Chapter 164: Apology with lines
Gabriel’s heart was heavy, and he knew that only someone who had experienced something similar could truly understand what he and his father were going through. He said, "The person responsible for her death was killed."
Carlos’s breath shuddered, and he stated, "Serves them right." After a moment of silence, he said, "It is time to prepare a grave for her. I had hoped to do it once you returned, together..."
They didn’t have Stella’s ashes to place in the grave, so instead, Gabriel decided to bury this portrait made by the second prince as a way to honour her memory and offer prayer for her peace. "Yeah, I think that would be nice," he agreed.
"Now that your work is done, you should consider settling down, Gabriel," Carlos advised as he gripped Gabriel’s shoulders. "I won’t be around forever and will depart one day." He added, "Anna and Dante will be marrying soon."
"I see," Gabriel responded, realising how fast things were moving.
"He’s a good man, always eager to lend a hand, though he can be a bit aloof at times. Hugh was suspicious until last evening, but it appears that everyone was won over after he saved Hawkshead from the pirates’ ambush," his father said. "Anna will be happy."
When someone knocked on the door, Gabriel rose from his seat, and his father pondered aloud, "I wonder who it is?" He crossed the house and swung the door open, only to find Dante standing on their doorstep. "Hundred years to you, Dante! We were just talking about you," he exclaimed with a warm smile.
"All good, I hope?" Dante smiled, despite having overheard their conversation.
"I was yet to speak about your fighting skills; you should teach the young men in this village!" Carlos suggested, now pleased to converse with him.