Chapter 194 Treason
The way back to the palace was a blur of wind and rage as Gavriel and Uriel came out from Urie’s portal. Gavriel didn’t speak at all. Uriel followed a few paces behind him, silent as well, sensing the storm simmering beneath the Alpha King’s skin.
They crossed through the palace’s courtyard at full speed. Guards saluted, but Gavriel didn’t spare them a glance. All he could think about was Althea collapsing in his arms, Zander’s confession, the antidote in his pocket, and the fact that Ava and Nilda had laid hands, indirectly or not, on his mother.
“Where is my mother?” he barked.
“At her chambers, Alpha King,” the nearest guard said, bowing low.
“Summon the royal healers. Now!”
The guard paled and rushed off.
Uriel spoke quietly, “Should I accompany—”
“No. Stay with me.” Gavriel’s jaw tightened. “We’re doing this together.”
They strode through the palace corridors. People scattered like leaves before a storm. Servants pressed themselves to walls, trembling. Even warriors stepped back.
When Gavriel opened the Queen Mother’s door, the first thing he saw was Ava, kneeling beside the Queen Mother’s chair, speaking softly with a mask of concern.
Nilda stood behind, head bowed, hands folded demurely. The Queen Mother was seated upright, hands resting calmly on her lap, face serene and almost unnaturally placid.
Her gaze lifted when Gavriel entered. A distant smile curved her lips.
“My son.”
Gavriel’s chest tightened. She had always greeted him with warmth—she’d always been expressive, motherly, firm but affectionate. Now her tone was flat. Gentle, yes, but in the wrong way. Subdued, softened, fragile and controlled.
Ava rose gracefully and dipped into a bow. “Alpha King. We have been deeply concerned. There is urgent news.”
Nilda bowed too, pressing a hand to her chest. “Grave news, Your Majesty.”
Uriel’s fingers flexed, faint sparks of magic gathering around his skin.
Gavriel said nothing at first. He crossed the room in long strides, knelt beside his mother, and cupped her hand.
Her eyes flickered, unfocused.
“Mother…” Gavriel’s voice dropped. “How do you feel?”
“I feel… steady,” she answered, her tone strangely even. “Ava has been taking care of me.”
Ava smiled sweetly, stepping closer. “I only wish to ensure Her Majesty receives the proper treatment. If you allow me, Alpha King, I would like to discuss something urgent—”
“Yes,” Nilda added, “we have reason to believe Princess Riela is in danger.”
That caught Gavriel’s attention.
Slowly, he stood, turning toward them with cold interest. “Speak.”
Ava folded her hands, expression appropriately worried. “Princess Riela is missing. We suspect she was taken. Perhaps by someone connected to Alpha Cain.”
Nilda continued, voice trembling as if she held back fear. “We… also have reason to believe that the traitor’s daughter, Lady Althea, may have been involved.”
Gavriel’s eyes darkened.
The Queen Mother nodded. “I trust Ava’s instincts. She thinks clearly. She sees danger before it arrives.”
Gavriel’s stomach tightened. This wasn’t his mother speaking. This was Ava speaking through her.
Gavriel stared at Ava. She held his gaze, confident—too confident—and bowed slightly.
“Alpha King, I suggest we search for Princess Riela immediately. And… we must be cautious with Lady Althea. Her presence may not be as harmless as she appears.”
Gavriel let out a slow breath, long and heavy. Ava thought she was untouchable. Protected by the Queen Mother’s manipulated approval. She believed her position was unshakable.
And she truly believed he didn’t know.
Perfect.
Gavriel turned to the guards. “Prepare the throne hall.”
Ava brightened. “For an urgent strategy meeting?”
“Yes,” Gavriel said calmly. “A strategy meeting.”
Nilda bowed gratefully. “Alpha King, thank you.”
“Bring the Queen Mother,” Gavriel added. “She should hear everything.”
Ava nodded, relieved. “Of course, Alpha King.”
Gavriel stepped forward, lowered his voice, and brushed a thumb gently over the back of his mother’s hand. “Mother. Will you come?”
“Yes, my son.” Her smile was soft but empty. “For you, always.”
Gavriel exchanged a glance with Uriel.
Uriel gave a subtle nod.
At the Throne Hall
The Court Councils, high-ranking officials, royal advisors and mages filled the hall with tense murmurs. Everyone knew something was wrong for then to be called so suddenly for an urgent meeting.
Gavriel entered first. Silence fell. Behind him came Uriel, then Nilda, then Ava, gently guiding the Queen Mother, who looked serene and obedient, hands folded neatly in front of her.
Gavriel took his seat on the throne, the stone cold and familiar beneath his palms. Uriel stood at his side.
Ava bowed gracefully. “Your Majesty. We bring grave news—”
“You will share your report in a moment,” Gavriel cut her off, voice sharp as a blade.
Ava blinked with the sudden interruption.
Gavriel's gaze swept across the hall. “Before we begin, I require the presence of those responsible for monitoring the Queen Mother’s health. Stand forward.”
The healers stepped out, bowing.
Ava’s lips curved faintly. She believed this was her chance. She believed Gavriel was about to validate her, praise her.
She stepped forward with a smile. “Alpha King, if this is about safeguarding the Queen Mother’s well-being, I assure you—I have done everything to ensure—”
“Quiet.”
The word hit like a whip. Ava stopped mid-sentence.
The Queen Mother, still under influence, frowned softly. “My son… Ava only wants what is best for the kingdom. Why are you being rude to her. You must—”
Gavriel didn’t look at her. “Uriel.”
A single word.
Uriel stepped forward, staff glowing. “I am ready.”
Ava’s confident smile faltered. “Your Majesty… what is this? What is going on?”
Gavriel leaned back in his throne watching her with his cold expression that sent chilled inside the hall.
“The throne hall is sealed,” he said. “No one leaves until I give the command.”
The heavy doors shut behind them with a deep echoing thud. A whisper of unease spread through the hall.
Ava’s heart skipped while Nilda stiffened.
Gavriel’s voice dropped, quiet but carrying across the entire hall. “Tonight, we judge those who dared commit treason in my palace.”
Ava swallowed. “Treason? Your Majesty, I believe—”
“You believe,” Gavriel repeated, “many things.”
He gestured to Uriel.
“Show them.”