Gabriel sent Amelie to the hospital with Karmen while he went to the mansion to talk with his father on the matter.
As he walked in, he found Jodie’s father there. It didn’t surprise him how fast Ryan returned from their foreign trip to save their daughter.
"Your Highness!" Ryan spoke in a hurry. "My daughter... I heard she got arrested. Please spare her. She did nothing. I think there’s a huge misunderstanding going on."
Gabriel sat on the couch, gesturing to Ryan to sit as well. "There’s no misunderstanding going on. I returned from interrogating your daughter. She helped Alex Morgan in harming my mate. Her punishment will be decided soon and you’ll be informed regarding it," he said with a cold gaze.
Ryan was shocked to learn that. His eyes blinked rapidly in fear and anticipation.
"Albus, show the way out to–" he didn’t finish his sentence as Ryan interrupted him.
"Please let me see my daughter once," Ryan stated. "And I apologize for what she did," he lowered his gaze in shame.
"No apology can work this time," Gabriel said in an indifferent tone. "You must embrace yourself for her punishment. She doesn’t deserve any forgiveness. That’s all I’ve to say," he affirmed.
Ryan fidgeted with his fingers. "I understand but I still want to apply for mercy plea," he asserted.
Gabriel didn’t say anything on it. Instead, he asked Albus to take Ryan to the dungeon, where Jodie was held captive.
Ryan bowed to Gabriel, thanking him for allowing him to see Jodie before following Albus outside.
Gabriel pinched the brows between his skin. Lowering his hand, he decided to meet his parents, especially his father. He didn’t want to act like a insolent son, who was taking sole decisions without discussing with the Alpha King.
He crossed the grand hallway of the mansion in the eastern wing and stopped outside the room, where his parents were staying.
Gabriel knocked on the door and lowered his hand, waiting for the door to be opened.
When it did, his eyes met with his mother’s, who was standing at the door. Mabel let the door fully open and let him enter the room.
Gabriel watched his father standing near the huge window and was on the phone.
"Take a seat," Mabel said.
Gabriel was surprised with the sudden softness in his mother’s tone and walked toward the sofa chair.
Raidan ended the call and put the phone on the nightstand. "We were expecting your presence," he said, sitting across from him, telling Mabel to sit as well.
"This morning unraveled into chaos," Gabriel said, clasping his hands. "I came to ask my father to handle the punishments thoughtfully. Alex was pardoned once, yet he repeated the same offense. Jodie aided him by disclosing Amelie’s location."
Mabel raised an eyebrow, a trace of amusement in her tone. "You’re letting your father decide? Since when do you yield to our counsel? Did Amelie put this idea in your head?"
Gabriel met her gaze. "Yes, she did. She believes you must have your reasons for being the way you are toward me. I’ve never considered that... until she said it. So, I’m here."
Mabel’s hands clenched slightly, and Raidan looked toward her, sensing the shift.
Finally, Raidan spoke, breaking the tension. "A council meeting will be held to determine their punishment. It must be carried out in accordance with our laws. I will make sure no such crime be repeated again in this kingdom."
"Thank you, Dad. I’ll take my leave now," Gabriel said, rising from his seat with a respectful nod.
Mabel opened her mouth slightly, as if on the verge of speaking, but then closed it. Like so many times before, she swallowed her words and remained silent.
Gabriel turned and made his way toward the door.
Just as his hand reached for the handle, her voice stopped him.
"Perhaps you were right... in choosing Amelie," Mabel said, her tone unusually soft. "Maybe one day, I’ll find myself supporting that decision."
Gabriel froze at his mother’s words.
He turned his head slightly to look at her, his eyes narrowing in subtle confusion. There was something unfamiliar in her expression, an emotion he couldn’t name. It was not judgment, nor disappointment... but something gentler, almost wistful.
He didn’t respond. He simply gave her a lingering glance, then quietly stepped out.
And as he walked down the hallway, he couldn’t help but wonder, ’What did she mean by that?’ It was the first time he had ever seen that kind of look in her eyes.
~~~~~
Amelie stood outside the glass window, watching her father rest in the hospital bed. David had survived the brutal attack from the previous night, but his condition was still not that good. The doctor had advised that only one family member stay with him for extended periods to avoid stress.
Her gaze lingered on her parents inside the room. A wave of guilt washed over her as she recalled the words she had hurled at them, the curse born out of rage, on the day her father had visited her at the palace.
She blinked back the tears welling in her eyes and quickly wiped them away. A warm hand settled gently on her shoulder. It was Katelyn.
"Your father is recovering well. Don’t cry," Katelyn whispered, giving her shoulder a comforting squeeze.
Amelie sniffled and nodded faintly. "I was... so scared when I heard about Dad. And I—I said such cruel things to them. In anger, I just couldn’t stop myself."
"Sometimes that happens," Katelyn replied gently. "But don’t forget, your parents made mistakes too. They didn’t believe you when they should’ve. They chose to trust that jerk instead."
Katelyn tilted her head, nudging her slightly. "Come on. Let’s go home. You shouldn’t be staying too long at the hospital, especially not in your condition."
Amelie hummed and told her she would inform her mother once.
"I will inform Madam," Tyler assured her, who had accompanied them to the hospital.
"Alright. And thank you for what you did last night. I’ll be forever grateful to you." Amelie expressed the kind gratitude towards him.