Chapter 409: The Forgotten Past - III

Las Noches, the Royal Palace of Eternal Night...

In the Underworld, the Devil’s word was absolute law. Respect, fear, and submission were offered by every subject. Yet, for those who were wicked or rebellious in nature, fear and submission proved far more effective.

As the sound of steady, purposeful footsteps of the formidable Crown Prince echoed through the grand halls of Las Noches, demons bowed their heads in unison, their gazes lowered in deference to the man destined to inherit the throne.

Unbothered by anyone, Gavriel Rios Valtherion made his way toward the royal study before coming to a halt. At the sight of him, the guards immediately pulled open the heavy double doors.

Upon entering, Gavriel offered a respectful bow to the two figures seated together on the velvet sofa within the expansive study.

"Father, Mother," he said, looking up with icy blue eyes that perfectly mirrored those of his mother. "You requested my presence?"

Queen Lilith’s face brightened instantly. She rose from the sofa, striding forward to draw her son into a warm embrace. "Oh, I have missed you, my Riel."

The glacial edge in Gavriel’s posture softened as he embraced her in return.

As he pulled back, his voice softened. "How are you faring, Mother?" His eyes drifted down to her wrist, where the corrupting mark of the mate bond festered in the form of dark, venomous veins creeping across her skin.

Lilith smiled gently. "I am well, my dear." She reached up, tenderly cupping his face before letting her hands rest upon his broad shoulders. "Look at you... The years at the academy have served you well. You carry yourself with even greater strength."

A rare, faint smile touched Gavriel’s lips. "It is not my strength you should be concerned with. I should be concerned for you-"

"Nonsense," she chided with soft affection, patting his arm. "If you were truly concerned, then you would have visited much sooner. All your brothers came to pay their respects, save for you. Had I not issued a formal summons, would you have visited at all?"

?"Forgive me, Mother. I was about to but...." He paused, hesitant to disclose the presence of the high-tier shadow beast roaming Tartarus when the memory of that breathtaking woman protectively holding the creature flashed across his mind.

Lilith noticed his sudden hesitation and prompted, "But what?"

Gavriel smoothed his expression with a subtle smile. "I merely intended to complete a patrol around the perimeter to ensure everything was in order before coming here, as it was along the way."

"And did you discover anything unusual?" This time, the question came from his father, Raizel, who stood up with a warm smile to join his wife.

Gavriel’s eyes shifted to his father.

He shared most of his physical features with Raizel, yet a quiet rift had grown between them ever since Gavriel learned of the choice his father had made that brought the devastating curse upon his parents.

Still, Gavriel could never bring himself to punish his father, knowing the universe was already exacting a cruel toll.

Gavriel glanced subtly toward Raizel’s neck, spotting the dark, root-like veins creeping outward just like his mother’s and clenched his hand into a tight fist at the sight.

Looking back at his father’s face, Gavriel answered, "I noticed nothing unusual."

It was a lie. He didn’t understand why but he found himself unwilling to reveal what he had witnessed about the woman.

Raizel studied his son for a silent moment before giving a slow nod. "Recently, there have been reports of high and low-level beasts sighted near the forest borders. I intended to dispatch guards to investigate, but since you found nothing, my mind is at ease."

Gavriel gave a brief nod but remained silent.

He was well aware that high-tier beasts resided in the fifth level of the Underworld, and having their presence in Tartarus was deeply alarming for public safety.

That was precisely why he had attacked the nine-tailed wolf in the woods earlier. He would have slain it outright had that woman not thrown herself in harm’s way.

No beast could cross into the highest tier unaided.

Gavriel suspected treason, and he was determined to uncover who was bringing them here. He had briefly suspected the woman, given how instantly the beast had bonded to her, yet something unexplainable had stayed his hand from taking her into custody.

"Son?" Raizel called out, noticing Gavriel drift off into thought again. Both parents watched him with concerned expressions.

"Don’t worry, Father. I shall handle the matter personally," Gavriel stated firmly.

Raizel nodded, while Lilith looped her arm through Gavriel’s. "Come, sit with us for tea. We have significant news to discuss."

Once seated, Lilith began, "We wished to inform you that a formal betrothal is being arranged for your eldest brother, Belial."

"So I have heard," Gavriel replied, taking a slow sip of his tea.

Lilith’s face fell into a slight frown. "I explicitly told him to keep quiet so I could share the news myself, yet your brother can never hold his tongue around you."

Raizel chuckled softly and placed a reassuring hand over his wife’s. "He was simply excited, my dear."

