Chapter 512
The Past 6:
“Your Highness, I was curious where my sister was heading to,” Anaya responded. “So, this is the place where you two spend your time together p>
“Anaya, you can’t come here,” Amelie said, walking quickly ahead of Gabriel to address her cousin.
“I told you I was merely curious,” Anaya stated, offering an innocent smile. “I’ll be leaving now. Enjoy your quality time together.” She turned on her heels and disappeared from their sight shortly.
“Forgive me,” Amelie quickly apologized to Gabriel, turning to him with distress.
“It’s not your fault,” Gabriel answered, though his brow was deeply furrowed. “But why are they even living with you and your family? Are they truly trustable p>
“Anaya’s father died, so my parents asked them to come here,” Amelie explained. “They had no one in their hometown, and Aunt Ophelia was worried her daughter would be impacted by the loss if they stayed there p>
She saw Gabriel’s expression look increasingly sour.
“I will tell Anaya never to follow me again,” Amelie assured him instantly.
“A witch can’t be trusted, Amelie,” Gabriel answered bluntly. “I know the decision to keep them was made by your family, but I hope they send them away soon. Witches and werewolves have never lived well together,” he affirmed, his gaze hard. “And that woman, your cousin, gives strange vibes to me. I just hate it for some reason p>
Seeing the sudden, intense rage developing in Gabriel, Amelie didn’t argue. She simply wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a tight hug. His anger slowly subsided as his own hand moved to her lower back, grounding himself in her presence.
“I understand your frustration,” Amelie stated, her voice muffled against his chest. “This place was supposed to be known only to the both of us. I will observe them closely. If you’ve raised doubt about something, then it means it’s serious,” she affirmed, then lifted her head to meet his gaze, sealing the promise.
“Hmm. Shall we go?” Gabriel asked, quickly dismissing the tension that was formed because of the sudden intrusion of Anaya.
“Where?” Amelie confusedly stared at him.
“To the palace!” Gabriel replied, his eyes sparkling with mischief, and before Amelie could process the thought, he teleported them straight into his private chamber.
“Gabriel!” She laughed slightly, the abruptness thrilling her, her hands resting on his arms for a moment longer than necessary to stabilize herself.
He took a step away from her and walked toward a massive wooden cupboard. “Close your eyes, Ame p>
“What?” She arched her eyebrows, questioning the command.
“Just close them, mate,” he urged, his tone softer and more affectionate this time.
Amelie smiled, indulging his whim, and shut her eyes tightly. Gabriel opened the cupboard and carefully took out a pristine, beautifully tailored dress, clearly intended for her.
“Now, you can open them,” Gabriel directed.
Amelie opened her eyes and they instantly sparkled with astonished delight. Before her, displayed elegantly on a wooden stand, was a pristine, exquisite gown. The fabric was silk, shimmering with intricate embroidery of small real pearls and tiny, glittering diamonds.
“Is this—is this she stammered, unable to articulate the question, overwhelmed by the beauty and expense of the garment.
“Your wedding dress, Amelie,” Gabriel replied, stepping closer to her. “I have been waiting for this day to show you the dress. I ordered it quite a long time ago, soon after I knew you were mine, but it took a long time for the seamstress to perfect it. And surprisingly, she delivered it just yesterday evening! Isn’t that a clear sign that we should get married soon?” he finished with a loving smirk.
Amelie’s eyes suddenly brimmed with tears, which immediately confused Gabriel.
“Why are you crying?” He stepped closer, his brow furrowed with concern.
“I’m not crying,” Amelie insisted, shaking her head, though the gentle flow of tears sliding down her cheeks immediately betrayed her statement. “I am over the moon,” she pronounced, her voice catching. “I—I never imagined my mate would be this caring and thoughtful toward me. Thank you, Gabriel. I love it,” she whispered, wiping the happy tears from her eyes.
Gabriel moved closer to her, wrapping her in a warm hug. “You spent so much time with me and you were still doubtful that I wouldn’t be this caring and thoughtful?” he mused softly, holding her tight.
“No, I mean, before meeting you,” Amelie clarified, her voice still trembling with sobs of overwhelming emotion. He gently flicked his fingers on the bridge of her nose. “You’ve done so much for me without my even asking. How can I possibly love you more p>
“You do it every day. I want to bring the entire world to your feet, Amelie,” Gabriel confessed. “You are the only person with whom I don’t feel insecure even for a second. From the day you’ve come into my life, you have always given me your unconditional love and care. You’ve prayed for me. I know when you visit the Moon Temple, you ask the priest to say the prayers specifically in my name. That’s the kind of person you are. So selfless, so beautiful, and so kind p>
“How did you find out about that?” Amelie questioned, running her hand over her eyes again, half-amused and half-surprised by his surveillance.
“I have people who tell me,” Gabriel stated simply, smiling.
“You put spies behind me?” Amelie questioned, her voice rising slightly.
“Only to protect you, not all the time,” he affirmed quickly. “Now, don’t you think you should wear this gown and check the fitting once? Change it right here. I’ll be waiting for you outside.” He paused, letting a mischievous grin spread across his lips. “Or, if you want me to help you, I can do that too p>
Amelie’s cheeks instantly flushed crimson. “No, go out,” she said firmly, pushing him gently toward the door. “Just send some help, will you p>
“Sure,” Gabriel agreed, and he stepped out of the room. “Amelie, I love you,” he returned to specifically say that and walked out this time.