"Keep a close watch on the Queen," Raidan ordered in a firm voice. "Even if she begs you to open the doors to her chambers, you’re not permitted to do so."
The valet, stationed in the Queen’s quarters, bowed his head respectfully.
"Understood, Your Majesty," he responded humbly.
The Alpha King dismissed him with a curt nod and turned his attention to the chamberlain standing nearby.
"Bring the phone," Raidan instructed, settling into the recliner. As he leaned back, he pressed his fingers to his temples, attempting to ease the pressure building behind his eyes.
"Why did Mabel want to go out?" he muttered, mostly to himself. "I asked her directly, but she refused to answer. Unless I beco stricter with her, I have no other choice."
The chamberlain returned promptly with the phone and handed it to the King. Raidan took it silently as he scanned the screen. ssages from his two sons flashed across it.
’Casaio and Nick... They must be helping Gabriel,’ he thought grimly.
Without lifting his eyes from the device, he gestured for the chamberlain to leave. The man gave a courteous bow and exited, leaving the King alone in the quiet room.
Raiden dialed Alie’s number. After a few rings, she answered.
"Your Majesty... Good morning." Her voice carried a note of surprise, it wasn’t every day the King himself called her.
"Did you forget I asked you to call ’Father’?" Raidan reminded her.
"Ah, yes. I’m sorry," Alie apologized quickly, then hesitated before continuing.
"Gabriel is downstairs. I’ll let him know that Father called."
"I didn’t call to speak with Gabriel," Raidan said plainly. "I called to ask how you are doing."
There was a pause before Alie replied.
"I’m doing well, Father."
"I’m glad to hear that," Raidan said. "Since the Queen cannot be with you right now, make sure to keep in touch with your mother. This is a critical ti for both you and the pup."
He paused for a mont, then added,
"I haven’t said this before, but... the pup will be my grandson, too. If Gabriel has accepted the pup as his own, then I accept him as part of our family. I know both of you are under a lot of stress right now, but don’t let it consu you. The pup’s health is everything, and you know that better than anyone."
He spoke with as much humility as he could. Alie’s heart filled with joy, learning how her pup was going to receive even a grandfather’s love in the future.
"Yes, Father. I’ll keep that in mind," Alie assured him. After a brief pause, her voice softened with concern.
"How’s the Royal Mother doing? I hope she’s well."
"She’s fine," Raidan replied quickly. But that wasn’t the truth.
Ever since the truth about the High Priestess had co to light, Mabel had been far from fine. Restless and consud by betrayal, she’d been seeking out Ophelia, the woman who had lied to her and twisted the truth, creating a rift that had deeply hurt Gabriel.
"I’ll hang up now. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call," Raidan said.
"Of course, Father. Thank you."
Raiden humd softly in response, and the call disconnected.
Alie slowly lowered the phone and turned to head back inside. As she stepped into the room, she imdiately spotted Gabriel standing by the door.
Juniper, who had been seated nearby, stood and gave a polite nod.
"I’ll give you two so privacy," they said, quietly excusing themselves before slipping out of the room.
Gabriel shut the door behind him.
"Carlos and Casaio have left for the land of witches," he said.
Stopping in front of her, he reached out and gently took both of her hands.
"Are you worried?" he asked.
"Yes. What about you?" Alie’s eyes searched his face, hoping for reassurance.
"A little," he admitted. "Ophelia’s playing so cheap trick. I just don’t know what she’s planning. Why did she send that box? What’s going on in her head?"
"Whatever it is, it won’t touch us," Alie said firmly. "That much I know. I just wish we could see our pasts, and figure out what exactly happened back then. It would make ending the witch’s vengeance so much easier."
Gabriel nodded with a soft hum and pulled her into his arms. He held her tightly, as if afraid to let go.
"I just want this to be over," he murmured against her hair.
Alie gently patted his back, resting her head against his shoulder.
" too," she whispered.
They stayed like that for a while before pulling away.
"I want to go to my parents’ house," Alie expressed her desire.
"Why out of the blue?" Gabriel arched his brows.
"I want to see my mother, that’s why," Alie replied. "I’ll return later in the evening. You can send with a driver."
"Then, call her here," Gabriel suggested.
"Umm... I think I should go there," Alie stated.
"I’ll drive you there personally. Do you want to change?" Gabriel asked.
"No."
"Then, let’s go together," Gabriel pronounced with a smile.
~~~~
Flora stared at the locket in her hand, Ophelia’s words echoing in her mind:
’If you wear this, you’ll feel a surge of power like never before. Your lost dignity will return instantly. Your parents will love you again, just like they used to. Think about it, dear. You can contact once you wear it.’
Her fingers brushed lightly over the locket’s surface as she let out a sigh.
"If a locket could change destiny," she muttered, "then people like wouldn’t have to rely on self-repentance."
Sothing about the woman had unsettled her. She’d spoken constantly against Gabriel and Alie as if she didn’t like them. And strangely enough, she never even told Flora her na.
Flora began pacing the room, torn between silence and action. Should she tell Alie about the encounter?
"What if she thinks I’m lying?" she whispered. "She’s started to show she cares... but sotis, I can still see it in her eyes that she doesn’t fully trust ."
She clutched the locket tighter this ti.
"Miss Flora, your sister is here!" announced the maid from outside.
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