CHAPTER 237: YOU’LL BE BROKEN-HEARTED

Mabel’s brows furrowed as her gaze fell on the servant carrying two cabin bags.

"What are those?" she asked sharply.

"Your Majesty," the servant replied with a respectful bow, "Prince Gabriel and his mate are preparing to return to San Ravendale."

"At this hour?" Mabel’s eyes narrowed in surprise as she glanced around, noting their absence. "Where are they now?"

"They are on their way, Your Majesty," the servant replied, bowing slightly before continuing toward the foyer, dragging the cabin bags with him. Outside, a vehicle already stood ready and a driver stood outside it.

Moments later, Gabriel and Amelie entered the main hall. Mabel turned to face them with a composed expression.

"You both could have stayed here for the rest of the week," she said, her voice carrying a rare note of humility.

Gabriel coldly responded, "If the palace security hadn’t been breached, we would have," he answered, his fingers tightening around Amelie’s hand. Without sparing his mother another glance, he led Amelie toward the exit.

"At least see your father and brothers before you go," Mabel called out behind them.

But Gabriel didn’t stop. Not once did he look back at his mother.

Amelie quietly followed Gabriel to the car, slipping into the back seat without a word. The driver was already loading their bags into the trunk. A moment later, Karmen opened the front passenger door and got in, turning slightly to greet them.

"Your mother has come outside," he informed softly.

Curious, Amelie leaned forward and peered out of the window. She spotted Mabel standing on the palace steps. But Gabriel didn’t so much as glance in her direction.

"Drive," he instructed coldly.

The engine started, and the car pulled away, leaving the palace grounds behind.

Soon, they arrived at the private airport where a private jet awaited. Once on board, Amelie settled onto the plush sofa in the midsection of the cabin. She yawned, covering her mouth.

Gabriel knelt beside her, carefully draping a soft blanket over her legs.

"Sleep until we reach home," he whispered gently, a small smile tugging at his lips as he brushed a strand of hair away from her face.

Amelie gave him a faint nod, resting her head against the cushion.

"I’m not asleep," Amelie shook her head.

"Don’t push yourself. Your body demands rest," Gabriel whispered, sitting right beside her.

Amelie leaned her head on his shoulder, her arm hooking around his. "I don’t know what has upset you, but I hope you turn better soon." Her eyes slowly shut. "I hope everything goes well from now on."

Gabriel lowered his gaze, watching her asleep.

’It was my mother, who let Riley enter the palace. I know her. Without her permission, not a single leaf can move in the palace. But if I tell you this, you’ll be broken-hearted. You began trusting my mother, thinking she has developed a soft corner for you. But she hasn’t,’ Gabriel thought. He brought his hand to her head, caressing it gently.

~~~~~

Mabel sat quietly on the plush couch, her hands resting on her lap, fingers loosely interlocked. The doors creaked open, and Raidan entered the room.

"Casaio and Dominick have left for the border," he informed, pausing as he noticed her silence. Mabel didn’t even glance his way.

Frowning, Raidan removed his official robe and hung it on the wooden hanger by the side. "What happened?" he asked, walking closer.

After a long pause, Mabel finally spoke. "Gabriel has left for San Ravendale."

Raidan’s eyes widened in disbelief. "What? Without informing me?" he asked sharply, clearly stunned. "When did he leave?"

"Fifteen minutes ago," Mabel replied, her voice calm but laced with underlying concern.

Raidan exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair. "I reprimanded him earlier. I think he got angry," he murmured. "Well, no one can stop Gabriel once he’s made up his mind. He’s always been like that, stubborn to the bone."

A brief silence passed before Mabel asked, "Did Casaio take Zilia and Idris with him?"

"No," Raidan shook his head. "It’s supposed to be a negotiation. Casaio is only taking Dominick this time. But..." he rubbed his fingers against his temple, fatigue creeping into his voice, "he’s more stressed than he lets on."

"I know," Mabel agreed quietly. "Zilia crushed him completely. And still, he chooses to keep her close. Why don’t you send her away?"

"That would only backfire," Raidan responded. "Casaio would throw a fit if we interfered. I don’t want to upset him more than he already is. Let him hold on to whatever he thinks is right... even if it’s misguided."

"I don’t understand it. Why don’t you ever stop your sons?" Mabel asked with a tone of irritation and helplessness. She leaned back on the couch, her brows furrowed. "First, it was Gabriel, he insisted on marrying someone we never approved of. Fated mate or not, I never wanted that union to happen."

She paused, her voice thickening with frustration. "And now Casaio... I truly believed he would understand me, stand by the family’s expectations. But no, he’s choosing Zilia. Again and again, he’s choosing her over reason, over what’s best for all of us."

Her gaze dropped to the floor, her worry settling deep in her features. "I raised them to lead with strength, but somehow they’ve let their emotions cloud their judgment. I didn’t expect this from Casaio. He was my pride."

Raidan leaned forward, clasping his hands together, his eyes narrowing with concern. "I thought you had started to accept Amelie," he said with disappointment. "Seems like there are still unresolved differences."

He exhaled slowly, trying to read her silence. "What’s going on in your mind, Mabel? Gabriel left all of a sudden. Did you say something? Do something? I know him, every time there’s tension between the two of you, he walks away. And this time feels no different."

Mabel turned her gaze to him, her expression guarded. But she remained silent, not offering a single word in defense or explanation.