"I don’t believe you, Mom," Gabriel said coldly, his sharp gaze fixed on the Queen. "You’ve always broken my trust. It’s fine if you don’t want to tell me where Amelie is. I’ll find out myself."
He turned on his heel, ready to leave, but Mabel’s voice stopped him.
"Grand Solis Hotel," she revealed. "That’s where Amelie is."
"Son, don’t work yourself up," Raidan added gently, hoping to ease the tension brewing between mother and son. "Tomorrow’s a big day and we don’t need arguments now."
At that moment, Casaio stepped into the room, just back from escorting Amelie and her family.
"She left a message for you," Casaio said, offering a small smile. "She told me to tell you not to feel frustrated in her absence. And... that you can always talk to her on the phone."
Trying to lighten the atmosphere, he looked around and added, "Anyway, let’s have breakfast. Mom, Dad, where are my other two siblings? I don’t see them."
Gabriel’s shoulders eased slightly at Casaio’s words. Without saying much, he gave a brief nod and excused himself.
Climbing the stairs to his room, he pulled out his phone, and his heart skipped when he saw a message from Amelie waiting.
Without hesitation, he tapped her name and brought the phone to his ear.
The call was answered on the first ring, as if she’d been waiting for it all along.
"Are you alright? Why did you not inform me?" Gabriel didn’t want to sound desperate, but he did. He was missing her presence already. "I’m going insane," he muttered.
"I wanted you to stay asleep," Amelie said softly. "You barely get any rest these days."
Gabriel could hear the warmth in her voice, but it didn’t ease his tension.
"I’m fine, Gabriel. Why are you always so worried about me?" she asked gently. "It’s just one day, and according to the tradition, we’re not supposed to see each other. That’s all."
"I know," Gabriel muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. "Mom explained it."
His voice dropped, more serious now. "But Flora is there with you, and that’s what worries me."
Amelie let out a faint sigh. "Then don’t be. Flora’s actually been... quiet. Alex betrayed her too, which you already know."
Gabriel’s brows drew together, a flicker of anger flashing in his eyes. "So? You think that means she deserves your sympathy? She tried to hurt you, Amelie. Don’t forget that."
Amelie hummed as she absorbed those words.
"Don’t go easy on her. I want you to ask the hotel manager to move her to a different room, one next to yours, but not the same. I’ll come by soon to make sure everything’s secure."
Gabriel’s jaw clenched at the thought. Too much had happened in the past two weeks, too many betrayals, too many threats surrounding her. That was why he didn’t trust anyone around her.
"Gabriel, will you calm down?" Amelie’s soft voice again came through the phone. "I know you are worried for me, but you don’t have to come here. Prince Casaio was here and the Luna Queen has given strict instructions to everyone. You’ll find me before you in the aisle tomorrow in the wedding dress," she stated, smiling slowly.
Hearing her calmed Gabriel’s racing mind and heart.
"I want you to be at home. Follow the tradition of your family. That’s what I want too," Amelie said.
"If you say so," Gabriel murmured, still feeling a bit low. "I miss looking at your eyes, face, inhaling your scent, holding your hands..." He murmured.
"Me too. But it’s only about a day," Amelie replied. "How’s your rut?" she then asked, her voice turning into a worry.
"It’s building up, but I’m fine," Gabriel gave a prompt response.
"I did tell you not to take the pill last night," Amelie murmured.
"You wouldn’t have been able to leave the bed then," Gabriel smirked. He could imagine how Amelie’s cheeks burned red.
"I’ll hang up now," Amelie said and cut the call. She couldn’t help but smiling and walked inside, closing the grand balcony of the hotel room.
Stepping into the room, she saw her mother talking on phone with the hospital nurse.
"I’ll be there in a while. Thank you," Samyra said and hung up the call.
"Mom, is Dad alright?" Flora asked.
"Your father is finally awake. His injuries are now healing faster. I’ll go to the hospital in a while," Samyra said, praying silently to the Moon Goddess for her blessings.
"Then, I’ll also come with you. I’ve yet to see how’s father," Flora murmured.
"Sure," Samyra said and turned around only to spot Amelie behind them.
"Will it be alright if you stay alone here?" Samyra asked her.
"Yes. You two should visit Dad," Amelie replied.
"Are you still upset with me?" Flora asked, keeping her eyes on Amelie.
"I have no intention to forgive you. I still remember the day you..." Amelie paused, seeing their mother was also present. "I’m hungry. Let’s have breakfast," she suggested.
Samyra gazed at Flora in disappointment and shook her head.
~~~~
Gabriel placed one hand firmly on his waist as he dialed Denzel’s number with authority while he waited for the call to connect.
"Yes, Alpha Prince?" came Denzel’s respectful voice through the receiver.
"I need you to go to the Grand Solis Hotel," Gabriel said. "Amelie is staying there until tomorrow. Because of certain traditions, I’m not allowed to see her right now. Flora is with her, along with Amelie’s mother, and I don’t trust her. I want you to stay close and ensure Amelie’s safety while I’m not there."
"Sure. I’ll head there right away," Denzel assured him. "I’ll keep a close eye on Amelie and make sure she stays safe."
"Thanks," Gabriel replied.
A brief pause followed before Denzel spoke again.
"Are you excited for tomorrow? The whole of San Ravendale is buzzing with preparations. They’re decorating every street like it’s a royal festival because it is. Prince Gabriel is finally getting married."
"Yes," Gabriel agreed. "Call me when you reach the hotel," he said.
"I will," Denzel stated and the call ended.
Gabriel slid the phone back into the pocket of his trousers and went downstairs.