Chapter 436
After Luke’s departure for the Blood Dominion, Lester entered the drawing room in haste.
“Your Majesties,” he announced breathlessly, bowing low. “Lady Juniper is leaving the palace p>
“What?” Raidan’s voice cut sharply through the room. “Why p>
“Prince Dominick has rejected her and ordered that she leave before evening,” Lester replied. “No one knows exactly when it happened p>
Mabel rose abruptly from her seat, disbelief flashing across her face. “Where is Dominick now p>
“He left the palace not long ago,” Lester answered. “He was seen driving away p>
Mabel turned to her husband, concern furrowing her brow. “I will go and check on Juniper. You should speak with Dominick when he returns p>
Raidan nodded. “Inform us the moment he comes back,” he instructed.
“As you command, Your Majesty.” Lester bowed again and withdrew.
When the doors closed, silence lingered for a moment before Raidan exhaled heavily. “Nick acted too hastily,” he muttered, his expression hardening with worry.
Casaio, who had been standing by the window, turned sharply. “I don’t think so, Dad. It was the right decision p>
Raidan looked at him, puzzled. “What do you mean p>
Casaio’s voice trembled with restrained anger. “Juniper has been consumed by greed. She received a package from Ophelia, and instead of handing it over or warning anyone, she hid it in her cupboard p>
“What?” Raidan’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Are you certain p>
“Gabriel found out before it was too late,” Casaio said bitterly. “Can you imagine, Dad? She was ready to conspire with Ophelia, the very woman who’s hunting Amelie and Gabriel. Juniper could have told Dominick the truth, but she chose deceit instead. She doesn’t deserve him. My brother kept forgiving her mistakes, but this time she went too far p>
His anger deepened further. “She spread rumors about Zilia’s past, hurt Idris without cause, and still acted like the victim. Idris never wronged her, yet she seemed determined to destroy everything we’ve tried to protect. And now this… helping the witch who seeks our family’s blood? That’s unforgivable p>
Raidan lowered his gaze as he nodded in agreement. “Indeed. Idris is going to suffer from all of this. I hoped they could keep this relationship together, but I think sometimes fated mates aren’t suitable for each other. Call Dominick. See if he will pick it up. We need to, at least, know that he’s safe or not p>
“Sure, Dad,” Casaio agreed.
Amelie returned to the chamber, gently pushing the stroller ahead of her. Inside, she found Gabriel in conversation with his gamma.
“Amelie!” Denzel exclaimed brightly, his face lighting up with joy.
“Denzel!” she replied with a warm smile.
Gabriel immediately crossed the room to her side. Inside the stroller, little Noah sat contentedly, holding his milk bottle with both hands, his eyes half-lidded in peace.
“Congratulations on the safe arrival of the little prince,” Denzel said sincerely. “I happened to be nearby for some work, so I thought I’d visit you both. I brought a small gift as well p>
“Thank you,” Amelie said softly, accepting the neatly wrapped bag from him.
Gabriel lifted Noah carefully into his arms, his expression softening. “Here’s my boy,” he said proudly, glancing at Denzel with a grin. “He’s growing fast, isn’t he p>
Denzel chuckled. “He certainly is, my lord p>
“Noah, this is my gamma and your Uncle Denzel,” Gabriel said, introducing the little one with a smile.
Noah responded by wriggling his tiny arms in the air, a soft gurgle escaping his lips.
“He seems much more cheerful than most of the babies,” Denzel remarked fondly.
“Of course! Noah always smiles,” Gabriel replied proudly, pressing a tender kiss to his son’s cheek.
Both Amelie and Denzel couldn’t help but smile at the sight of Gabriel doting on the baby with such affection.
“You two should talk,” Gabriel said after a moment. “I’ll take Noah inside. He must be tired after his stroll around the palace p>
With that, he gently handed the stroller to Ashna, who stepped forward to take it away, following Gabriel as he disappeared into the adjoining chamber.
Amelie turned back to Denzel. “How is everything in San Ravendale? And what about the work? Gabriel has been away from his duties for quite some time,” she said, concern threading her tone.
Denzel smiled reassuringly. “There’s no need to worry, Amelie. Prince Gabriel still manages his affairs as much as possible, even from here. He oversees the businesses and investments remotely, as you know p>
“Hm p>
“Would you like some tea or coffee? I almost forgot to ask,” Amelie said, gesturing toward the seating area. “Please, have a seat p>
“Nothing for now,” Denzel replied as they both settled onto the sofa. His gaze softened as he studied her face. “You look a bit tense. Is everything all right p>
Amelie sighed lightly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “Yes, I’m fine. It’s just… a lot has been happening in the palace lately. Things feel a little overwhelming p>
Denzel nodded in understanding. “I can imagine p>
She offered him a small smile. “What about you, Denzel? How’s life treating you these days p>
He gave a quiet chuckle. “It’s going. Nothing particularly exciting. I did try dating recently, but I couldn’t quite keep up with it. Ended things after a while p>
“Oh,” Amelie said gently. “I’m sorry to hear that p>
“It’s all right,” Denzel replied with an easy shrug. “It was just casual. Thankfully, there weren’t any deep feelings involved. It’s been about twenty days now p>
“By the way, your sister is doing well at her workplace. I got to find from one of my friends, who works as manager in Velmora and Co. She told me that Flora has turned the tides in her favor by shutting the people’s mouth. I think she’s been keeping a quiet because she was guilty about everything. But it’s good she stood up for herself finally p>
“That’s such a great news. Thanks, Denzel. Flora was too vulnerable in the past. I was worried thinking if she would harm herself,” Amelie expressed her worries toward her younger sister.
“I understand. Now, you don’t need to be worried for you. I think she can manage on her own. She is trying her best to live well with dignity,” Denzel stated.
“Yeah. I am relieved,” she replied with a soft smile across her features.