CHAPTER 183: NEVER LET GABRIEL GET HURT

Mabel stared at Amelie for a long, silent moment before finally speaking again.

"Did you ever say these things to your own mother?" she asked. "I must admit, you’ve grown bolder since meeting Gabriel. Of course, he’s the reason you speak up now. Back in your pack, you were always the quiet one, who would always listen to the others."

"Mabel, let’s drop it," Raidan interjected gently, reaching for her hand in an attempt to calm the tension.

But Gabriel wasn’t ready to let it go. "No, Dad, we shouldn’t brush this under the rug," he said firmly. "We’re not children anymore. Casaio, Dominick, and I, we’re all over thirty. Yet Mom still treats us like we’re five, incapable of making decisions. And if anyone dares to disagree with her, it becomes an offense."

Sensing that a new tension might create between Gabriel and his mother, Amelie decided to apologize.

"Please forgive me, Your Majesty," she said, bowing her head. "I may have spoken out of turn. I truly didn’t mean to upset you."

She could feel Gabriel’s anger rising beside her and gently reached for his hand, squeezing it lightly. With a faint shake of her head, she pleaded with him silently not to push the matter further.

Mabel pulled her hand away from Raidan’s grasp and rose without a word as she turned and walked out of the hall.

Amelie instinctively stood as well, her eyes following the Queen’s retreating figure. A sense of unease twisted in her chest.

"I should go after her," she said softly.

"Don’t," Gabriel said, rising halfway as he gently caught her wrist. "Mom will only blame you or may scold you."

"Let her go," Raidan added with a sigh. "You’ve done nothing wrong, Amelie. Just go after your mother-in-law and find out why she said that."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Amelie said, pulling her hand back from Gabriel’s grip.

"Mom will only hurt you," he said, again catching her wrist.

"I need to properly apologize to her," she insisted, her gaze meeting Gabriel’s. "I never wanted to disrespect her."

Gabriel searched her eyes, then slowly released her hand.

Amelie quietly followed the path Queen Mabel had taken. Her steps slowed as she caught sight of the Queen standing still in the corridor, her back turned, just outside her private quarters.

"Speak," Mabel said, not bothering to turn around.

Amelie took a steadying breath. "I... I only said it because I’ve seen how deeply Brother Casaio has been hurt by what his mate did to him. I understand that, as his mother, you know him better than anyone. But I felt I needed to say something because sometimes, harsh words cut deeper than you realize."

At that, Mabel slowly turned on her heels, facing her. Her expression was composed but stern.

"I want Casaio to move on from Zilia as quickly as possible," Mabel began, her voice even but sharp. "And yes, you did cross a line. You questioned how I raised my children, and that is not your place."

Amelie lowered her gaze, but Mabel continued, her voice rising slightly.

"When you become Queen, Amelie, you’ll understand that a mother’s love can no longer remain simple. Every word we speak, every action we take, it must serve more than just our personal feelings. You think I’m harsh, but I’m preparing Casaio for the throne and for this kingdom. He doesn’t get to grieve endlessly."

She paused, then added with a hint of scorn, "You speak of pain, but do you know how far Gabriel has gone for you? He poisoned Alex without waiting for Raidan’s or the council’s verdict. And you never opposed it. That kind of recklessness, if left unchecked, will eventually destabilize the kingdom one day."

Amelie’s eyes widened slightly at the Queen’s words, but Mabel wasn’t finished.

"As for Casaio," she concluded, "the future of this realm depends on him. Weakness is a luxury he cannot afford. He can’t stay forever in the memories of Zilia. That’s why my way is to harden him."

Amelie stood with her head bowed, hands clasped tightly in front of her. Her voice came out barely above a whisper.

"I understand. I won’t speak out like that again, Your Majesty."

Mabel gave a brief nod. "You may leave, then."

Amelie turned to go, her gaze still lowered. But just as she took a step away, Mabel’s voice rang out behind her.

"Do you truly believe Alex’s death has buried your past?" she asked coldly. "One day, your pup will grow, and they’ll learn the truth. That Gabriel killed their real father. I wonder if you’ll still be able to stand as tall before them when that moment comes."

Amelie froze in place, her back stiffening. Her brows knit together tightly as she absorbed the Queen’s words.

Then, after a pause, she turned around.

"The pup felt a bond with Gabriel before they ever could with Alex," she said softly but firmly. "And when the time comes, if Noa asks about their biological father, I won’t lie. I’ll tell them everything, truthfully and without fear."

She drew a breath, steadying herself.

"I know what it’s like to grow up in confusion, to carry unanswered questions that twist inside you. I won’t let Noa carry that same burden."

Mabel chuckled at her confidence.

"Do whatever, but never let Gabriel get hurt. The day anything happens to him, you’re leaving his life," Mabel warned her.

Amelie met her gaze, tears brimming in her eyes. But they shimmered golden, something which Mabel hadn’t expected.

"Your Majesty, I thought you called us to clear the differences between us. I sincerely thought this time that I’d understand you and..." Amelie couldn’t finish off as the Queen interrupted her.

"And amend my relationship with Gabriel? Well, I’ll never allow you to do that. As a Queen, I need to fulfill my duties. I’m only doing that, Amelie. I still think you’re unworthy for him. You’ve not done anything yet that can prove me wrong," Mabel stated.

Then, without giving another glance to Amelie, Mabel walked into her room.