"Your Majesty, the servants can handle such a chore," Albus said, watching the Queen carefully as she stirred the pot.
"Albus," Mabel replied with a soft smile, "I have never truly been a mother to Gabriel. Now is my chance. Cooking for him is no burden." She ladled a small portion of chicken soup into a tiny bowl, tasting it.
Albus shifted uneasily, lowering his voice. "Prince Gabriel is not easily pleased. Her Majesty may have to endure… harsh words from her own son."
Mabel's smile wavered, but her voice remained steady. "I understand. I was harsh on him too. For a long time, I was the cause of his misery." She set the ladle aside and looked into the pot, her eyes clouding with regret. "But, Albus… no matter how many times Gabriel says he doesn't want a mother in his life, he always finds his way back to me when the world becomes too heavy. He is as stubborn and hot-headed as I am, but in the end, he is still my child. And I will win his heart, even if it takes a lifetime."
