Amelie dabbed her face with the towel and looked at herself in the mirror. "So, his acts are borne out of the cruelty he faced from his own mother," she murmured. Her eyes fell upon the violet-colored pendant on her neck, which Gabriel had provided her to protect her.
She touched it, feeling a sense of belonging, her mind racing with thoughts regarding her decision.
After a while, she stepped out of the washroom and found the room was empty. She had her hands locked behind her as she explored Gabriel’s grand room, where he had spent a good number of years of his teenagehood till adulthood.
Her eyes fell upon some of the photographs, and she checked them. They included swimming pictures, horse riding, car racing, and many other activities. "His looks haven’t changed much over the years."
Not a single picture showed Gabriel with his mother. It only deepened the sorrow she already felt for him.
Just then, a soft yet poised voice echoed from the doorway, interrupting her thoughts.
"Can I come in?"
Startled, Amelie quickly hurried to the door and found a young woman standing at the entrance. Her features were delicate, and she was too beautiful. Recognition dawned immediately, and Amelie stepped forward, bowing politely.
"Good evening, Princess Katelyn," she said, keeping her gaze lowered in respect.
Katelyn entered the room with a composed smile, extending her hand toward Amelie.
"I think old ways are no longer useful," she said.
Caught off guard, Amelie looked up, slightly bewildered, but quickly recovered and gently took the princess’s hand for a brief shake.
"Prince Gabriel isn’t in the room," Amelie informed as she pulled back her hand.
"I’m not here to see my brother," Katelyn replied casually, strolling further into the room before landing on the lounge chair. "I’m here to see you, Amelie."
"Me?" Amelie was flabbergasted to hear that.
"Yes. Have a seat," Katelyn said.
Amelie walked over to the second chair and sat down. Her hands rested on her lap in a firm clasp.
"Did my brother give you that?" Katelyn’s gaze focused on the pendant, resting on Amelie’s collarbone.
"Yes," Amelie replied, her fingers brushing it lightly.
"That means he considers you as his mate," Katelyn replied in amusement. "Brother Gabriel had lots of casual relationships in the past, as far as I know. But he never took interest in an omega. There must be something about you that made Brother Gabriel choose you."
Amelie didn’t know what to even answer in such a situation. So, she remained quiet.
"Which pack do you belong to?" Katelyn asked.
"I don’t have a pack," Amelie replied.
"What do you mean? Are you a rogue omega?" Katelyn asked with a confused and shocked gaze.
"It’s tough to explain, Princess Katelyn," Amelie said.
"You are making it sound like you are a runaway," Katelyn chuckled. "And you need not call me princess. Just keep it casual." She smiled brightly, wanting Amelie to feel comforted.
~~~~~
Gabriel sat across from his father in the dimly lit private room.
"Dad, you need to tighten the security along the border we share with Blood Dominion," Gabriel urged, locking eyes with his father. "Something’s not right there. I’d also advise consulting a witch. My spy... he died under strange circumstances. There were no wounds and no signs of struggle. His skin, however, turned pale blue after three days."
His father’s brows furrowed as Gabriel continued.
"Before his death, he reported that the Alpha of the Blood Dominion is using forbidden techniques. We can’t take that lightly. Whatever he’s dabbling in... it’s beyond our usual defenses."
King Raidan absorbed the information.
"I’ll consult with your brothers and the defense general," he said firmly, returning to the matter of the border.
Gabriel nodded. "Sure."
Then, King Raidan’s tone shifted, more personal now. "What about Ewan? When will he be brought here? You’re not torturing him, are you?"
Gabriel exhaled calmly. "I’ve only used silver to suppress his strength, nothing beyond that. He came to San Ravendale looking for a herb to treat his mate. I’ve already ensured she’s receiving the necessary medical care. He’ll be here by morning."
"That’s good to know," the King replied.
But Gabriel wasn’t done. His next question came carefully. "Dad, I remember you once spoke to the Queen about a high priestess. Is she still alive?"
The King’s demeanor changed immediately. "Why do you ask that?" he demanded. "And when did you hear that conversation?" A flicker of unease crossed his face. Was Gabriel close to uncovering the prophecy?
"I didn’t," Gabriel said quickly. "I just... want to ask her a few questions. That’s all." He left his true intentions veiled, not ready to reveal the thoughts swirling in his mind.
King Raidan sighed heavily. "Gabriel, your mother isn’t evil at heart. You may not know everything, but... a lot happened during her pregnancy. That’s why she acts the way she does."
Gabriel let out a humorless chuckle, his eyes darkening a bit. "Yeah, I know. She prefers to play the victim and paint her own son as the villain. It’s easier that way, isn’t it?" He shook his head, the bitterness in his voice unmistakable. "But I stopped hoping for her affection a long time ago. Tell her not to interfere in my decisions as she tried earlier. Don’t provoke me. I try to stay calm for the sake of my status as a prince, else the rage in me burns me every day."
King Raidan sighed. "Your mother won’t accept an omega in this house. And you’ve not even marked Amelie. That means she’s not your fated mate."
"She’s my fated mate. Amelie has caught my scent, and I feel a deeper connection with her, Dad. Also, she’s not an omega. A spell was cast on her a long time ago to hide the true nature of her wolf. I’m finding it out. Even if she were an omega, I wouldn’t have minded," Gabriel explained to his father.
"I don’t want anyone’s approval for my decisions. I’ve not marked her because Amelie didn’t permit me to do it. She was in love with someone else and got brutally rejected. She and I met in a very amusing way. I’m her second-chance mate, while for me, she’s my only mate," Gabriel pronounced with a smile.