Chapter 190
After everyone had finished their breakfast, the servants began clearing the dishes and tidying the table. Just as Alpha King Raidan pushed back his chair to rise, Gabriel’s voice cut through.
“I would like to say something,” he announced.
All eyes turned to him, curiosity flashing across their faces. Raidan arched a brow and paused. “The council meeting will begin shortly. What is it you wish to share before that p>
Sensing the importance of the moment, Mabel turned toward the servants. “Leave us,” she instructed firmly.
Once the room had emptied, Gabriel spoke again. “Father, what if we don’t reveal Zilia’s identity to the council p>
Casaio shot him a puzzled look, clearly not expecting that.
“Explain,” Raidan said as he took the seat again.
“Zilia has a known connection to the Blood Dominion Pack,” Gabriel began. “We can use that to our advantage, especially against the Alpha who has been orchestrating attacks and deceit against our kingdom for years. Berik, as you know, failed to provide us with concrete information. He admitted he was manipulated with promises of power and wealth, but he still doesn’t know the true identity of the Alpha who commissioned him. Instead, it was a third person who worked for the Alpha p>
Dominick leaned forward. “But Berik will name Zilia during the council meeting. It’s only a matter of time p>
Gabriel didn’t flinch. “What if we prevent that from happening?” he said calmly. “Executing Zilia immediately would be squandering an opportunity. The spies infiltrated our lands for a decade if she could be turned, she might help us do the same in return. She could become a valuable asset, a weapon against those who have been undermining us from the shadows p>
Mabel’s expression hardened. “You’re asking us to protect a spy,” she said. “I never thought you of all people would say such a thing p>
Gabriel met her eyes without wavering. “The enemy has been weaving their web for ten years. If we have a chance to strike from within, why waste it? Zilia can help us identify the real threats, those who still remain hidden. Eliminating her now might give us satisfaction, but it won’t give us leverage p>
“What does my eldest son think of this?” Gabriel asked, turning his gaze toward Casaio, drawing him into the discussion.
Casaio finally broke his silence, his eyes flickering briefly to Gabriel before settling on their father. “I agree with Gabriel,” he said firmly. Then, turning slightly to acknowledge his younger brother, he added, “Zilia may be far more useful to us alive than dead. If we can persuade her, or compel her, to cooperate, she might be able to reconnect with those she was once in close contact with p>
He paused for a moment, as if weighing his words. “However, we need to be cautious. I don’t believe she has the full picture. She said Berik was the one passing down the orders, and she only followed instructions without truly knowing who was pulling the strings p>
Casaio met Raidan’s eyes. “But even fragments of truth, when pieced together, could expose the bigger threat. That’s worth considering before we silence her permanently… Not we but I will eliminate her when the time is needed p>
“Are you certain about this, Cas?” Mabel asked, her tone layered with concern. “What about your feelings for her? I still believe you should limit your interaction with Zilia p>
Casaio met her gaze without hesitation. “Mother, if you still believe I’m in love with Zilia, then you’re mistaken,” he said firmly. “You need to trust me on this. I was the one who fell into her trap, I was the one who got deceived. That’s exactly why I need to be the one to bring this to an end p>
His eyes darkened with resolve. “If we can use her to expose the network of spies, then I’ll be the one to pull the truth from her… and, if needed, end it with my own hands p>
A tense silence followed until Raidan nodded. “I trust your judgment, Casaio,” he said.
Mabel glanced between them, clearly conflicted, but she had no solid reason left to object.
“Does anyone else have anything more to say?” Raidan asked, his gaze sweeping across the long dining table. But nobody had anything more to say.
He rose to his feet, casting a look toward his three sons. “I’ll see you all in the council hall,” he said.
Mabel stood as well and quietly followed her husband out of the room.
Gabriel turned to Amelie. “You should head back to your room,” he said gently. Then, after a brief pause, he added, “Would you like me to come with you p>
“I’ll go by myself,” Amelie said with a gentle smile. “Besides, Kate has planned to show me around the palace today.” She turned to look at Katelyn.
