Chapter 439
“Why are you apologizing to me, Your Highness? Shouldn’t it be the other way around?” Idris asked quietly, his fingers nervously twisting together in his lap.
Casaio sighed with the guilt in his eyes. He took a step closer. “Idris, I made a promise to you that I’d never let harm come your way,” he said. “But what happened today His jaw tightened. “It brought so much undeserved hatred and pain upon you. None of this should have happened. I should’ve seen it coming p>
Idris kept his gaze down, saying nothing.
“You were crying in the hall, and yet no one noticed,” he continued, the words catching slightly in his throat. “No one paid attention to those tears. That’s what I regret the most p>
“Not everyone can be good, Your Highness,” Idris whispered, his voice trembling but steady enough to carry conviction. “What’s done can’t be changed,” he added softly. “And I’ve always feared what would happen if the truth ever came out. Now I finally see how people truly see me… maybe that’s something I needed to learn. Maybe it was important for me to grow. So, I don’t blame you, or anyone else p>
Casaio’s eyes softened. “Idris, you’re speaking like a man far beyond your years,” he praised the boy for carrying such thoughts.
A faint smile curved Idris’s lips. “That’s because I’m going to be a big man soon,” he replied with a hint of shy confidence.
“Come here,” Casaio said gently, bending down and opening his arms. Idris didn’t hesitate, and he rushed forward and wrapped his arms around him, holding on tightly.
“Thank you for standing up for us,” Idris murmured, his voice muffled against Casaio’s chest. “It must have been hard for you p>
Casaio smiled faintly, resting his hand on Idris’s head and ruffling his hair with quiet affection. “You’ll be loved, Idris,” he said. “Maybe not by everyone, but by those who matter. People will see your heart, and they’ll know you’ve done no wrong p>
Idris closed his eyes, feeling much better than before.
“Noah, you look absolutely adorable in this outfit,” Gabriel said with a grin as he lifted the little boy into his arms and carried him toward the mirror. Noah giggled, waving his tiny hands with excitement, his eyes sparkling.
“I think you like it, don’t you?” Gabriel teased softly, adjusting his hold so Noah could see their reflection. His hands fit easily around the child’s small frame with protectiveness.
“Well,” Gabriel murmured with playful mischief, slipping his phone from his pocket and switching on the camera, “it’s time for a little photo session p>
He raised the phone, smiling widely. “Say cheese, baby,” he encouraged gently. “Show me that big, sparkling smile of yours p>
Noah laughed, tilting his head as if he understood. It was pure joy captured in that simple moment.
Gabriel snapped a few more pictures before letting Noah rest his head on his shoulder, gently patting his back. “How about we take some on the balcony?” he suggested with a smile.
Just then, Amelie appeared in the doorway. Gabriel’s face lit up. “Ame, come join us! Let’s take some pictures with our son,” he called, holding Noah closer as they headed outside.
“Sure,” Amelie said, smiling, and followed them out to the balcony. She settled on the swing, and Gabriel handed her the phone.
“Take a few pictures of me with Noah,” he said, helping Noah stand on his thighs so he could face the camera.
Amelie nodded and began snapping a few candid shots, capturing their laughter and little interactions.
Once done, Gabriel stood up carefully, cradling Noah in his arms. “Now, you should sit over there with Noah,” he suggested with a grin.
“Come to Mommy,” Amelie cooed, taking Noah into her arms and settling back onto the swing.
Noah squealed with delight, bouncing slightly and laughing. He gave Gabriel the brightest and most perfect smile.
“Noah looks too happy today,” he whispered, walking to them on the swing. He angled the phone for a selfie, his arm wrapping around Amelie’s shoulder, who held Noah closely.
“Finally, done,” Gabriel said, lowering the phone as Amelie placed Noah gently on her lap. She leaned in to look at the pictures, her eyes lighting up.
“They came out beautifully,” she murmured.
“You two look incredible here,” Gabriel said, stopping at a shot that captured both Amelie’s and Noah’s smiles perfectly.
Amelie gazed at him with a fond smile and suddenly pressed a quick kiss to his cheek.
Gabriel leaned closer, a teasing glint in his eyes. “Amelie… kiss me properly, on the lips, if you want p>
Before she could respond, a voice interrupted them. “Pardon me, Your Highnesses, for intruding,” Ashna called from the doorway of the balcony.
Both turned to look at her. “What is it?” Amelie asked, a hint of curiosity in her voice.
“The King wants to see Prince Gabriel,” Ashna replied politely.
“Go,” Amelie said softly.
Gabriel hummed in acknowledgment, leaning down to press a gentle kiss on Noah’s forehead. With a final glance at the swing, he stood and left the balcony, tucking the phone securely into the pocket of his trousers.
By the time he reached the main hall, he noticed Dominick’s beta waiting there, tension evident in his posture.
“What happened, Dad?” Gabriel asked with concern. “Evan, I have not seen you in such a long time p>
“Your Highness, I rarely come to the palace; that’s why,” Evan replied, shifting slightly under Gabriel’s gaze.
Raidan’s brow furrowed with concern. “Nick is nowhere to be found. I’ve been trying to contact him for a while. I think you should search for him; it’s already late afternoon p>
Gabriel’s expression remained calm, though his mind churned quietly. “Nick will return by nightfall, I’m sure. There’s no need to worry p>
Raidan shook his head, unease lingering in his eyes. “It’s not just that… Nick has rejected Juniper. That’s what worries me. He’s always been soft-hearted, Gabriel. He’s hardly faced a situation this stressful before p>
Gabriel furrowed his brows together and turned his head to look at Evan.