"Gabriel, should we go and et Idris before heading to bed? We both slept so much the entire day. I don’t think we can sleep so early," Alie suggested.
"Casaio doesn’t allow anyone to see Idris," Gabriel said.
"But why? He’s simply a kid," Alie said. Then, realizing why Casaio doing that, she added, "Zilia’s profession shouldn’t be the reason to put shackles on Idris. You told how he was kept as a captive all these years. Poor, boy. He grew up in loneliness. Don’t you think Idris will be happy seeing us?"
"Of course, he will be happy. However, he understands the complexities he has grown up in. This is his destiny for now," Gabriel said.
"Don’t say that. We both were treated badly, saying it’s our destinies," Alie murmured and sat on the chair. Her legs were lately feeling numb. It wasn’t like the pup had grown a lot, but for so reason it was happening every now and then.
"I’ll ask Casaio first," Gabriel said. He didn’t want his mate to feel upset, so fulfilling her wish was his priority. Then, picking up the call from the bedside table, he dialed Casaio’s number.
"Brother Casaio didn’t co tonight. I think he’s busy in so work. You shouldn’t disturb him now. We can ask him tomorrow," Alie suggested.
Gabriel brought his finger to his lips, asking her to stay quiet.
"Hey, Alie wants to et Idris. You aren’t at the palace, so I’d to call you," he said.
"Do whatever you want," Casaio said and hung up the call. Gabriel furrowed his brows together as he sensed sothing was off with his brother. He shouldn’t be caring for him, but he couldn’t get off this feeling.
"What happened? Did Brother Casaio refuse?" Alie asked, standing up.
"No, he didn’t." Gabriel turned around to look at her. "But he sounded off."
"Does sothing happen again between him and Zilia? I believe after the attack on you, Brother Casaio must have blad Zilia for it since she’s the one who inford about the spy to him." A worried expression ford on her face.
"Why don’t you and Brother Dominick go to Brother Casaio? I know you don’t like to be involved in his life, but it’s a vulnerable period for him."
Alie held a hope that Gabriel would consider seeing Casaio again.
"You know... You’re changing ," Gabriel said. Then, chuckling, he just kissed her out of the blue. "I will listen to you this ti too."
Alie offered a faint smile. "You don’t need to worry about . I’ll return to my room after speaking with Idris. How does that sound?"
Gabriel gave a short nod. "Alright. Co, I’ll take you to him."
He gently took her hand and led her through the corridors toward the quarters where Idris was living.
As they arrived, Dane, who stood guard outside the room, bowed in respect upon seeing them. His eyes flicked between them, curiosity briefly flashing across his face.
"Alie wishes to see Idris. I’ve already spoken to my brother about it," Gabriel said.
Dane gave a small nod and turned to Alie. "You may go in, my lady. The boy hasn’t slept yet," he inford her.
Alie paused for a mont and looked back at Gabriel. Their eyes t briefly before she stepped inside the room.
As the door closed behind her, Gabriel turned to Dane.
"Ensure that a servant accompanies her when she returns," he instructed.
"Of course, Your Highness," Dane replied promptly.
Gabriel’s gaze lingered on the door for a mont longer before he turned and quietly walked away.
~~~~~
Alie slowly halted upon seeing Idris engrossed making a painting. But, the boy had sensed her presence and lifted his head.
Resting the brush down, he was quick to stand up and bowed to her. "I’m sorry, but I don’t recognize you," he said.
"I’m Alie, Prince Gabriel’s mate," she introduced herself and walked to Idris. "You are quite good in art," she said, looking at the painting he had made. It was an evening view of the sky from the balcony of a house.
Idris confusedly stared at her.
"Is Prince Gabriel one of the two brothers of Prince Casaio?" Idris asked after a mont of silence.
"Yes," Alie replied.
