Chapter 407: Want Daddy to help you sleep?
"You should sleep," Gabriel told Zilia softly as he lingered at the chamber door, the last to leave.
"Thank you, Gabriel," Zilia said with gratitude. "If you hadn’t acted so quickly, then..."
"Nothing would have happened to Casaio," Gabriel assured her, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Goodnight." With that, he stepped out into the dimly lit corridor.
Not far along, he encountered Estelle, who had just returned from her duties.
"Everyone has been captured, Your Highness," Estelle reported promptly. "How is Prince Casaio? Is he recovering well?"
"Yes. He’s resting now," Gabriel replied.
Estelle exhaled in relief, whispering a silent thanks to the Moon Goddess.
Gabriel studied her for a moment, then asked with genuine intrigue, "You’re the only female beta I’ve seen working with such dedication. Why is that? I’ve rarely known women to take on such a role, and you do it commendably."
His words brought a gentle smile to her face. "Prince Casaio rescued me when I was young. From that day, I vowed I would protect him with everything I have."
"I see," Gabriel said, nodding in understanding.
Estelle hesitated, then brightened as she added, "I heard Princess Amelie has given birth to a boy. Congratulations, Your Highness... On becoming a father."
"Thank you," Gabriel replied, and this time his smile was warm, touched with pride. "It’s late. Stay here in the palace tonight. A guest room will be prepared for you, and in the morning you may visit Casaio. He should be awake by then."
At that moment, Lester approached. Gabriel gave him a brief nod, silently instructing him to escort Estelle to her room.
Gabriel walked away silently and entered the bedroom finally. Ashna rose to her feet, seeing the prince and bowed.
"Thank you," Gabriel said in a low voice. Ashna bowed and left the room. Closing the door behind him, he found Amelie and Noah were sleeping peacefully. Removing his overcoat, he slid right next to Amelie and snuggled her close before drifting off to sleep.
But as soon as Gabriel drifted into sleep, Noah’s sudden cries pierced the quiet night, pulling him awake. Beside him, Amelie stirred, but Gabriel gently touched her arm.
"Sleep. I’ll take care of him," he whispered.
He rose and went to the cradle, lifting Noah carefully into his arms. "What’s wrong, little one?" Gabriel murmured, quickly realizing the reason when he felt the dampness. "Ah, so Daddy needs to change you, doesn’t he? Stop crying now. Your mother needs her rest."
He fetched a fresh diaper and changed Noah swiftly. The baby quieted almost immediately, his small fists relaxing as Gabriel finished. After washing his hands, Gabriel returned to the room, Noah nestled securely against his chest.
"Close your eyes," Gabriel said softly, rocking him. But instead of sleeping, Noah stared up at him with wide, striking blue eyes that seemed almost too knowing for a newborn. His tiny fingers wriggled, brushing against Gabriel’s cheek.
A quiet chuckle escaped Gabriel. "So, you want Daddy to help you sleep, huh?" he whispered.
Noah’s lips curled into a faint smile, and Gabriel’s heart warmed. He paced slowly across the room, gently patting Noah’s back, humming under his breath. It took more than a little effort, but at last Noah’s breaths evened out, and he fell asleep.
"Good boy," Gabriel murmured, placing him carefully back into the cradle. He lingered a moment longer, watching his son sleep peacefully, before finally returning to bed.
~~~~~
The next morning, Gabriel woke much later than usual. A glance at the clock told him it was already past ten. Blinking the sleep from his eyes, he noticed the bed was empty.
Rising quickly, he made his way out, following the faint sound of soft laughter. In the living space, he found Amelie bent over Noah, making him wear the clothes.
"Look, your daddy is finally awake!" Amelie said playfully, lifting Noah into her arms and turning toward him.
Gabriel’s lips curved into a faint smile as his gaze softened on them.
"Gabriel," Amelie added warmly, "how was your sleep?"
"Good," he murmured as he approached, his voice low but touched with honesty. "Though I still feel tired."
He leaned down and brushed a tender kiss against her cheek, his hand briefly grazing Noah’s head.
Noah threw his hands in the air, making both of them laugh. "Alright, Daddy is giving a kiss to you." He softly kissed the middle of Noah’s head.
"I’ll go and freshen up," Gabriel said.
"Sure," Amelie nodded. "By the way, Brother Casaio is awake."
"I’ll see him later," Gabriel replied before turning and walking toward their room.
Just then, Ashna entered, balancing a tray in her hands. "Your Highness, I brought a fruit salad for you," she said with a respectful smile. "Also, your mother and father are preparing to leave. I saw them packing their luggage earlier."
"Oh?" Amelie blinked in surprise. "I thought they would stay longer."
"They would have," Ashna explained as she set the tray down and slid a fork into the bowl. "But I overheard your father saying that your sister is still alone in San Ravendale. They seem worried about her."
"I see..." Amelie murmured, her voice softening. She looked down at Noah, who wriggled in her arms. With a gentle smile, she handed him over to her attendant. "Take care of him for a while, Ashna."
"Yes, Your Highness," Ashna said, cradling Noah with care.
Amelie watched them for a moment, her thoughts wandering. "Yes... Flora is alone there," she whispered almost to herself, concern threading through her tone.
’I hope she doesn’t stay hard on herself. She has to live for her own happiness,’ Amelie thought.
While eating the fruits, she would notice how Ashna would play with Noah.
"The other day you say you’ve a little sister. Do bring her to Noah’s welcoming ceremony," Amelie told her.
"Ah, thank you for inviting her but will it be appropriate for me? I mean, we servants aren’t allowed to bring our family in the palace," Ashna stated.
"I’ll talk to Gabriel regarding it. You should bring your little sister. That way you’ll also get time to spend with her," Amelie pronounced with a warm smile.