Chapter 196 Like A Curse
The throne hall dropped into suffocating silence. Ava’s fate was sealed. But Gavriel wasn’t done. Not yet.
He had one last message, one last warning, before he delivered judgment. He looked down at Ava, and his voice was calm enough to terrify.
“When I return,” Gavriel said, voice cold enough to freeze bone, “we will finish this. Consider yourself fortunate, Ava. I will not end your life now with my own hands the way I ended Cara’s. I am being lenient only because of the years you served this kingdom.”
Ava’s breath hitched, but Gavriel was already turning away from her.
He faced the royal guards. “Take her to the dungeon. Lock her inside her father’s cell. Make sure she reunites with him—one last time—before the kingdom watches how I punish her for crossing the line she never should have touched.”
The guards bowed sharply before seizing Ava. She twisted, trembling, but their grip was merciless.
Gavriel then shifted his attention to Gustav. “You will handle the punishment of the mages who aided her crimes. Execute them. All of them. Spare no one.”
Gustav bowed. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
“No! No, please!” Nilda shrieked as the guards grabbed her. Panic turned her voice shrill.
“Please! Spare me! It wasn’t my fault! Lady Ava threatened me—she forced me! I was only following instructions! Please! I didn’t want to—please, Your Majesty!”
Her pleas cracked into sobs as she struggled against the guards, her lies spilling out in a frantic stream. But no one moved to help her. The hall remained silent, watching her desperation collapse under the weight of her own guilt.
And that was the cliffhanger Ava never saw coming. She thought she had won. She thought the Queen Mother was hers. She thought she could fool the Alpha King. But now the truth was out. The hall had witnessed her crimes. And Gavriel had turned the entire kingdom against her.
The room remained frozen as his cloak swept behind him and he walked away from the throne, toward the storm he would unleash next.
And Ava, trembling in the center of the hall, finally understood: The Alpha King did not spare those who touched what was his. Not his mother. Not his sister. Not his mate. And she had touched all three.
The throne hall emptied in tense silence as Gavriel guided his mother out. Uriel walked behind them, keeping a steadying hand ready in case the Queen Mother’s strength wavered.
She was still pale from the restored clarity, her breaths shallow but lucid.
Outside, whispers had already begun to spread like wildfire.
Lady Ava was dragged to the dungeon. The King ordered her locked in her father’s cell. Her execution will be public. Tomorrow—at the kingdom’s grounds.
Every servant, guard, and noble who heard it wore disbelief on their faces. Ava had been beloved by many, admired by others, but now her name passed through the halls like a curse. Fear and confusion churned in every corner of the palace.
By the time Gavriel reached the palace courtyard with his mother, the rumors had grown thicker, swirling like dust behind them.
The Queen Mother held her son’s arm, brows drawn. “Gavriel… where is Riela?”
Gavriel didn’t hesitate. “I will take you to her. She’s safe. Recovering.”
Minister Marius, who had been waiting anxiously at the steps, immediately stepped forward and bowed. “Your Majesty, if the Queen Mother is traveling, I will accompany her personally to ensure her safety.”
The Queen Mother gave a quiet nod of approval. “Thank you, Marius.” She paused then, placing a hand over her chest as if steadying her breath. She was still shaken, but her years as Queen Mother had ingrained her with duty.
“My responsibilities… someone must oversee the court in my place,” she said softly. “The kingdom cannot lose its balance while I am gone.”
Marius lowered his head. “If it pleases you, Your Majesty, my daughter, Beatrice can serve in your stead. She has trained under you for years and is familiar with court proceedings.”
A faint smile tugged at the Queen Mother’s lips, the first sign of warmth since her mind cleared. “Beatrice… yes. She is diligent. Steady. She will manage the court with fairness.”
Gavriel gave a curt nod. “I will send word for her immediately. I’ll have the council informed.”
The Queen Mother squeezed his arm, her voice more firm now. “Gavriel… take me to Riela. I need to see her with my own eyes.”
Gavriel turned to Uriel. “Prepare the portal.”
Uriel stepped forward, already lifting his staff. “At once.”
He tapped the marble tiles, and the ground beneath them pulsed with magic. Light spilled outward in a widening circle, runes igniting like stars. The air shimmered, bending inward as a swirling portal took shape — stable, bright, and humming with power.
Marius positioned himself beside the Queen Mother, steadying her with a gentle hand.
Gavriel guided her closer. “We’ll return to the place where Riela is resting, recovering.”
The Queen Mother inhaled slowly, her grip tightening. “Good. Bring me to Riela. I need to see her with my own eyes.”
Uriel stepped aside once the portal stabilized. “The path is open. We can cross anytime.”
Gavriel nodded, then gave the final command. “Let’s go.”
The Queen Mother stepped through first with Marius supporting her. Gavriel turned to Uriel and asked, “Is the portal stable?”
“Yes,” Uriel replied. “Zander gave me authority to anchor it. It opens directly to their location. He’s waiting on the other side to receive us.”
Gavriel nodded once, decisive. “Good. Then you’ll stay here and oversee everything while I’m gone. Lord Marius will arrive soon, you know he’ll want to personally support Mother. Until I return, you’re in charge. Simon will assist you.”
Uriel opened his mouth. “But—”
“No more buts,” Gavriel cut him off firmly. “You were trained to lead even without relying on your magic. And Lady Beatrice will need your guidance. She’s new to all this, and someone has to make sure she doesn’t get overwhelmed.”
Uriel frowned. “But that’s babysitting and—”