CHAPTER 240: TOWN OF WANCIA

"Where are you going?" Raidan asked, stepping in front of Casaio with a firm tone. "Zilia made this decision on her own. She chose to walk away from your life. She wants a future untouched by the past... and that includes you, Casaio."

Casaio’s eyes darkened as he met Raidan’s gaze. "She was my fated mate. I spent ten years of my life with her. Do you think I can simply forget her? Walk away like it meant nothing? I can’t. And I won’t."

"You deserve someone better than Zilia," Mabel interjected gently. "You’ve done more than enough today. Please... return to your room and get some rest. I’ll have your dinner sent up."

"That won’t be necessary," Casaio replied coldly, his eyes burning with frustration. "I don’t need food. I need answers."

Casaio rushed to his room then. Once inside, he grabbed his phone and noticed a missed call from an unknown number. A frown formed on his face as he quickly dialed the number back.

After a few rings, a man with a deep, unbothered voice answered, "Silver Inn. How may I assist you?"

"I received a call from this number earlier," Casaio said.

"Sorry? May I ask who’s speaking?"

"Casaio Sinclair."

There was a brief silence before the man scoffed. "Yeah, right. Casaio Sinclair? Try a better joke next time."

With that, he hung up.

Muttering under his breath, the man turned back to the register in front of him. "So many prank calls lately," he grumbled.

A soft voice broke through his thoughts.

"Excuse me, sir."

The receptionist looked up and sighed upon seeing the boy again. "You? What now?"

"This is the last time I’ll ask," Idris said. "I just need to make one more call."

"Hmm. Do it," said the man, pushing the landline toward him.

"Thank you," Idris said as he quickly dialed the number. The line was busy, and he was just about to hang up when Casaio’s voice came through.

"Where is Silver Inn? If you won’t tell me, you’ll have to face the consequences," Casaio said firmly from the other end.

"Your Highness, it’s me! Idris!" the boy whispered urgently, his voice low but filled with relief and excitement.

The innkeeper, overhearing the conversation, furrowed his brows in surprise.

"Idris? Where are you? Tell me, quickly," Casaio’s voice grew more desperate.

"Uh... I don’t really know the name of the place. But we’re somewhere along the Eastern Border, Your Highness," Idris replied.

The innkeeper stood from his seat, suddenly realizing who he had been speaking to earlier. Pale-faced, he stepped forward and gently took the phone from Idris.

"Your Highness, please forgive me. I didn’t recognize you earlier," the man said quickly. "I’ll tell you everything."

"Go ahead," Casaio said.

"This is the town of Wancia, located near the Eastern Border. The place is called Silver Inn, Your Highness," the man replied, now speaking with the utmost respect.

"Good. Keep a close eye on the boy and the woman with him. Don’t let them leave the premises under any circumstance. I’ll be sending some of my warriors shortly. Cooperate with them, and you’ll be rewarded," Casaio instructed.

"Of course, Your Highness. I won’t let you down."

"Now, give the phone back to Idris," Casaio ordered.

The man nodded and handed the receiver to the boy without delay.

"Idris, listen to me carefully. I’m sending my men to bring you both back. Make sure your sister doesn’t find out anything yet. Just stay put, alright? I promise, I’ll bring you back safely."

"Yes, Your Highness. I trust you," Idris said. He lowered the phone when the innkeeper asked,

"Why didn’t you tell me about yourself? If you need anything, don’t hesitate at all. Are you hungry?" The innkeeper tone had changed, which Idris couldn’t ignore.

"No, I don’t want to. Thank you for letting me make a call," Idris said and rushed upstairs to the room.

~~~~

Amelie and Gabriel arrived at their estate, where Albus and the entire house staff stood waiting at the entrance. The butler stepped forward, bowing with his usual calm grace.

"Welcome home, Your Grace. Lady Amelie," Albus greeted warmly.

"We’re tired," Gabriel said curtly, slipping off his coat. "Have dinner sent to our room in fifteen minutes."

Two servants promptly carried their luggage upstairs as Amelie brushed a few strands of hair from her face.

"Go on ahead, Amelie. I need a word with Albus," Gabriel said, flashing her a gentle smile.

She nodded, offering him a faint smile in return, and made her way up the staircase, shortly disappearing from their sight.

Gabriel’s smile vanished the moment she was out of sight. He turned back to Albus, his eyes narrowing into a cold and deadly stare.

"I had plans to set a trap," he said, "but I don’t have time for games anymore. So let’s be direct."

Albus stiffened, sensing the shift in atmosphere.

"Who do you serve, Albus?" Gabriel asked. "Me? Or my mother?"

The butler held his gaze, clearly stunned by the question.

"Of course, you, Prince Gabriel," Albus replied, bowing to him.

"I doubt it. Apparently, my mother knew a lot more than she shouldn’t. You’ve been with me for such a long time, Albus. I want to give you a chance to come clean before me. You are aware how much I despise my mother. So, it’s better for you to say the truth. You serve my mother, don’t you?" Gabriel asked calmly.

"Forgive me, Your Highness. I couldn’t refuse this time to answer the Queen," Albus said, feeling embarrassed.

"I forgive you," Gabriel said.

Albus lifted his head, feeling thankful.

"But you need to leave this house. Go back to the palace. I don’t need you anymore," Gabriel pronounced and walked away, feeling betrayed. He trusted Albus more than anyone, and he ended up opening his mouth in front of the Queen. Gabriel hated the fact that even from far his mother had a control on the people around him, which pissed him off.