Chapter 203
Casaio exited the towering residential complex where Zilia was supposed to be staying. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows on the pavement as Estelle stood by the black car, holding the back door open.
“Your seat awaits, Alpha Prince,” she said with a subtle smirk, her tone teasing yet respectful.
Before getting in, Casaio turned slightly, his eyes landing on Idris, who lingered a few steps behind.
“You first,” he said firmly.
Idris hesitated, his gaze flickering between Casaio and the car before he finally stepped forward and slid into the backseat.
Only after Idris had settled did Casaio follow, ducking slightly as he entered the vehicle and closed the door behind him.
Idris sat quietly, fidgeting with his fingers, his small hands twisting nervously in his lap. Every so often, he glanced out the car window, eyes darting to the passing streets, then back down again.
Casaio watched him in silence, studying each expression that crossed the boy’s face.
“Are you scared?” he asked.
At the sound of his voice, Estelle turned her head, her sharp gaze now fixed on Idris as well.
“Yes,” Idris admitted softly. “My sister and I… we still can’t leave together. She hasn’t told me why, but I think her mission isn’t over yet p>
He paused, then added with a fragile honesty, “Please look after my sister. She’s been through so much just to give me a better life. Because of me, Sister Zilia has done things she never wanted to do. Aunt always said she was doing the dirty work… to protect me p>
His voice trembled at the end, and he quickly looked down, feeling ashamed for being a burden on Zilia.
Casaio held his gaze on the boy’s innocent eyes. But he quickly pushed it aside. He couldn’t afford to be swayed.
“We’re not here to look after your sister, Idris,” he said firmly. “And your aunt wasn’t wrong. Zilia did play dirty. She chose betrayal over loyalty, betrayed the man who once loved her… who was ready to give her a family p>
Casaio didn’t intend to hide the truth from Idris, not even the part about the feelings he once had for Zilia. The boy might only be twelve, but he was old enough to grasp such things.
“My sister must’ve been forced to betray that man… because of me,” Idris said, lowering his gaze to his hands. “If you know him… please ask him to forgive her. I wish… if I weren’t in this world, maybe she wouldn’t have had to do any of those things p>
His fragile voice burdened with guilt for someone his age.
Before Casaio could respond, Estelle leaned forward slightly from the front seat.
“Your sister is brave, Idris. Never say that again about not being in this world,” she said, her eyes softening as she looked at him through the rearview mirror. “And unlike in the Blood Dominion, we’ll make sure you keep seeing her. That’s a promise p>
Her warm smile brought hope to Idris, but Casaio remained silent as he let his beta handle Idris.
Soon, the car came to a halt as they arrived at the palace.
Estelle was the first to step out, moving swiftly to open the rear door.
“I’ve told you before not to do that,” Casaio said as he emerged from the car. “You’re not my personal chauffeur. You’re my Beta p>
Estelle offered a small, knowing smile. “It’s still part of my duty, Your Highness p>
She then turned her attention to Idris, who had followed Casaio out, his eyes widening as he took in the grandeur of the palace.
“Isn’t this place… too big, Your Highness?” Idris asked, his voice filled with awe and a hint of anxiety. “Am I supposed to live here now p>
“It’s the palace,” Casaio replied. “And yes, you’ll be staying here. I’ll be keeping a close eye on you at all times. This is the safest place for you and no one would think to look for you here p>
He paused for a moment before adding, “I’ll explain more once we get to your room p>
Idris nodded slowly, still overwhelmed, his gaze drifting to the massive gates and guards stationed at every corner.
“Estelle, go home. Thank you for your hard work today,” Casaio said without looking back.
She bowed respectfully as she watched them leave.
“I hope Zilia and Prince Casaio can find their way back to each other,” Estelle murmured.
With that, she stepped into the car and gently shut the door. “Take me home,” she instructed the driver, and the vehicle pulled away from the palace.
Meanwhile, Casaio and Idris reached the southern wing of the palace. It was secluded far removed from the central halls. It was the most isolated part of the palace, perfect for keeping someone hidden.
They stepped into a spacious chamber. Though modest compared to royal quarters, it was still far grander than anything Idris had known. Casaio walked to the center of the room, stopping near the bed before turning to face him.
“You must not leave this room unless you’re told to,” Casaio said. “I’m not taking away your freedom, Idris. But I can’t risk anyone discovering you’re Zilia’s brother. You understand what’s at stake, don’t you p>
Idris nodded silently.
“Even you wouldn’t want your sister’s life put in danger,” Casaio continued. “I’ve already assigned a servant to attend to you. They’ll handle anything you need. And I’ll visit often myself p>
He paused briefly, his gaze scanning the boy’s expression.
“Since your wolf hasn’t awakened yet, I’ll have you examined by one of our best healers. Just to be sure everything’s in order p>
“I understand, Your Highness. Whatever you’ve provided me is more than enough for me,” Idris said in a respectful tone.
“Then, I shall go. Your dinner will arrive soon. As for your clothes, they are in the cupboards. You’ll get everything here. Just don’t try to anger me,” Casaio warned him.
Idris hummed as she bit his bottom lip. “Rest assured, Your Highness. I’ll live quietly,” he murmured.