Chapter 631
The following morning, Gabriel was halfway out the door when Amelie caught up to him, extending his wallet.
“You almost forgot this,” she said with a soft smile.
“Thanks,” Gabriel murmured, sliding the leather wallet into his trouser pocket. He lingered for a moment, his mind already half-occupied by the grim reports from the night before.
“Kate is heading to San Ravendale today,” Amelie reminded him. “Try to meet her before you head to work p>
Gabriel paused, his hand reaching out to tenderly tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “I thought she was set on organizing a grand party. What changed so suddenly p>
“Brother Nick won’t be able to make it,” Amelie replied. “Gridlock is buried under heavy snow. While he could teleport, the Luna Queen advised him to conserve his energy, there’s no sense in straining himself when the whole family will be gathering for Christmas anyway p>
“I see,” Gabriel replied. Just then, his phone vibrated sharply in his pocket, likely another urgent update regarding the capital’s unrest. “I have to go. I’ll see you later p>
He pivoted on the heels of his boots, disappearing into the vastness of the palace corridor.
Amelie turned back to their bedchamber. She found little Noah squirming in his crib, his tiny limbs batting against the wooden slats as he tried in vain to find more room to roll.
“The world is getting too small for you already, isn’t it?” Amelie cooed, reaching down to lift him from the crib. She tucked him securely against her chest. “Let’s go find your grandmother p>
They finally arrived at the Queen’s quarters. Amelie paused at the threshold, watching as the servants stood in a disciplined line, receiving a series of rapid instructions from the Queen. She waited quietly at the edge of the room until the staff bowed and dispersed, leaving Mabel alone in the center of the ornate sitting room.
“Amelie, why are you standing all the way over there? Come here, dear,” Mabel called out, her regal posture instantly softening.
“Ma! Ma!” Noah began to chirp loudly, his tiny voice echoing against the high ceilings. He bounced in Amelie’s arms, his small hands grasping at the air the moment he spotted his grandmother.
Mabel laughed, a warm and genuine sound, as she stepped forward to scoop the little pup into her own arms. “Look at you! All excited to be in your grandma’s arms, aren’t you?” she cooed, pressing a tender kiss to his forehead.
“You did well to come by this morning,” Mabel said, turning her attention back to Amelie. “Please, take a seat. I have so much I want to discuss with you p>
Amelie smiled and lowered herself into a velvet-cushioned chair as Mabel settled across from her, settling Noah comfortably on her lap. The Queen looked down at the baby for a moment before meeting Amelie’s eyes with a look of earnest hope.
“Convince Gabriel to make the palace his permanent home,” Mabel urged. “You have settled here so well, and I want the two of you to live here from now onwards. Even Noah seems to prefer the space here p>
Amelie’s smile faltered slightly, replaced by a look of gentle hesitation. “Mother, I would love nothing more than to stay,” she pronounced softly, “but I cannot hurt Gabriel by insisting on something he isn’t ready for. His heart has to lead him here p>
“I understand completely. However, everything has truly turned for the better here,” Mabel stated, her voice full of conviction as she smoothed the fabric of Noah’s tiny jumper.
Amelie hummed softly in response, choosing her words carefully so as not to hurt her mother-in-law’s feelings. She knew that despite the comforts of the palace, Gabriel’s mind had been made up for a long time; he valued their independence far too much to stay behind permanently. Still, seeing the hope in Mabel’s eyes, Amelie couldn’t bring herself to be blunt.
“I will ask him once,” she stated, purely to ease Mabel’s heart.
“Good. That is all I ask,” Mabel said, looking satisfied. She then shifted the topic, her eyes brightening. “Also, Amelie, you should go out more frequently now. You should go for runs in your wolf form, you only awakened it not long ago, and you need to let her breathe. Don’t worry about Noah; he has me and his grandfather here to look after him p>
Amelie felt a spark of excitement at the suggestion. She looked over at Noah, who was staring up at Mabel with a look of pure, wide-eyed adoration, his tiny hand curled around his grandmother’s finger.
“Yes,” Amelie smiled, her heart warming at the sight of them. “Can I go for a run now p>
“Why not? Go!” Mabel agreed quickly, her hands shooing her toward the door with encouraging warmth. “The morning air will do you wonders. We will be right here when you return p>
Amelie nodded, her heart light. “Bye, Noah. Mama will be back soon,” she said softly.
To her surprise, Noah turned his head, his wide eyes following her voice, and he gave a clumsy, adorable wave as if he understood every word. Amelie chuckled and waved back before finally slipping out of the chamber.
As she hurried down the long corridor when she accidentally collided with Carlos. The impact sent a slight jolt through her, and she stepped back, rubbing the sore spot on her forehead.
“Careful! And sorry. You didn’t get hurt, right?” Carlos said, steadying her. He was holding a glossy magazine, his thumb marking a specific page.
“Good morning, Carlos! No, I’m fine.” Amelie greeted him, offering an apologetic smile.
“Morning. I was actually on my way to find you. I have something to show you!” Carlos pronounced, his eyes bright with excitement.
“What is it?” Amelie asked, her curiosity piqued.
Carlos flipped the magazine open and held it out. “There’s a full article about you in here p>
Amelie’s eyes grew wide as she read the bold, elegant headline. It spoke of her journey, her grace, and her rising influence within the palace and beyond.
“See? People are starting to recognize your true potential,” Carlos answered, his smile widening at her stunned expression. “You’re becoming an inspiration to many, Mimi p>
“I… I can’t believe it,” Amelie murmured, her fingers tracing the edges of the page.
“You have so much potential,” Carlos stated firmly, his voice filled with genuine pride. “I knew it the moment I saw you for the first time. You were meant for great things p>
“Gabriel helped me become who I am today. And you too,” Amelie stated, giving them equal credit.
“I did nothing,” Carlos shook his head.
“Amelie, you are here!” Suddenly Denzel’s voice echoed in the corridor.
Both of them turned their heads to look at him. He looked quite serious as if he had a grim news to share.
“I couldn’t find Prince Gabriel and you in the chamber when Ashna told me you were with the Queen. I’ve brought the entire report on Alex’s parents. We have caught them. But Alex’s mother has refused to speak. She wants to see you,” Denzel explained in a hurried manner.
Carlos gazed at Amelie, who frowned a little.
“Where is she?” Amelie asked.