Chapter 375
Gabriel held out the phone toward Jaxon. “Here. I’m returning it to you p>
“Thank you, Your Highness,” Jaxon said, accepting it with a respectful bow.
“You will take me to the place where Ophelia lives,” Gabriel commanded.
Jaxon froze, blinking rapidly as if he hadn’t heard correctly. “Pardon me… but I don’t think you should go there. The Queen has made it clear, you are to stay away from Ophelia p>
Gabriel’s gaze hardened. “Do as I say,” he ordered, turning on his heel as though the matter was settled.
But Jaxon’s voice rose behind him. “Prince Gabriel, forgive me… I cannot p>
Gabriel stopped mid-step, his composure cracking. Whirling back, his violet eyes blazed with fury. “You were ready to take my mother there without hesitation, even knowing she might lose her life. Yet now you refuse me p>
Jaxon lowered his head, refusing to meet Gabriel’s piercing stare. “Wolves live by vows. I have sworn an oath to the Queen. To never to defy her, no matter the command. I apologize, but I cannot betray that vow. Not even for you, Your Highness p>
Gabriel knew it was pointless to argue further with Jaxon, so he simply turned away and left. His steps carried him down the stone-paved walkway toward the garden.
He stopped midway, his gaze catching the asters blooming gracefully in the early autumn light. Their violet petals shimmered faintly in the breeze, the shade so similar to the shade of his eyes. Gabriel stepped closer, letting his fingers brush against one of the blossoms, and a rare smile curved on his lips.
Carefully plucking a single flower, he returned to the chamber. To his relief, Amelie was there, seated by the window, nibbling on fresh berries.
“Gabriel!” she exclaimed softly, lowering the berry from her lips as her eyes lit up at the sight of him.
He strode to her and bent slightly, lowering himself so he was closer to her gaze. “Amelie,” he said gently, holding out the violet bloom, “I brought this for you. You should wear it in your hair.” His smile widened as his eyes drifted to her bun, imagining how radiant she would look with the flower tucked in.
“Aster Amelie whispered in surprise. Her eyes softened as she studied the blossom. “The violet color matches your eyes.” She turned slightly, gathering her hair to the side. “Here,” she murmured with a faint blush, “place it in my bun for me p>
Gabriel tucked the aster into her bun with gentle fingers, then hurried to fetch a small hand mirror so she could admire it.
Amelie held it up and a soft gasp escaped her. “It’s beautiful,” she breathed, lowering the glass to study him. “You spoil me. How am I supposed to repay you?” She popped a berry between his lips with a playful smile.
Gabriel accepted it with a fond smirk and chewed slowly, the sweetness lingering. He plucked another berry and fed it to her. “Maybe,” he said as he met her eyes, “you can repay me by loving me more p>
“Sure,” Amelie replied with a grin, her cheeks blooming with a hue of red.
“Where’s Flora?” Gabriel asked as he brushed a stray lock of hair from her face.
“She went to the kitchen. Mother asked her to help with something… though I’ve no idea what they’re preparing for me,” Amelie said, popping another berry into her mouth.
“The household is buzzing with preparations. You should sit in the living room for a while, it’s more lively there p>
Before she could respond, a knock at the door interrupted them.
Both turned their heads toward the sound. Gabriel rose at once. “I’ll see who it is p>
When he opened the door, he found Idris standing there, clutching a bag with both hands.
“Your Highness,” Idris greeted, bowing slightly. “I’ve brought a gift for Sister Amelie, and for you as well p>
Gabriel stepped aside and gestured warmly. “Come in, Idris p>
“Idris!” Amelie exclaimed in joy. “Wow! That outfit looks so good on you. You look so handsome,” she complimented him, gesturing him to sit beside her.
“Thank you, sis. But before sitting, I’ve bought a small gift for both of you. It’s not that expensive, but I felt I should buy them,” he stated, forwarding the gift bag to Amelie.
“Whatever it is, either small or big, we already like it,” Amelie answered, ruffling her fingers in his hair.
“You should check,” Idris said, lowering himself on the mattress. Amelie took out the wrapped box from inside the bag.
“Idris, the box is quite big! What exactly have you bought?” Gabriel chuckled.
Amelie quickly unwrapped the box and finally opened it. She held the silk shawl that was placed at one side, then a small lantern along with a charm.
“Idris, you bought such beautiful gifts. Thank you,” Amelie said, her eyes brimming with tears. “Look, Gabriel! It’s a baby’s charm to protect them from the evil eye,” she pronounced.
“That’s indeed a thoughtful gift, Idris,” Gabriel stated and took the charm from Amelie. He then grabbed the lantern and said, “We can hang it behind the baby’s cradle p>
“Yes. Gabriel, there’s something more. A wristwatch p>
“How much money did you spend, Idris? Don’t tell me you spent your pocket money too,” Gabriel remarked as he took the box.
“It’s all from the prize money, Prince Gabriel. Besides, it’s not the expensive,” Idris replied.
“You should’ve used the money on yourself,” Gabriel said.
“But I wanted to give something to both of you as well,” Idris answered.
“And we love it, Idris. You really bought such beautiful gifts for us. I hardly receive such gifts. I truly liked them,” Amelie stated with a bright smile. “Come, give me a hug,” she pronounced.
Idris quickly moved to her and hugged Amelie while Gabriel wore the wristwatch, removing his own.
“This looks better than the luxurious watches I usually wear. I must say you’ve an eye for good things,” Gabriel stated.
Idris pulled away from the hug and smiled. “I’m glad you two liked the gifts p>
“We have also something to give to you,” Gabriel pronounced and went to the cupboard. Amelie was confused, thinking what could it be. They never prepared any gift for Idris.
Then, closing the cupboard, Gabriel returned to them with a raven box in his hand.