Chapter 429
“Just order for Juniper’s confinement in the prison,” Gabriel told his father as they both entered the council hall. “She deserves to rot in the prison. The laws must work both the ways, Dad. If a commoner were at her place, they would have been imprisoned by now p>
“She’s the daughter-in-law of this house. That’s what stopping me,” Raidan stated with a frown.
“And your daughter-in-law didn’t care about your order. You were supposed to tell the truth yourself to the council first before revealing to the general public. What Juniper did is absolutely wrong! She exposed about Zilia just in jealousy. I can’t believe you’re still keeping such a traitor in this house p>
“Gabriel, she would not have done it if p>
“If she had gotten a big fat wedding, right, Dad?” Gabriel sneered. “That’s ridiculous. Juniper doesn’t care for the wedding. If she had, then today she wouldn’t have done this p>
Just then, Dominick appeared in the council hall.
“Father, I-I am sorry p>
Raidan placed a hand on Dominick’s shoulder, patting it.
“Where’s Casaio?” he asked.
“He went to bring Idris from the school,” Dominick replied.
“Bring Juniper too. The one who messed up everything,” Gabriel’s patience snapped.
“Why are you even angry about this? It doesn’t involve you,” Dominick remarked.
The moment his last word fell out of his mouth, Gabriel grabbed him by the collar. “Your wife would have dared to mess with my life too p>
“Gabriel, leave him,” said Raidan, but he didn’t listen to his father.
“You know what, Ophelia is looking for any weak link around Amelie and me. Juniper is handing her one on a silver platter. If she could do this to Zilia, what else might she do?” Gabriel said, keeping the control on his wolf.
Dominick clasped his hands together before shoving Gabriel back. “It’s not going to happen. Juniper sent the message before Father summoned the three of us p>
“Don’t defend her,” Gabriel shot back
Dominick pressed his lips into a thin line, unwilling to argue further. He knew his younger brother too well, always quick to anger, always ready for a fight.
Gabriel exhaled sharply, turning away as a voice brushed against his mind through the mindlink.
’Alpha, I’ve gathered information on the Vittileo family p>
Without another word, he strode out through the eastern corridor and into the palace gardens, where Karmen awaited him beneath the willow arch.
“Did you find anything useful?” Gabriel asked.
“I looked into Juniper’s father’s businesses,” Karmen began. “On paper, everything appears clean. No irregularities, nothing that could be used against him p>
Gabriel’s brow furrowed. “Then what did you find p>
Karmen leaned slightly closer, lowering his voice. “An old lady I spoke with mentioned something… interesting p>
Gabriel’s eyes sharpened. “Go on p>
“Juniper is adopted,” Karmen revealed. “She’s not a blood daughter of the Vittileo family. From what I gathered, she fought tooth and nail to carve out her place at a very young age. Her two brothers never accepted her, they were furious with their father’s decision to bring her into the family p>
Gabriel’s expression darkened. “Dominick never found out about that p>
“Apparently, no one knew,” Karmen said, stretching slightly before letting out a yawn. “I had to search the entire night to find this lady p>
Gabriel frowned, concern flashing in his eyes. “Why work through the entire night p>
“It was necessary,” Karmen replied calmly. “No outsider knows about this. I think Juniper’s current behavior stems from her early years. What looks perfect on the outside isn’t always what it seems within. Her situation is a clear example of that p>
Gabriel nodded slowly, digesting the information. “Hmm. Karmen, I appreciate your hard work. You can go home now p>
Karmen bowed respectfully and walked away.
Gabriel furrowed his brows together, wondering why Dominick never saw all of that.
“Why did you do it?” Mabel asked, her voice gentle but firm. Juniper sat slumped in the chair, head bowed. “I’m not here to reprimand you, dear. I want to understand. The council meeting begins in half an hour p>
Juniper fidgeted with her fingers, voice barely above a whisper. “I… I was angry with Nick. And before the summons, I saw that message in the group p>
Mabel’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Are you jealous that Zilia got everything p>
Juniper bit her lower lip, a flicker of defiance in her gaze. “Zilia can’t be the perfect queen. She kept all of us in the dark, Your Majesty. Don’t you think p>
“You want to be the Queen. Am I right?” Mabel’s tone was calm but cutting.
Juniper couldn’t answer.
“Dominick can’t be the Alpha King. It’s not his destiny to be the next King,” Mabel continued, her gaze unwavering. “I thought you loved my son dearly… turns out you married him for the throne p>
Juniper’s chest tightened. “Then do you think Zilia is the best choice for that position? She kept all of us in the dark. How could you forget that she was a deadly spy? Can’t you see that p>
Mabel’s lips pressed into a thin line. “The next King and Queen… is no longer decided. The fate of Casaio, Zilia and Idris rest with the people now p>
“They should answer the people,” Juniper stated.
“I never expected you to be like this, June. Nick never desired the throne. You know this well,” Mabel pronounced. “You are destroying your own life and Nick’s by bringing trouble with all of this. I can only wish you happiness, nothing more p>
Mabel stood up to leave when Juniper stopped her.
“I love Dominick. He doesn’t understand me. That’s the fault he’s carrying,” Juniper pronounced.
“You’re wrong, June. Your love for my son isn’t justifiable with your actions. I hope you understand soon before you lose everything,” Mabel advised and walked away.
Juniper blinked rapidly wondering why the Queen said that. As she paced in the chamber, a servant approached her.
“Your Highness, someone has sent this for you,” the servant replied, handing her a small enclosed envelope.
Juniper frowned as she accepted it. She dismissed the servant and tore it open.