CHAPTER 262: ARRANGE A MEETING

"I appreciate what you’re doing for us. I can never even repay for all of this," Gabriel said in a tone of gratitude.

"You don’t have to feel like that. I told you the reason I decided to do it. Don’t feel anything at all," Carlos stated, smiling.

The servant came with a tray in her hands. Carlos thanked her as he grabbed a glass of water first. Gabriel also took the glass and sipped the water slowly.

"By the way, I want the pictures you showed me the other day. I’d like to send them to my grandmother," Carlos revealed.

"Of course!" Gabriel was quick to take out his phone and sent the image in Carlos’ message box. He checked it and thanked him.

"What about that mark on my head? How does it look? You have to draw it and send," Gabriel suggested.

"I remember it. I’ll draw it and send later," Carlos replied. "I didn’t tell you or Amelie about my family background. I’m from the Ashfall family of witches. All the witches in our families were considered to be the strongest in their respective times. But with age, the powers decline, the knowledge doesn’t. My grandmother knows a lot about all such things."

"I see. That’s wonderful to know. It also explains your knowledge," Gabriel pronounced.

"I am a respected sage in our land. Though I try refraining from practicing a lot of things," Carlos explained. "I think I should see your mother once," he opined.

Gabriel’s expression turned harder upon hearing that.

"I know you don’t like your mother. Amelie told me about your relationship with your father, but it’s important for me to see the Queen first. I’d like to know what she talked with the High Priestess," Carlos asserted calmly.

"My mother won’t tell you. I already explained that to you," Gabriel stated.

"I know. I want to meet her because my eyes can see others’ can’t. The marks on both of you aren’t ordinary ones. They have meanings and they will bring destructions if not ended," Carlos said, keeping no mask. He had to be truthful to Gabriel so that in future there would not be no mishap.

"Destructions?" Gabriel frowned as he recalled how his mother always used that term toward him whenever they would argue.

"Arrange a meeting for us, if possible," Carlos said.

"I can’t do that. All she does is blaming me. Give me time. I’ll think of a way so that she won’t be suspicious. I don’t even know if she will help you in finding the truth," Gabriel said, looking confused.

"Sure. Take your time."

~~~~~

Casaio returned to Zilia’s place, only to hear Idris’s excited voice echoing from inside.

"Let’s go out! I want to go shopping!" Idris was pleading.

Zilia, however, remained firm. "Not today, Idris. Maybe some other time."

Casaio stepped in after opening the door by entering the passcode. "Actually, we should take him shopping," he said, glancing at Zilia. "He needs to be admitted to the academy as soon as possible. He’s already behind on a lot compared to the other kids."

"Your Highness is right," Idris chimed in with a small smile.

"But I never told anyone—" Zilia began, only for Casaio to gently interrupt.

"Then maybe it’s time you did," he said firmly. "You haven’t committed a crime by protecting your brother. You don’t have to keep him hidden forever."

He turned to Idris. "Go get ready. We’re going out."

Idris lit up, his excitement bubbling over as he dashed into the other room.

Zilia, however, stayed rooted, her expression hesitant. "Casaio, are you sure about this?" she asked. "Your feelings for me... they’ve always been a mix of sweet and bitter. Do you really want to parade us around like some perfect couple in front of everyone?"

Casaio met her gaze without wavering. "Didn’t I make myself clear before?" he asked. "We can’t live apart, Zilia. If I have to suffer through this madness, then you should be right there beside me."

Her lips parted as if to argue, but no words came. Silence fell between them for a moment.

"Go get changed," Casaio added softly. "Also, tomorrow we’re moving into our new residence in the capital. I’ve already spoken to both my father and mother about it."

Zilia folded her arms. "And they agreed?"

"They did," he said with a nod. "Go and get dressed."

"I look fine in these clothes," Zilia said, lowering her hands to her sides in defiance.

Casaio frowned, eyes narrowing slightly. "Are you serious?" he asked. "You’re my woman. You should look like it too. You have so many beautiful dresses, just wear one of them."

Zilia didn’t argue. Without a word, she turned and walked back into her room.

Casaio exhaled and dropped onto the couch, leaning his head back against the cushions. His mind drifted, half present in the room, half lost in the chaos of recent day.

’Did Gabriel know our mother had finally faced consequences for her actions? I don’t think so. And even if he did, he would hardly care. Not anymore,’ Casaio thought.

He took out his phone, turning it on. His fingers hovered over Gabriel’s contact, but he didn’t dial his number. Putting the phone aside, he simply closed his eyes.

After a while, Idris returned in his new clothes.

"Your Highness, how do I look? The fabric is too soft," Idris said, smiling.

Casaio opened his eyes and looked at the teenage boy. "You look like a noble teenager alpha," he asserted. "Did you grow a bit taller?"

"I think so... It happened suddenly. Sister bought me these clothes two days ago. But I found the shirt a bit smaller, not much though," Idris stated.

"You’re in growing stage. And alphas are born to grow faster," Casaio replied, smiling.

"Then, my wolf will awaken any time soon," Idris said excitedly. "I saw in a show that the boy was bullied for not waking up his wolf. I hope it won’t happen with me."

"No such thing will happen," Casaio said, giving him a positive hope.