Chapter 604
Casaio and Ian stood within the quiet shade of the gazebo.
“I’ve had to put all my personal affairs on hold,” Casaio admitted. “I know you’ve been working hard to assist me with my own projects, but I couldn’t justify being away from the palace. Not when my younger brother needs me like this p>
Ian offered a respectful nod. “Your Highness, please don’t give it a second thought. I understand completely. The entire kingdom’s safety rests on ending this witch’s reign. She isn’t just a threat to your family; she’s a shadow over all of us. Your focus is exactly where it needs to be p>
“I appreciate your patience, Ian,” Casaio said, his expression softening slightly.
“How is Princess Katelyn faring?” Ian asked, his brow furrowing with genuine concern. “The rumors about the cut on her cheek. The idea of that woman taking the Princess’s blood is chilling p>
“The mark is gone,” Casaio reassured him. “Fortunately, there won’t be a scar. It was treated immediately, and my parents even consulted a specialist to be certain. The surgeon agreed with the royal physician’s diagnosis. Katelyn’s Alpha blood is potent enough that her skin will knit back together perfectly on its own p>
Ian felt relieved hearing that, and a soft smile touched his lips. “That is the best news I’ve heard all day. To know she is safe and healing well… It’s a blessing.” He took a step back and bowed deeply. “Then, I shall take my leave. My prayers and best wishes are with you and your brothers tonight. May you conquer this evil once and for all. I have no doubt that you will p>
As Ian walked away, Casaio’s fingers curled into a tight fist at his side. ’Gabriel will be the one in the witch’s clutches tonight,’ he thought, his jaw tightening. ’Under no condition can we allow her to gain the upper hand p>
Stepping out from the gazebo, Casaio’s gaze drifted toward the palace gardens. He spotted Idris standing with his parents, engaged in quiet conversation.
A genuine smile finally graced Casaio’s lips. It was a beautiful sight, seeing his parents finally embrace Idris as a true member of the family. He remembered all too clearly the cold distance the King and Queen had maintained after the truth about Zilia’s past was first revealed. To see that bridge finally mended felt like a small victory before the great battle.
Noah flipped onto his stomach, his small face scrunched with concentration as Gabriel watched him struggle to lift his weight. The little prince’s tiny arms shook slightly as he pushed, trying with all his might to get onto all fours.
“Not quite, Noah. You have to tuck your knees like this,” Gabriel said softly. He moved onto the plush carpet, mimicking the crawling motion to show him the way. “Come on, little warrior. You’ve got the strength p>
“Ah! Hah!” Noah let out a burst of bubbly, breathless laughter, his bluish eyes dancing with joy as he watched his father’s display. But the effort was too much for his tiny muscles; with a soft thump, he rolled over onto the mattress, landing squarely on his back.
His chubby hands and legs kicked up into the air, reaching for nothing in particular until he successfully grabbed his own tiny feet. He held onto them tightly, rocking back and forth and giggling to himself, completely entertained by the discovery of his own toes.
Gabriel sat back on his heels, and a smile breaking across his face. In this moment, the looming threat of the witch felt a world away. Watching Noah simply was the only reminder Gabriel needed of exactly what he was fighting to protect.
“What are you two doing in here?” Amelie asked, her voice filled with amused surprise as she stepped into the room, vigorously drying her damp hair with a towel.
“Oh, Amelie,” Gabriel said, looking up with a sheepish but proud grin. “Noah decided he was ready for his first crawling lesson, so I was just showing him the ropes.” He leaned down and scooped the squealing infant into his arms, pinching a soft, chubby cheek before peppering the boy’s face with kisses.
Amelie laughed, the sound bright and warm. “You two are impossible! Enough playing for now, Gabriel, go and get cleaned up p>
Gabriel stood, carefully lowering Noah back onto the center of the large bed. As soon as he was released, Noah took it as a cue to start his gymnastics again, falling back onto his spine and wriggling his tiny feet in the air as if trying to catch the ceiling.
“Watch out, Noah. Daddy’s going to take a bath now,” Gabriel whispered with a wink before grabbing his fresh clothes and disappearing into the ensuite.
Amelie settled onto the edge of the mattress, continuing to towel-dry her hair. Out of the corner of her eye, she watched Noah’s determination take over. With a grunt of effort, he flipped back onto his stomach and began a slow, clumsy “army crawl,” using his elbows to shuffle across the silk sheets toward her.
Amelie stayed perfectly still, a soft smile playing on her lips as she cheered him on silently. Finally, with one last surge of energy, Noah reached her. His tiny, dimpled hands gripped her thigh firmly, anchoring him. He rested his little head against her leg as if he had just conquered the entire world, letting out a triumphant, toothless giggle.
Amelie’s heart melted as she lowered the towel. She reached down and pulled him up into a warm embrace. “My brave little wolf,” she murmured, nuzzling her nose against his velvet-soft skin and showering his cheeks, forehead, and chin with a flurry of tender kisses.
“Give mama a kiss too,” said Amelie, bringing Noah close. His lips found her cheek, bringing a bright smile to her. “I love you so much, Noah. Mama loves you a lot.” As if he understood what those words meant, he too tried imitating but only let out sounds that were impossible to understand.
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