Amelie waited, her heart hammering against her ribs for him to speak, but Gabriel simply offered a small, weary smile. "Shall we have our supper first?"
"Yes, of course," she replied, matching his calm despite her curiosity. They rose in unison and walked toward the dining hall. As they exited, Ashna moved quietly into the bedroom to take her post by Noah's crib.
At the table, a maidservant began to serve the meal, but Gabriel dismissed her with a sharp, silent gesture. He clearly needed absolute privacy; the secrets he carried weren't meant for the ears of palace staff. He began to eat, though his mind seemed miles away.
"Eat more," Gabriel urged, ladling a generous serving of chicken soup into Amelie's bowl. "I've noticed your appetite has been fading lately."
"That's not true at all," Amelie murmured, a soft smile playing on her lips. "I've actually gained weight, and I have your constant doting to thank for it."
