Chapter 427
Gabriel lifted Noah high into the air, rubbing his nose playfully against the baby’s tiny one. Noah burst into a giggle, his little limbs wriggling with pure joy before Gabriel brought him back into his arms.
“Call me Daddy, Papa!” Gabriel said softly, brushing a fingertip along Noah’s round cheek.
“Da! Da p>
Those two simple sounds made Gabriel’s heart melt. His smile widened with pride. Noah’s tiny voice was the sweetest sound in the world for him.
Amelie walked back into the bedroom, dressed in an off-cream gown with her damp hair wrapped neatly in a towel.
“Look, Mommy’s here,” Gabriel said with a grin, turning Noah so he could see her.
Amelie’s eyes softened at the sight. “Gabriel, remember, starting today, Noah’s baby massages begin,” she reminded him gently.
“Of course, I remember,” Gabriel replied, chuckling. “Senior Delilah has been doing this for years. I’m sure Noah will love it. A good massage will make him even stronger p>
He reached over to the bedside table, searching for the milk bottle. “Looks like it’s feeding time,” he murmured before offering it to Noah.
Amelie sat beside him, watching the scene with a faint smile from the vanity chair. “Gabriel, you mentioned you had some work today. What about those hunters? Why not help Brother Casaio with the investigation?” she asked thoughtfully.
Gabriel shook his head slightly, eyes still on Noah. “He’s determined to handle the interrogations himself,” he said. “Besides, I’d rather stay here. Noah needs me more right now p>
“Noah has his mommy too,” Amelie reminded him softly, her lips curving into a teasing smile. “Don’t forget your duties, Gabriel p>
Gabriel smirked, rocking Noah lightly in his arms. “I have enough people to handle my duties. Perks of being born into the royal family, right, Noah?” he said, lowering his gaze to the baby’s innocent face.
Noah blinked up at him, still busy drinking from the bottle, and Gabriel chuckled.
Amelie shook her head, amused. She took off the damp towel and began drying her hair, the faint scent of lavender filling the room. When her hair was dry, she gathered it into a neat bun and returned to the bed.
Noah lay comfortably in Gabriel’s lap, drinking peacefully. Amelie leaned forward to adjust his tiny clothes and gently smoothed her palm over his round belly.
“His hair’s turning chocolate brown,” Gabriel murmured, brushing his fingers through Noah’s soft curls, which were also growing fast. “Just like yours p>
Amelie looked up just as Gabriel turned his head toward her, and before she could speak, he leaned in to place a tender kiss on her cheek.
“Gabriel!” she gasped softly, though a warm smile replaced her mock scolding.
She rested her head on his shoulder, her hand finding his arm.
“Did you talk to Carlos?” Gabriel asked.
“Not recently,” Amelie replied, glancing toward him.
“I wonder how his grandmother’s doing,” Gabriel murmured thoughtfully.
Amelie lifted her head from his shoulder and looked at the clock. “Shall we call him now? Maybe through a video chat p>
A faint smile touched Gabriel’s lips. “That’s a good idea. He’ll get to see Noah too p>
Amelie rose from the bed and walked to the desk, where the tablet rested beside a small vase of fresh lilies. She turned it on and connected it to the Wi-Fi before walking to bed.
“Ready?” she asked, glancing back at Gabriel, who was now holding Noah up so the baby could face the screen.
“Let’s surprise him,” Gabriel said with a grin and rested the empty milk bottle on the nightstand.
As the call connected, they waited, watching the screen blink a few times before going still. Carlos didn’t answer.
“I think he’s busy,” Gabriel said, lowering Noah gently into his arms again.
“Yeah, probably,” Amelie murmured, brushing a stray curl off Noah’s forehead.
Gabriel leaned back against the headboard, a thoughtful smile curving on his lips. “Then let’s go out today, on a lunch date p>
Amelie’s brows lifted slightly. “A lunch date p>
“Mm-hmm,” he said with a playful grin. “We’ll take the car, have a quiet meal somewhere by the sea, and come straight back. Noah could use a little outing too. Don’t you think he’d love that p>
Amelie hesitated. “Mother wants me to stay in the palace for a month p>
Gabriel waved a hand lightly. “I’ll talk to her. Don’t worry.” His tone softened as he looked down at their son. “Noah will go out with us, won’t you, little one p>
Noah blinked up at him, his big eyes curious and bright. He brought his thumb to his mouth and started to suck on it, which made Gabriel chuckle.
“Ah-ah,” Gabriel teased, gently catching the tiny hand before it disappeared again. “Not the thumb, young boy p>
Amelie smiled at the sight but a worry also crept in her heart for Carlos.
“Grandma… you’ll be fine soon,” Carlos said, holding his grandmother’s frail hands gently in his own. “Don’t say it’s your time yet p>
Ravenna’s eyes softened as she studied him. “Carlos… you’ve seen visions about me, haven’t you p>
“Yes, Grandma,” he admitted, his voice trembling. Tears threatened to spill. “I… I don’t want you to go so soon. What would I do without you p>
Ravenna reached out, cupping his cheek with her hand. “You’ll do well, my dear,” she said softly. “You’ve made good friends, Amelie and Gabriel. You can live with them if you wish, after I’m gone. You’ll be free from this place forever p>
Carlos shook his head violently, his chest tightening with grief. “No place will ever bring me comfort, Grandma, except the home I lived in with you. I… I wish I didn’t have these visions. I hate them.” His eyes overflowed with tears as he pressed his palms to his face and shut them tight, trying to hold back the rising despair.
Ravenna’s lips trembled, but she offered a small, reassuring smile. “Carlos… whatever comes, I will always be with you, in your heart. And your visions are a blessing for you. Keep that in mind p>