Chapter 627
“Your Highness, you cannot walk in there,” Cynthia’s voice rang out.
Gabriel and Noah both tilted their heads toward her in unison. He glanced around, noticing that Karmen and Carlos were nowhere to be seen, likely distracted by the grandeur of the outer hall. Seizing the rare moment of privacy, Gabriel searched her eyes.
“Do you truly not know me?” he asked, his voice dropping to a low tone.
Cynthia looked at him for a long second before she slipped off her mask of the caretaker. “I do,” she replied softly. “I am a mortal now. A punishment bestowed upon me by the heavens for my interference. But it is fine. Forgive me for acting as though I didn’t recognize you. I didn’t want to draw attention from your guards p>
Noah began reaching out, his small hands grasping at the air as he leaned toward Cynthia, clearly sensing the familiar divinity she once carried. He whimpered softly, wanting to be held by her.
“That is the price you paid on my behalf,” Gabriel stated, his heart heavy knowing her sacrifice.
“I had to,” Cynthia said, a sad but peaceful smile touching her lips. “You suffered through two lifetimes because of my choices. This is simply the balance being restored p>
“Heavens have strange way to punish good people not the bad ones. Did they not see how p>
“Gabriel, it’s the temple. Don’t be angry,” Cynthia told him.
He was angry toward the every God who made such a wrong decision.
“So, you will serve in this temple from now on? Is this your life?” Gabriel asked, needing to confirm she was safe.
“Mmm. It is better here. Quiet. Sacred,” Cynthia replied.
“What about a home? Where do you live, and do you have enough to sustain yourself? Just tell me what you need. I will—” He was abruptly cut off as Cynthia raised a hand, interrupting him.
“Do not burden yourself further, Gabriel,” she said firmly. “I have what I need. The heavens took my power, but they did not take my dignity. You are a Prince, and I am a servant of the temple. Let that be the end of it for the sake of your own peace p>
“No. I couldn’t do anything for you in my last lifetime,” Gabriel said, his voice thick with a resolve that had been years in the making.
Noah looked up at his father’s face, sensing the sudden shift in his mood. Sensing Gabriel’s distress, the pup pouted his tiny lips and pressed his face firmly against his father’s chest, trying to offer what little comfort he could.
“Let me do everything for you in this lifetime,” Gabriel pronounced. “Don’t stop me. I will only be at peace if I know you are in comfort. And can I tell Amelie about this? She has wanted to meet you for so long p>
Cynthia smiled, her expression softening as she looked at the man he had become. “You can. There is nothing to fear anymore; the heavens have already taken their due. You can tell anyone you wish, though I still feel some secrets are better left buried in the past p>
“So, do you truly live here, within the temple walls?” Gabriel asked, glancing at the austere stone surroundings.
“For now, yes. I don’t plan on much, Gabriel. I am far too old to find happiness in material things,” Cynthia asserted gently.
“Don’t say that. What son would want his mother to live like this?” Gabriel countered. “To me, your comfort is above all else, and I am more than capable of providing it. I want you to come with us. Live with Amelie and me in San Ravendale. Noah would love to have you there, too p>
Cynthia looked at the child clinging to Gabriel, her heart clearly tugged by the offer, though her eyes remained hesitant.
“I was your mother in the past. You have your own mother in this life, Gabriel,” Cynthia stated, her voice gentle but steeped in the reality of her new mortal existence.
“So what? Does that mean I cannot care for you now?” Gabriel affirmed, his voice growing more insistent. “I know the two lifetimes are separate, but I am still the same Gabriel, more or less. My heart hasn’t forgotten p>
“Gabriel, here you are!” Karmen’s voice boomed through the marble hall, abruptly halting their conversation. He slowed his pace as he approached, his brow furrowing in confusion as he looked between the Prince and the simple temple caretaker. “We thought we’d lost you in the corridors p>
Gabriel didn’t look away from Cynthia immediately, his expression tight with unresolved emotion. Finally, he glanced back at his Beta. “Karmen, I would like to have some privacy,” he said.
Karmen blinked, surprised by the intensity in Gabriel’s eyes, but he quickly bowed his head. “Of course, Your Highness. We’ll be waiting by the main entrance.” He turned and walked away.
Gabriel turned back to Cynthia, his gaze softening as he looked at her.
“Your parents may not like it, Gabriel. The balance of your current life could shake. You need to understand the implications,” she told him softly, her eyes reflecting a wisdom that transcended her mortal frame.
“I will balance everything,” Gabriel insisted, his voice steady with conviction. “If you’re worried my parents will find it odd, they won’t. I know them better than that. And as for the public… I simply don’t care. They have always found reasons to speak ill of me, haven’t they? What truly matters to me is that the people I cherish live in peace and are taken care of p>
“You’re right about your heart, but I am not related to you in any way in this lifetime,” Cynthia stated as she tried to ground him in reality. “You must understand that. Don’t be stubborn about this, Gabriel p>
Gabriel fell silent. He looked visibly upset, his grip tightening instinctively on Noah’s carrier.
“How am I supposed to live in peace knowing you’re living in a tiny room within the temple?” he finally asked. “I would hate myself every single day for choosing a life of luxury while my mother lives such a harsh existence p>
“It isn’t harsh to me. Our perspectives are simply different,” Cynthia remarked gently. “Since you are so worried for me, how about this? Come and meet me once a month. That will keep your heart at peace, won’t it p>
“No. That isn’t enough,” Gabriel stated, refusing to back down. “You must accept a proper residence. I want to provide everything for you. Security, comfort and a home. Do not refuse me this. As for our meetings, I will hold you to that promise; I will visit you once every month, regardless of where you stay p>
Cynthia sighed, finally agreeing to him.