281/283: His Growing Obsession


    Days passed, and the long feast continued as scheduled. Life in the pce returned to its usual rhythm.


    Gavriel had originally intended for Althea to attend court meetings regrly, but with her pregnancy, he limited her presence to once or twice a week, depending on how she felt.


    After all, they could always discuss important matters in private. Althea often asked about the court sessions, sharing her thoughts and opinions, which Gavriel always took into careful consideration.


    Today’s session was supposed to be routine. Yet, Gavriel’s expression remained unusually sour.


    The reason was simple. Kael Moore was present again. He almost forgot about this man…


    At the front of the hall, Minister Marius Ward stood with the shortlisted candidates for the position of Minister of Justice that had been long vacant. After rounds of screening and elimination, only four


    remained.


    “Your Majesty, we will proceed with the next stage of selection through a majority vote from the Royal Council. The four candidates received identical scores in the final round,” Minister Marius informed.


    Gavriel’s gaze remained fixed on Kael as he spoke. “I trust that this time, we will appoint a worthy Minister of Justice… someone who will act with integrity, uphold thew, and set aside personal emotions to do what is right for the kingdom.” 1


    His expression darkened slightly.


    He noticed how Kael’s hand slowly curled into a fist, even as he knelt alongside the other three


    candidates.


    If this had been the past, Gavriel would have already thrown the man out… or worse.


    But things were different now.


    He had made a promise to Althea. He would be fair. He would not harm Kael unless the man gave him a reason, unless he broke thew or acted against the throne.


    Gavriel inhaled sharply, steadying himself. Since theirst encounter, he had ordered his men to keep a close watch on Kael’s movements from the shadows. So far, there had been no troubling reports. Kael had kept a low profile and behaved properly during that time.


    And yet… Gavriel’s instincts told him otherwise, Something about the man still didn’t sit right with him.


    “If we rely solely on voting,” Gavriel said atst, breaking the silence in the hall, “then I believe we already. know who will win. Don’t you think the oue might once again favor someone who isn’t truly fit for the position?”


    At his words, Kael slightly lifted his head to look at him. But the moment he met Gavriel’s cold stare, he quickly lowered his gaze again.


    281/283 His Growing Obsession


    +25 Bonus


    “The four of you may rise,” Gavriel said. “I do not intend to repeat the same mistake we made with Thanos. He rose to his position through voting as well.”


    The court fell silent as he continued.


    “So we will proceed with another trial. This time, I will assign each of you real cases to handle. Your decisions and actions will determine who is truly worthy of the position.”


    He paused briefly before adding, “Until then, the position of Minister of Justice will remain vacant.


    Minister Marius and Minister Uriel will oversee its duties in the meantime.”


    Marius gave him a questioning, almost helpless look, but Gavriel simply ignored it.


    “Wait for further instructions,” he said firmly.


    Then he turned to Marius again. “If there is nothing else to report, then you are all dismissed.”


    Minister Marius gave a small shrug. “Nothing more, Your Majesty. We will await your further


    instructions.”


    Gavriel could tell that Marius was already eager to lighten his workload, but there was no one he trusted


    more than him and Uriel to handle the responsibility for now.


    The position of Minister of Justice was far too important to fill carelessly. He needed someone who was capable of ruling fairly, someone who would uphold thew and act in the kingdom’s best interest without bias or personal agenda.


    If he allowed the Royal Council to decide through voting alone, the oue would almost certainly favor Kael Moore. His father’s influence within the council, along with the strength of their pack, made him the obvious choice in their eyes. Most of the council members were closely allied with Kael’s father, which only made the situation moreplicated.


    He still needed a few more days to observe. Kael had only just been granted permission to enter the capital and remain there until the selection for the Minister of Justice waspleted. That would be more than enough time for Gavriel to see whether the man would try anything he shouldn’t.


    If Kael dared to approach his wife again in a way Gavriel didn’t like, he would not be forgiven a second time. It would only take one mistake. One step across the line.


    “Where is Uriel?” Gavriel asked Simon, who had remained standing at the left side of his throne after everyone else had left the hall.


    “He should be back in his quarters by now. Shall I have someone fetch him, Your Majesty?” Simon asked.


    Gavriel shook his head. “There’s no need. Let him rest for a while. I’ve already added another responsibility to his duties.”


    He was certain Uriel wouldin about itter. His cousin had probably thought he would finally return to focusing solely on his post as Minister of Healing. Instead, Gavriel had just ced another


    burden on his shoulders.


    281/283 His Growing Obsession


    +25 Bonus


    “Make sure you look closely to Kael’s movement. I don’t trust that man. Double the security to Althea in the shadows,” he said while standing on his throne.


    **


    Meanwhile, Kael’s expression darkened as he made his way back to his assigned quarters.


    The moment he stepped inside his bedchamber, his right-hand man appeared before him.


    “The security around the Queen is very tight,” Ardo reported. “She’s currently at the beach in the town of S with her friends and family, having a pic near the shore. I followed your instructions and managed to slip your message to her through a child. It reached her sessfully.”


    That piece of news immediately brightened Kael’s expression.


    “I will not give up on her,” he muttered through gritted teeth. “I’ve waited long enough… and patiently, at that.” He had followed his father’s advice to stay quiet and bide his time.


    “But the Queen is already pregnant, my lord,” Ardo pointed out carefully.


    “It doesn’t matter,” he replied simply.


    Unbeknownst to him, a dark aura began to seep from his body, slowly gathering around him as his growing obsession with iming Althea for himself consumed his thoughts. 1


    Support


    +2


    Share


    Editorial board


    Editorial Board: Our editorial team works behind the scenes to refine each chapter, maintain consistency, and deliver the best reading experience.