsider, Dad,” he added as he took a slow sip from the mug.