Chapter 688 Took something for yourself
“Nobody bullies in the school anymore, right?” Casaio began has he handed the hot chocolate mug to Idris.
“Not a word since that incident,” Idris replied, wrapping his hands around the warmth of the mug. “The atmosphere changed completely. In fact, most of them go out of their way to be kind to me now.”
“I’m glad to hear it. But remember,” Casaio said, leaning in slightly to catch the teenager’s eyes, “if you ever find yourself in trouble again, no matter how small it seems, you come to me or Gabriel immediately. Don’t try to shoulder it alone.”
Idris gave a firm nod and took a long, comforting sip of the cocoa. As he lowered the mug, he said, “I have my final exams right after the Christmas break, and then we have a full month off. A lot of my classmates were talking about going on vacations with their families. Do you think we could go somewhere? Just three of us?”
“I don’t see why not,” Casaio asserted with a smile. “Though with the new baby, we shouldn’t venture too far from the capital. There’s a breathtaking estate on the outskirts, it’s famous for its crystal-clear lakes and a valley that stays lush with winter flora. It’s peaceful there.” He patted Idris’s shoulder. “I’ll start planning the logistics so we can head out once your exams are over.”
A bright, genuine smile broke across Idris’s face. “That sounds perfect,” he murmured, before eagerly returning to his drink.
“What about your responsibilities, Cas?” Zilia intervened, her brow furrowing with concern. “The palace schedule is grueling this time of year, and your workload is already doubled with the holiday festivities.”
“It’s manageable,” Casaio replied smoothly, though the slight tightness around his eyes suggested otherwise. “I can delegate the administrative tasks to the council for a few days.”
Idris watched the subtle exchange between the two, his excitement wavering as he realized the weight of his request. “It isn’t necessary,” he said, looking down at his mug. “I was merely suggesting it. I know how much the Crown Prince has to oversee, and I don’t want to be a burden on the state’s affairs.”
“That is not true, Idris,” Casaio insisted, his voice softening as he turned his full attention back to Zilia’s brother. “We are making this happen. We can certainly carve out one week solely for ourselves. Since the transition, we haven’t had a single moment of genuine peace as a family.”
Zilia saw the determination in Casaio’s gaze and reached out to pat Idris’s hand. “If Casaio says he can manage it, he will. Just focus on those exams for now.”
~~~~~
Gabriel didn’t listen to the pleas of Eryx and asked the palace guards to take him to the prison to take out his wolf. And as promised, he threw the file into the bin right in front of Lazarus telling him his reputation wouldn’t be compromised at all.
Once the room cleared, Karmen glanced at Aisha, who nodded silently and stepped out to wait in the corridor, leaving the two men alone in the high-ceilinged office chamber.
“Gabriel, are you certain this won’t backfire?” Karmen asked with genuine concern for his friend. “The political fallout of such a punishment…”
“The real trouble would have been letting him walk free. Alphas like that should get a punishment like this only,” Gabriel stated firmly. He leaned back against the edge of the mahogany desk, crossing his arms.
A smirk tugged at his lips after a moment. “Though, I must say, I’m quite amused. You went against every one of your own rigid rules to defend Aisha. I suppose you finally understand what it means to be in love, don’t you?”
Karmen offered a small, contemplative smile and a slow nod. “Perhaps. But Aisha hasn’t fully accepted me yet. We’ve agreed to date for a month as a trial. I told her my only priority was her protection… I think that’s the only reason she gave me a chance.”
“You really have no clue what she told the hotel staff, do you?” Gabriel chuckled.
Karmen knitted his brows in confusion. “What do you mean?”
“’Save my boyfriend,’” Gabriel quoted, his eyes glinting with amusement. “That is exactly how she addressed you, Karmen. You’ve already moved her heart closer than you realize.
“And now,” Gabriel continued, “you need to make every effort to win her heart completely. Just try to stay out of trouble while doing it. I’ve prepared a little something for the both of you.”
Gabriel moved to the front of the desk, pulled open a drawer, and retrieved a cream-colored envelope. He walked back to Karmen and pressed it firmly into his palm.
“What’s this?” Karmen asked, glancing down at the weight of the paper.
“Tickets for a winter cruise,” Gabriel asserted. “Three nights and four days. Take Aisha there and celebrate Christmas away from the prying eyes of the capital. I had originally intended to go with Amelie, but the timing isn’t right. Noah is still too sensitive to loud noises and crowds, so I’m postponing our trip until next year.”
Karmen’s eyes widened as he realized the value of what he was holding. “Gabriel, this really wasn’t necessary. This is far too much.”
“Stay quiet and take them,” Gabriel affirmed, cutting off his protest with a sharp look. “I want to see you married by this time next year. As your friend, I’m going to make sure that happens and that Aisha falls for you as quickly as possible. I’m done watching you make sacrifices for everyone else, Karmen. It’s time you took something for yourself.”
Karmen’s smile was genuine, a rare expression of unburdened relief. “Thanks a lot, Gabriel.”
“Go ahead then,” Gabriel replied, a small wave of his hand dismissing the formality. “Don’t keep her waiting.” Karmen hummed in agreement, his eyes shimmering with gratitude as he turned and walked toward the doors.
Once the room was silent again, Gabriel let out a long, weary sigh and looked out the window at the falling snow.
“I feel surprisingly good,” Gabriel muttered to the empty office. “I wonder how Cynthia is faring. I’ll have to check in person to see if she’s living in the house I arranged for her.”