“Yes,” Katelyn nodded enthusiastically. “And Juniper will be joining us too—Brother Nick’s mate p>
“Oh, I did meet her at the wedding,” Amelie recalled. “But I didn’t really get the chance to talk to her much p>
With that, the two women stood and gracefully left the room, their voices fading into the hallway, leaving the three brothers behind.
Gabriel remained seated, his eyes following Amelie until she vanished from sight. A soft smile lingered on his lips.
Dominick noticed and let out a small chuckle, then shifted his gaze toward Casaio, whose expression had darkened with unease.
“How exactly do you plan to make Zilia help you?” Dominick asked, crossing his arms across his chest. “It took a lot of effort just to get her to talk about Berik. Do you really think she’ll tell you everything you want to know p>
Casaio’s expression didn’t waver. “I have my ways to make her speak,” he replied.
Gabriel turned his gaze to Casaio, silently observing him. He didn’t say a word, but the look in his eyes said he was both curious and cautious.
“Zilia has seen my love all these years,” Casaio said coldly. “She should be prepared to face my hate now p>
He turned to Gabriel. “Did you succeed in bringing her brother to our kingdom p>
Gabriel gave a brief nod. “Yes. By this evening, you’ll be able to see him p>
“Good,” Casaio muttered. “I’ll use him against her. I know it’s wrong to involve someone innocent… but that might be the only way to force Zilia to cooperate p>
Gabriel hummed quietly in response, then spoke with a note of caution. “Just don’t let her sway your heart. You once told me that feelings don’t fade easily p>
“I won’t,” Casaio said.
“Amelie, Karmen called me early this morning,” Katelyn said in a thoughtful tone. “He said he wants to see me alone this evening. I’m starting to wonder if everything’s alright p>
Amelie glanced around to ensure no one was within earshot. Then, in a low voice, she asked, “You told Her Majesty last evening that you have someone you like. Were you serious about Karmen p>
Katelyn bit her bottom lip nervously. “I am,” she admitted. “I don’t want to marry any Alpha. They’re all so… egoistic. Just look at my brothers. I probably shouldn’t say this, but they’re prime examples. Alphas always have this need to dominate, to make everyone agree with them p>
She let out a quiet sigh. “That’s why I blurted it out. I told Mom I liked someone, but I didn’t dare mention Karmen’s name. She’d confront him the very next moment p>
Amelie listened silently, sensing the tension building in the princess’ voice.
“What really worries me,” Katelyn continued, her voice now softer, “is that Mom will definitely bring it up again today. I think… I should ask Karmen to at least try dating me once. Who knows? Maybe he’ll start liking me too p>
Amelie recalled her conversation with Karmen.
“What if he doesn’t give you a chance, Kate?” Amelie asked gently, her eyes searching her Katelyn’s face.
Katelyn let out a quiet sigh. “Then I’ll have to go along with my mother’s choice. That’s the fate of being an Alpha Princess, isn’t it p>
“You can still convince her,” Amelie offered, trying to be hopeful. “You did tell her you needed more time p>
“I did,” Katelyn nodded, her voice laced with uncertainty, “but she hasn’t said anything about it since p>
The two of them stopped side by side in the main gallery of the palace, where grand portraits of the former Alpha Kings adorned the towering walls.
“Come on, I’ll show you the portraits of our forefathers,” Katelyn said, smiling as she took Amelie’s hand and gently pulled her inside.
Just then, a palace servant approached and bowed her head respectfully.
“Your Highness, pardon me for the interruption,” she said to Amelie. “Your parents and sister have arrived p>
“What?” Amelie blinked in surprise. “At this hour? How did they get here so early p>
Katelyn gave her hand a small squeeze. “Come on, let’s go greet your family first,” she suggested warmly.
Amelie hummed and they both hurried to the main hall, where Amelie’s family was waiting for her.