<h4>Chapter 760: Stripped of his Alpha Prince title</h4>
"It all happened because of you."
Gabriel was still fuming when Casaio pressed a cotton swab firmly against his split lower lip.
"Watch it! Be gentle," Gabriel snapped at his eldest brother. Casaio ignored the protest, stepping away to face Dominick instead.
"Amelie is only upset because you act like a child, Gabriel," Casaio said, discarding the used swab and pulling a fresh one from the first-aid kit.
He turned his attention to the other brother. "And you, Nick, why did you use him without knowing the full story? You’ve always been the patient one. Lately, you’re just rash." Casaio began dabbing at the blood on Dominick’s mouth.
"I wouldn’t have even touched him if his Gamma hadn’t stepped in," Dominick muttered, flinching as the antiseptic stung his split lip. "He med me for Juniper’s condition. For all we know, she’s just lying to Denzel to get my attention anyway."
"Denzel wouldn’t dare say a word without confirmation," Gabriel snapped, rising to his feet, his patience finally depleted. "The truth is, you couldn’t handle the failure of your marriage, so you me everyone else for it. It’s written all over your actions."
Dominick’s brow furrowed, his eyes darkening. "What did you just say?"
"Ask yourself, Nick. You’re already chasing a second mate, thinking you can just do better this time," Gabriel said bluntly this time.
"But you’re wrong. Being a prince, no one questions you for a failed marriage, men are rarely held ountable for that. But Juniper? She’s amoner now. She’s an easy target for every judgmental tongue in the kingdom. Don’t you dare throw your anger at me or my people just because you refuse to take responsibility for your own failures."
Dominick surged upward, taking a menacing step forward, ready to reignite the brawl. Before he could reach Gabriel, Cassio moved, cing a firm, immovable hand against Dominick’s chest.
"Gabriel is right," Cassio said, his voice quiet butmanding. "You need to see Juniper. And if you can’t bring yourself to do that, at least find out exactly what is going on. She was a part of your life once, Nick. If she is being judged or targeted because of the divorce, it is your duty to ensure it stops."
Gabriel felt the presence of their mother a second toote. The doors to the chamber were already swinging open, and Queen Mabel stood there, her gaze sweeping over the three of them with profound disappointment.
"Mom!" Cassio eximed, his voice cracking with genuine shock as he instinctively stepped back.
"I received word from a servant that Gabriel and Nick were trading blows in the corridor," Mabel said, her eyes narrowing as she took in the fresh, dark wounds on their lips. "Have you twopletely forgotten what week this is? What this asion means for your sister?"
Both Gabriel and Dominick fell into a sullen, heavy silence. The fire that had fueled their argument moments ago was smothered by the cold weight of their mother’s authority.
"I find it difficult to believe that grown men, princes of this country, are brawling likemoners within these walls," Mabel’s voice grew stern. "Why are you two so quiet now? You seemed to have plenty to say to each other with your fists."
She walked further into the room, her presence demanding an answer that neither brother was ready to give.
"Mom, they have already resolved the matter," Cassio intervened, his voice humble as he tried to shield his brothers from her mounting fury.
"Nick, I gave you a direct order to go to San Ravendale," Mabel said, ignoring Cassio and fixing her gaze on Dominick. "Instead of doing that, you chose to brawl with your younger brother. Is this how an elder prince is expected to lead?"
"Forgive me, Mother," Dominick apologized, his voice tight as he kept his gaze fixed on the floor.
Mabel turned her sharp attention to Gabriel. "And you, you are a husband and a father now. I did not expect you to lose your temper so recklessly against your own flesh and blood. Since this conflict stems from your Gamma, I will hold you ountable on his behalf."
She straightened her posture, her tone shifting into a formalmand that signaled her decision was final. "You are leaving for San Ravendale with Dominick immediately. You will find out exactly what has happened to Juniper, and you will ensure that Nick resolves this situation once and for all. If he fails to settle this matter properly, he will be stripped of his Alpha Prince title for one year."
Dominick’s head snapped up, his eyes widening in pure shock. "Mom, why would I face such a punishment?" he asked, his voice thick with disbelief. "A year? For a personal dispute?"
"It ceased being a personal dispute the moment blood was spilled in my halls and a woman’s safety waspromised in your name," Mabel stated coldly. "Now, go. Both of you. This matter shall be resolved today only."
"I would like to see Amelie and Noah first," Gabriel said.
"I don’t think Amelie even wants to see you right now, Gabriel," Mabel countered, her tone leaving no room for negotiation. "You had best do as I’ve asked. You’ll have plenty of time for exnations once this is resolved."
Dominick and Gabriel exchanged a brief, tense look. The weight of their mother’s ultimatum, and the threat to Dominick’s title, had finally silenced their bickering.
"Call Denzel," Dominick urged. "Find out exactly which hospital Juniper is in."
Gabriel pulled out his phone and dialed. Denzel picked up on the second ring. "Where is Juniper admitted?" Gabriel asked, skipping any greeting.
Denzel provided the address immediately, his voice sounding as though he wanted to offer an apology, but Gabriel cut the call before he could speak. He turned to Dominick and ryed the location.
Dominick stepped to Gabriel’s side, cing a firm hand on his brother’s shoulder. They offered one final, respectful bow to their mother before the air shimmered around them. In an instant, they were in a busy hospital lobby.
"Follow me," Gabriel said, sensing his Gamma nearby. "Denzel is close."