Though Katelyn had fallen asleep, Alie couldn’t bring herself to close her eyes. Her mind kept replaying Katelyn’s words, how Gabriel had never been in such a condition before.
Restless, she sat upright and quietly climbed down from the bed. Wrapping a shawl around her shoulders, she stepped onto the balcony. The cool night air greeted her as she settled onto the swing, her gaze drifting toward the sky.
"Is all of this happening because of ?" she whispered to herself, the weight of guilt heavy in her voice. "The Queen didn’t even look at when we returned to the palace..."
Her hand gently moved to her bump, caressing it protectively.
She didn’t want to believe in prophecies, didn’t want to give in to ancient warnings and whispered fates, but everything that had been happening to Gabriel since her arrival in his life... it made her heart pound with growing fear.
’I asked you to sleep,’ Gabriel’s voice echoed gently in her mind through the bond. Alie blinked, startled. He had mindlinked her — but how did he know she wasn’t asleep?
’Gabriel...’ she whispered. ’Why aren’t you sleeping?’
’The healers ca by earlier,’ he replied softly. ’Also... Noa sent word. Their mother is awake.’
’Don’t tease like that,’ Alie responded, half-hopeful, half-doubtful.
Gabriel smiled faintly as he lay staring up at the ceiling of the hospital room. ’Our bond is purer than you realize, Alie. Even your restless heartbeats speak to . Just rest. I’m completely fine now.’
She hesitated before answering, her thoughts calm but wistful. ’But I like watching the stars. At this hour, the sky is clearer...’
Gabriel slowly sat up and walked to the window. He gazed out into the vast, star-speckled sky.
’Yeah... you’re right,’ he murmured aloud. ’Have your ever visited an observatory?’ he asked.
’No. We aren’t going anywhere until you turn fine,’ Alie answered.
’I know. But once I get recovered, I’ll take you there. We can see the planets and stars from there,’ Gabriel said.
’Sure.’ Alie yawned as finally sleep reached her. ’I feel sleepy now. Thank you for connection with through the mindlink,’ she said.
’Anything for you, darling,’ Gabriel said, heading back to the bed. Alie, too, stepped into the room, lightly closing the door of the balcony.
’I will see you in the morning,’ Alie said, ’goodnight.’
’Good night. If you found difficulty in sleep again, you can give Casaio a call. I’ll answer his phone,’ Gabriel said, looking at his brothers, who were peacefully sleeping on the couch.
’Hmm.’ Alie had slid inside the blanket. ’You too, sleep tight.’ Her eyes slowly shut and the mindlink broke before she drifted off to sleep.
~~~~~
The next morning, Alie woke with a renewed energy radiating through her body. Her first instinct was to call Casaio so she could speak with Gabriel. The mont she heard his voice and learned he was returning ho, her heart felt lighter.
Feeling more alive than she had in days, she did so light exercises. By the ti she had showered and changed into a fresh pair of clothes, Gabriel had already arrived.
Before she could even react, he wrapped his arms around her, lifting her slightly off the ground.
"For the next two days," he whispered against her ear, "every second, you’ll find right beside you."
As he gently let her feet touch the floor again, Alie smiled and placed her hand on his cheek.
"Did you sleep well?" she asked.
"Yes," Gabriel nodded. Then his gaze softened. "And you?"
"After we talked through the mindlink... I slept peacefully," she replied honestly.
"Then Noa slept well too," Gabriel said with a soft smile as he reached out, resting his hand gently on her bump. He stroked it with care, his eyes full of warmth.
"Yes. I noticed it’s grown a little more," Alie said, placing her hand over his.
"Yes, I feel the sa," Gabriel murmured, his eyes softening. "You’re already nearing the end of your second month."
Alie let out a laugh, her hand brushing over her belly. "I can’t believe I’ve made it this far," she said, smiling up at him. "Thank you, Gabriel. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without you."
Gabriel leaned in and pressed a tender kiss to the center of her forehead. "I only did what any mate and father should," he whispered, his voice warm with affection. "I’ll go freshen up. Then we can have breakfast together."
Alie nodded, watching him with a fond expression as he walked toward the washroom.
Just then, a gentle knock sounded at the door. Alie turned and made her way over. As she opened it, a palace servant stood on the threshold, holding a tray lined with a porcelain cup and delicate teapot rising from it.
"The Queen asked to serve you this herbal tea, Your Highness," the servant said with a courteous bow.
"Ah, sure. Please co inside," Alie said, allowing her in.
As the servant poured the tea for her, Alie wondered, ’I thought Her Majesty was upset with . Maybe I overthought.’
The servant bowed to Alie and quietly walked out, closing the door behind her.
Alie sipped the tea slowly, and finished it before Gabriel returned from the shower.
Seeing him in a bathrobe, Alie rose to her feet. "I’ll give you clothes," she opined and opened the cupboard. Running her fingers through her clothes, when Gabriel caught her wrist from behind. She titled her head while he rested his chin on her shoulder.
"What are you doing?" she asked.
"Just taking in your scent," Gabriel whispered, his lips brushing her earlobe.
Her eyes fluttered shut, and she craned her neck, making it more visible to him. His teeth grazed her neck, leaving a red bruise behind. As he licked the spot, a soft moan escaped her mouth.
"Your Highness!" Lester’s voice from outside interrupted them followed by a knock. "Your beta has co to see you. Should I send him upstairs?"
Reviews
All reviews (0)