Gabriel and Amelie stopped at a market floating above the sparkling Lirae Sea.
"This is one of the oldest markets in the world," Gabriel said, holding her hand. "Let’s find some beach outfits first, then we can enjoy the rest of the day."
They strolled down the cobblestone streets, hand in hand. The market was lively, with stalls lining every corner. Musicians played cheerful tunes, dancers twirled to the rhythm, and street performers showed off their stunts, adding to the excitement in the air.
The trees were in full bloom with vibrant summer flowers, their sweet scent drifting through the warm air.
"Look over there!" Amelie said, pointing toward a fountain surrounded by couples.
It wasn’t an ordinary fountain—it was shaped like a crescent moon, setting it apart from the usual ones they had seen. The water droplets that flowed from it sparkled in the sunlight, glimmering like diamonds as they fell.
"There’s a story behind this," Gabriel began as they slowly made their way toward the fountain.
"What story?" Amelie asked, her eyes lighting up with curiosity.
Gabriel glanced at the glowing water before speaking. "Long ago, there was a she-wolf whose mate had fallen seriously ill. No medicine or healing spell was working on him. Also, they had no money left for more. Desperate, she came here and prayed to the Moon Goddess, offering just a single flower petal in this fountain, because that’s all she had."
Amelie listened intently as Gabriel continued, "When she returned home, her mate’s condition had improved. Within days, he was fully healed. Since then, many couples come here, hoping for blessings, healing, or just to feel the magic that still lingers in the fountain."
"That’s such a beautiful story," Amelie whispered. She then recalled the Queen’s warning, and unease crept back into her heart.
"We should pray too," she said suddenly, stopping. Tilting her head up, she watched as soft white petals drifted down from the blooming trees above, carried gently by the breeze. Reaching out, she caught two petals in her palm and turned to Gabriel, offering him one with a soft smile.
Without waiting for his reply, she took his hand and led him to the edge of the crescent-shaped fountain.
Amelie released the petal into the water and brought her hands together in silent prayer. Gabriel didn’t look away from her. His eyes stayed on her face, admiring the peaceful expression she wore.
’I don’t know how I was connected to Gabriel in the past,’ Amelie silently prayed, ’but I know that you’ve mated me with him in this life. That feels like a blessing. I want to trust this bond and the power you hold over it. Please, keep him safe... and happy. That’s all I ask.’
Beside her, Gabriel slowly knelt by the fountain’s edge, lowering his petal to the surface.
’I just want to see her smile,’ he prayed. ’My prayer has always been for my mate. Please keep my mate safe, and give me the strength to protect not just her, but Noa too.’
The petals floated side by side on the glowing water as they both stared at the water’s surface.
"What did you ask for?" Amelie excitedly inquired.
"Whatever you asked for," Gabriel replied. His hand reached the top of her head and removed the petals from over it. "Let’s go ahead," he opined.
~~~
Casaio arrived at the palace and went straight to meet his mother. The King had gone outside for important work. Knocking on the door, he waited for his mother to open it.
"Come in," Mabel’s voice came from inside, and Casaio, without wasting another second, walked inside.
He bowed to his mother in a gesture of respect and lifted his head.
"I know why you’re here," Mabel said, not looking up as she flipped to the next page in the file on her lap.
"Mom, why did you do it?" Casaio inquired, his eyes furrowing in confusion. "If Gabriel finds out, he’ll cut off whatever little bond he has left with you." The deep furrow in his brow revealed the depth of his concern.
Closing the file with a soft thud, Mabel met her son’s gaze. "I will never accept Amelie as part of the Sinclair family," she said firmly. "Go ahead and tell your brother that it was I who tried to prevent Amelie from coming to the wedding hall."
"Mom, you know I can’t do that," Casaio replied with a sigh. "I came here hoping you would apologize to Gabriel."
"She isn’t like the others. Amelie isn’t using him. She’s not selfish. Yes, we’re royals, and people constantly chase us for status or gain, but she isn’t one of them. She’s genuine and kind." He paused before continuing, "You tried to have her kidnapped that night. You didn’t even want her to walk down the aisle. Don’t you see how much damage you’re causing? Gabriel’s relationship with this family is already hanging by a thread. Why make it worse?"
Instead of answering, Mabel tilted her head and said, "What surprises me is how fiercely you defend your youngest brother."
"Because I know we failed him," Casaio said. "He became distant and even bitter because of us. He deserved love and support, and instead, we gave him reasons to turn cold. Please, Mom... stop hurting him. He doesn’t deserve any more pain from his own family."
"You can leave," Mabel said curtly.
Casaio didn’t move. His jaw tightened as he struggled to hold back the storm brewing inside him. "How could you destroy Gabriel’s peace based on the words of the High Priestess who’s no longer even alive to defend or explain herself?" His voice trembled with emotion. "I never stood against you before, Mom. But what you did this time... it was cruel. I always believed you held a soft spot for Gabriel, that deep down you cared. But that belief... It’s breaking."
"If you’re finished, then leave," Mabel said again.
She paused before adding, "And instead of worrying so much about Gabriel, you should start thinking about your own life. I haven’t seen Zilia around lately, and she didn’t even attend the wedding. Is she refusing to commit to marriage? If that’s the case, I will choose a woman for you to marry."