<h4>Chapter 711: Return to San Ravendale</h4>


    One weekter,


    As the royal car glided through the streets of the San Ravendale, Gabriel and Amelie looked out at a city transformed. San Ravendale had been draped in vibrant banners and gands to mark their return, the decorations specifically honoring the arrival of the young prince, Noah. Amelie leaned toward the ss as she watched crowds of citizens waving and cheering. The scale of the affection was overwhelming.


    "How did they even know we were returning today?" Amelie asked, turning her stunned gaze toward Gabriel.


    "I gave Albus and Denzel a heads-up," Gabriel admitted as he adjusted his hold on Noah. The boy was tucked firmly against his chest, fast asleep and oblivious to the wee waiting outside. "I imagine they took it upon themselves to arrange the festivities. Do you like it?"


    "I love it," Amelie replied, her eyes shimmering with emotion. "The airport was a sea of flowers. I’ve never seen so many roses in my life. But what about you, Gabriel? Look at them. They aren’t cowering or hiding anymore. They truly love you." She finished with a radiant smile, reaching over to rest her hand on his arm.


    "Hmm," was all Gabriel offered, his gaze remaining fixed on the passing scenery of the city he had raised from the ashes.


    "Just a ’hmm’?" Amelie teased with a gentle disbelief. "Gabriel, you built this city. Look at what you’ve done! Aren’t you even a little happy? The way people gathered, the way they’re celebrating your return, our return, it’s incredible."


    Gabriel finally turned his head, his expression softening as itnded on her, though his stoic nature remained intact. "I’m not used to receiving affection from strangers, Amelie," he stated simply. "Crowds and cheers... they aren’t what drive me."


    He shifted his focus back down to the small, warm weight in his arms. His hand moved in a rhythmic motion, gently caressing Noah’s belly as the boy took deep, steady breaths in his sleep. "What matters to me is the love you give me, and the safety of my family. Everything else is just a distraction for me. But I’m d that they give so much love to us, especially you two."


    Gabriel extended his left arm and drew Amelie closer, her head resting on his shoulder. "Sleep. The estate is far."


    .


    .


    .


    An hourter, Amelie blinked away the remnants of a light nap and sat upright, adjusting her dress as the familiar scenery of the estate finally came into view. As the car pulled to a stop in front of the grand mansion, the doors were opened simultaneously from both sides by waiting attendants.


    She stepped out, her gazending on Albus, who stood at the center of the entrance. With a look of profound respect, he inclined his head in a deep, formal bow toward her and Gabriel.


    "Wee back to San Ravendale, Prince Gabriel and Princess Amelie," Albus said. He lifted his head, his eyes softening as theynded on the tiny prince slumbering in Gabriel’s arms. "The rooms are ready, Your Highness, exactly as youmanded."


    Gabriel reached out, intecing his fingers with Amelie’s as they stepped into the foyer. Behind them, Karmen lingered at the entrance, catching Denzel’s eye to begin an exchange of their own.


    As they reached the uppernding, Albus gestured toward a set of double doors. "Prince Noah’s suite is directly adjacent to yours, for your convenience." He stepped forward, pushing the doors open to reveal the nursery.


    Amelie’s breath hitched as she stepped inside. The room was a masterpiece of soft colors and plush textures, a perfect room for a child. "Did you prepare all of this? When we were herest, this was just an empty wing." She turned to Gabriel, her eyes wide with wonder.


    "I did," Gabriel admitted, watching her reaction closely. "I sent word to Albus to have everything decorated and furnished before Christmas. I wanted it to be ready for our return." He then turned to the older man. "You did a wonderful job, Albus. Noah is going to love it here."


    "I am honored, Your Highness," Albus replied with a humble bow.


    Amelie looked toward herdy-in-waiting. "Ashna, we’re going to take some time to rest, and you should do the same. As for Noah, Albus will arrange for a temporary maid to look after him while we sleep."


    "Of course, Your Highness," Albus replied, his tone hushed to avoid disturbing the sleeping child.


    Gabriel leaned over the crib as he gently lowered Noah onto the fresh linens. He checked the boy’s diaper before pulling a light nket over him. "There is no need for a change yet," Gabriel noted. "But if he wakes and begins to cry,e for me immediately. It’s a new environment for him, and he may be unsettled."


    "I will keep that in mind, Your Highness," Albus assured him. He pulled a small device from his pocket and summoned a maid to the upper wing.


    Within moments, a young woman arrived, entering the nursery with soft, hurried steps. She bowed deeply to both Gabriel and Amelie, her expression one of quiet diligence. "I will not take my eyes off him, Your Highnesses," she whispered.


    Gabriel kept a firm, warm hold on Amelie’s hand as they went to their own room. Outside in the hallway, Albus took charge of the staff, guiding Ashna toward her quarters to ensure she could rest properly.


    Meanwhile, Gabriel locked the door from inside. He nced over to see Amelie already distracted, her phone held to her ear as she spoke softly to his mother, likely giving the Queen a much-anticipated update on their safe arrival and Noah’s well-being.


    Moving with a tired grace, Gabriel began to shed theyers of his formal traveling attire. He shrugged out of his heavy coat and unbuttoned his shirt. His mind was already on thefort of therge bed, looking forward to a few hours of undisturbed peace with Amelie before the responsibilities of the estate called them back.