Queen Mabel understood the aning behind his words. She lowered herself onto the couch, placing her hands gently on her lap with a composed face.
"I was testing Alie. I wanted to see if she would leave you or not," she said calmly.
Gabriel let out a short, bitter laugh and took the seat across from her.
"Testing? You tried to kidnap her, Mother. Later, you asked her to leave the wedding. Sotis I really wonder how you justify your actions so effortlessly."
A servant entered with a tray and placed a glass of water on the table between them. With a silent bow, she exited, leaving them alone in the heavy silence.
"As a mother, I have every right to be cautious," Mabel replied. "Look at Casaio. He spent ten years with Zilia, completely blind to what was coming. He never once sought my advice. I may have warned him only once, but I did warn him. She made it clear she wasn’t interested in any real commitnt. And now, look what happened. Everyone knows. I had the sa fears about Alie."
Gabriel leaned forward, his gaze fixed on her.
"You had insecurities, and instead of speaking to like a mother should, you plotted in secret. You always try to control everything and everyone as if we’re pawns on your board."
He paused, still glaring at his mother.
"You need to try understanding your children. You judge everyone we love like they’re going to bring ruin. And what about that High Priestess you believed in so blindly? She never once said anything about Casaio’s future, or Nick’s, or Kate’s. Isn’t that strange? She only ever spoke about . She planted doubts in your head, and later, made question who I was, whether I even belonged to this place."
Deep furrows appeared on Mabel’s forehead.
"You saw what it was doing to , and you still said nothing. You let carry that weight alone. Well, now I’m married. I’m going to be a father. It’s ti for you to stop scheming and stay out of my life. Stop manipulating the people around . And past were you talking to Alie?"
"Alie shared everything with you," Mabel said with a soft chuckle.
"That’s the kind of bond we have," Gabriel replied calmly. "She doesn’t hide anything from ."
His tone shifted slightly as he continued, "Which is why I need you to tell the truth. About the past. About what made you neglect ."
Mabel tilted her head. "Is that why you’re here?"
"Yes," Gabriel answered without hesitation. "I’m not here for leisure. I didn’t co to attend any celebration or show loyalty to the crown. I’m here to find the answers to the questions that have been buried for too long."
He reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. Unlocking it with a swipe, he turned the screen toward his mother, revealing a photo.
"Have you seen this mark anywhere before?" Gabriel asked, his eyes fixed on his mother’s reaction.
Mabel’s gaze dropped to the phone screen, and for a fleeting second. Her eyes widened ever so slightly, just enough for Gabriel to notice.
"You know sothing," he said, voice low but firm. "Mom, this mark, is it present on ? Is it on my head?"
She didn’t answer.
"Please don’t hide it anymore," Gabriel urged. "If I end up discovering the truth from soone else, it will hurt more than you can imagine."
Mabel looked away for a mont, as if trying to gather her thoughts. "Where did you get this picture?" she finally asked, her voice quieter now.
"That’s not what matters right now," Gabriel replied sharply. "What matters is that you recognize it. And I need you to tell the truth, everything you know about this mark."
"You were born with this mark on your head," Mabel finally admitted. "But it doesn’t an anything. It holds no significance."
Gabriel narrowed his eyes, a bitter smile creeping onto his face. "That’s a lie," he said coldly and rose to his feet to leave.
"Where are you going?" Mabel asked, her voice wavering just slightly.
"To rest," Gabriel replied.
He turned as if to walk away, but paused. Without looking at her, he added, "You should’ve abandoned the day I was born, Mom. At least then, I wouldn’t have to feel this pathetic every ti I think about you."
Without waiting for a response, he strode down the hallway, the sa path Alie had taken monts earlier.
Mabel remained still, her expression hardening before softening into a deep frown. A troubled look settled on her face, shadowed by fear.
Gabriel reached his room, and even before opening the door, he could hear the cheerful voices of Alie and Katelyn echoing from inside. As he stepped in, he saw them sitting together, laughter still lingering in the air.
"Kate, you should leave," Gabriel said. "Alie will see you in the evening."
Katelyn nodded, sensing the shift in mood. "Alright. See you later, Alie," she said with a quick wave before dashing out of the room.
Gabriel shut the door quietly behind her, letting the mont settle.
Alie, still seated, looked up at him with concern. "How did your conversation go with Her Majesty?" she asked gently.
"Just like every other day," Gabriel replied and removed the leather jacket. He hung it on the nearby chair and uncuffed his sleeves before folding them up.
"It seems you got into an argunt with her," Alie said, walking over to him. Her hands moved to his waist as she peered into his eyes.
"No. We didn’t argue," Gabriel replied. "My mood would’ve been in ruins if we argued," he muttered. His hand softly caressed her hair. His nose brushed against hers in an affectionate gesture.
"I’m going to find out the truth soon. This is the reason I decided to co here. Alie, I will prove to my mother that high priestess was wrong about ," he stated with a determined gaze.
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