"Excited to add another woman to his excessively large harem, no doubt," Gavriel remarked dryly.

"Riel," Lilith warned softly, before releasing a sigh.

"Those were mostly political alliances, and your brother was gracious enough to accept them to maintain peace within the court, especially since you and Zereph refuse to take concubines. But this woman will be his lawful wife, and I am certain Belial will cherish her. I have known her since she was a child. She is lovely, and I would dearly love to welcome her into our family."

Gavriel responded with total disinterest. "Very well, Mother. Proceed as you wish."

"That is the issue. I cannot proceed just yet, as she has not reached her eighteenth year," Lilith explained. "A grand banquet is being held next month to celebrate her coming of age. Your father and I expect you to attend so you may see for yourself if she could be your destined mate."

Gavriel released a tired sigh. "Mother, I intended to travel down to the fifth tier next month to investigate these beast sightings. I cannot waste time attending another banquet where noble families endlessly thrust their daughters toward me. When my true mate appears, my beast will recognise her."

"Only if you are close enough," Lilith countered.

"Your mother is right," Raizel added.

"This is a matter of royal duty, Riel," Lilith pressed. "We must ensure we do not mistakenly allow your true mate to be bound to someone else. Even if she is not the one, numerous other young noblewomen who have come of age will be in attendance. It will be the perfect opportunity for you-"

Gavriel’s expression hardened. "I will not take a concubine. Neither of you will persuade me otherwise." His eyes flashed crimson, Bellarios’s presence stirring beneath the surface.

The room fell silent.

Lilith held his gaze. "Then you have nothing to fear from attending. If she is not there, you may leave. But as Crown Prince, you have a duty to be present, and that is not negotiable."

Raizel’s voice left no room for argument. "You will attend. That is my order."

Releasing another sigh, Gavriel submitted. "Very well. I shall attend, but only for a brief moment to sense for my mate. If she is not there, I’ll leave immediately. Don’t expect me to entertain the other women."

"Agreed," Raizel replied.

Their discussion eventually came to an end, and Gavriel stepped out of the royal study. However, he had barely taken a few steps when he stopped at the sight of someone he hadn’t expected to encounter.

"Gavriel... how good to see you grace these corridors after such a long absence," smooth words drifted from the tall figure.

The speaker was none other than Prince Malakov, the King’s firstborn son through a mistress, designated as the Sixth Prince of the realm. Tall and lean, he had long, dark purple hair that fell past his shoulders and crimson eyes that gleamed with a sharp, calculating intelligence.

"Malakov." Gavriel acknowledged him with a curt nod.

He made to leave, but his half-brother spoke again. "Tell me, how was the academy? Worth all those years away from home?"

"Productive," Gavriel replied, making no effort to elaborate.

Malakov chuckled softly. "Still a man of few words, I see. I suppose some things never change." His crimson gaze swept over Gavriel before settling on his face again. "I hear Her Majesty has finally decided to find you a suitable lady. Tell me, little brother, have you discovered your destined mate yet, or is she still keeping you waiting?"

Gavriel met his eyes without a hint of warmth. "When I find her, you’ll know."

"How reassuring." Malakov’s smile widened ever so slightly. "I would hate for the future Devil to be left waiting indefinitely for his queen... just like our father did."

Gavriel’s expression remained unchanged, though the air between them seemed to grow colder. "Your concern is touching."

"Only a brother’s concern, of course." Malakov gave a small, almost innocent shrug before changing the subject. "So, I take it you’ll be attending the banquet?"

"I will." Gavriel studied him for a moment. "How did you know about it?"

"Her Majesty extended an invitation to me as well," Malakov replied, appearing entirely unbothered by his brother’s scrutiny. "It seems Mother has decided that I, too, should find myself a suitable bride."

"How fortunate for you," Gavriel replied flatly.

"Indeed." Malakov’s smile took on a faintly mischievous edge. "And who knows? Perhaps the young lady celebrating her coming of age will catch my eye. It would certainly make the occasion more interesting, wouldn’t you agree?"

Gavriel’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly. "Then I suggest you choose your prospects carefully. Not every woman who catches your eye is meant to be yours."

Malakov’s smile only deepened at the quiet threat behind Gavriel’s words. He bowed his head with deceptive grace before taking a small step back.

"Words of wisdom, Crown Prince," Malakov murmured with amusement. "Rest assured, I always take your advice to heart. I look forward to seeing you at the banquet."

Gavriel offered no further response to his provocation.

Turning on his heel, he strode down the grand corridor, his heavy cloak sweeping behind him as he left his half-brother standing alone in the silent hall.