Chapter 235: A home for me
Gabriel stormed out of the chamber, his anger simmering just beneath the surface. As he stepped into the main hall, his eyes fell upon his mother. Queen Mabel stood with quiet authority, overseeing the interrogation of Lester and several palace servants. Katelyn lingered nearby, watching her mother.
"Your Majesty, I’ve reviewed the palace CCTV footage," Lester reported, bowing his head low. "She entered today. We also discovered a servant’s body in the backyard near the quarters. I accept full responsibility for my negligence."
Mabel’s expression turned cold. "Lester, your apology does not erase the fact that a spy, one with assassin-level skill, breached the palace. You failed in your duty. She could have killed Amelie."
"I understand, Your Majesty. I’m fully aware of the consequences. I accept whatever punishment you deem fit," Lester replied, still keeping his gaze lowered.
"Show me the CCTV footage," Gabriel interjected, stepping forward. "Then you can take your punishment. Something isn’t right here. The palace should be impenetrable, no outsider could have slipped in without help. Someone from the inside assisted her."
Mabel’s sharp gaze shifted to Gabriel, her eyes narrowing slightly. Katelyn tensed, worried her mother might turn her wrath toward Gabriel instead.
Lester remained silent, awaiting the Queen’s next command.
"I oversee the inner palace," Mabel finally said, her tone softening in a way that felt offbeat. "I’ll decide how to handle this matter. As for you, Gabriel, you shouldn’t leave Amelie alone. She must be shaken after everything that’s happened."
Gabriel frowned slightly at the unexpected gentleness in her voice. Her concern for Amelie felt... too fake instead of warm.
’Something’s wrong with her,’ Valko muttered in the back of his mind.