"Oh," Idris murmured, processing the information. "I didn’t know much about Prince Gabriel. Sister Zilia only once ntioned that Prince Casaio had two brothers. But... I do know this — it was Prince Gabriel who saved from the tyrant of the Blood Dominion and brought here."
He gave another bow, eyes lowered in humility. "Please extend my heartfelt gratitude to him, ma’am."
Alie was quite startled seeing the politeness Idris carried.
"Sure, I will. But don’t call ma’am. You can call by my na," she assured him. "Do you’ve to paint more? If yes, I will leave and see you tomorrow," Alie suggested.
"No, please stay," Idris said promptly. Then, realizing his eagerness for a person to be around him, he continued, "I am all alone here. It would be nice if you talk to . I suppose that’s why you’ve co here."
"You’re right," Alie said with a smile.
Idris quickly collected the items from the floor. "I’ll keep these away. You may sit on the sofa here," he said, pointing behind him.
Alie nodded and took a seat. Idris washed his hands before finally returning to the room.
Then, sitting on the sa sofa, he turned to Alie and said, "Do you know my sister too?"
"I do, but we’ve not talked much. Maybe soday I get to talk to your sister for the whole day," Alie said with a smile.
"So, you don’t judge my sister for the work she does? I an, don’t you hate her? I’ve seen Prince Casaio hates her. It’s visible in his eyes. I suppose those who knows what my sister did, have started hating her," Idris said in a low voice and looked down.
"Why would I hate your sister, Idris? I think it wasn’t her choice to be a spy. She did this to protect you, her only family," Alie asserted. "Though I won’t deny that initially I felt angry. Brother Casaio trusted her so much. She should’ve told him the truth, if not the others."
Then, she bit her tongue, realizing she spoke more than she was supposed to.
"Idris, I have no enmity with Zilia. In fact, I feel her hands were tied."
Idris nodded slowly. "Thank you for saying that. My sister... she’s sacrificed so much because of ." His voice softened, filled with quiet guilt. "Earlier, I spoke with Prince Casaio and told him sothing I probably shouldn’t have... I said I regretted being born. I’ve been a burden to my sister since I was just two years old."
His gaze dropped, and he nervously began to fidget with his fingers, shoulders curling inwards as if trying to shrink himself.
Alie’s heart ached. She moved closer, gently settling beside him on the couch. Without hesitation, she placed her hand over his small, trembling one and gave it a warm, reassuring squeeze.
"Don’t say that, Idris," Alie said softly. "Your life matters more than you think."
Her other hand instinctively ca to rest on her growing bump, her voice becoming even more tender. "I’m going to be a mother soon. I can’t share everything with you right now, but... my pup’s life was in danger once, too. And I did everything in my power to protect them."
She paused, her eyes shimring with tears.
"I believe your mother and father must have done the sa for you. And your sister, she’s continued what your mother started. Her sacrifices... they’re not because you’re a burden. They’re out of love. A love so fierce it chooses your life every single ti."
Idris ended up crying to hear that. He quickly wiped off his tears. "Sorry. I didn’t an to cry," he murmured.
"It’s okay to cry sotis," Alie said. "Do you want to hug ? I’m like your sister too, and is younger than her!" A radiant smile appeared on her lips.
Idris didn’t hesitate and hugged Alie, who placed her hands on his back. She patted it gently. "You’re in a growing stage. When you’ll be big man, you can protect your sister well," she asserted.
Idris pulled away and agreed with her. "Yes. For that, I need to train too, Sister Alie. But before that I need to awaken my wolf. Alphas usually do it earlier than the others. For , it’s a bit late."
"Maybe your wolf is special," Alie remarked.
"You think so?" Idris arched his brows.
"Yeah. Don’t stress out your body. You’ll be able to awaken your wolf soon. I’m sure it will happen soon for you," Alie said with a warm smile.
Idris believed her words, feeling relieved. "You’re so kind, Sister Alie. Thank you for coming here and also, thank you for not holding anger toward my sister."
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