Gabriel stood before a grand timber door, admiring its ornate steelwork. He felt the smoothness of the oak beneath the gentle rap of his knuckles. Within a moment, his mother answered, her initial caution giving way to joy upon seeing her son. Gabriel couldn't help but admire her—she wore a dark green dress with lavish golden embroidery that surpassed even the door's intricate etchings. An emerald necklace graced her collarbone, enhancing the sparkle in her eyes.

Not yet 30 years old, she turned heads wherever she went, drawing the admiration of onlookers. Gabriel was grateful for the traits he had inherited from his mother—his green eyes and raven-black hair, which set him apart from his father and brothers, a distinction he cherished.

“Well, this is a pleasant surprise,” his mother exclaimed. She pulled him in for a hug, planting a kiss on his cheek.

“Mam, you look lovely,” Gabriel complimented, prompting another kiss.

“My sweet boy, you're looking handsome, even if you haven't changed since this afternoon,” she said before adding, with a sly smile, “I suppose with that mouth of yours, you will still end up breaking hearts.” Gabriel raised an eyebrow, not fully grasping the meaning behind his mother's words.

Sensing his bewilderment, she chuckled softly and ushered him into her chambers. “So, what brings you here?”

“Can't I just want to spend time with my ma?” he playfully responded, realizing he sounded just like Jessinta.

His mother smirked as she walked over to a tall golden table, where a decanter of wine and a crystal goblet rested. She delicately took a sip.

“Can I have some?” Gabriel asked, allured by the forbidden liquid.

“No, not yet. you're still young,” she said. Before adding “Young enough for me to know you came for a reason other than to compliment me.” She knew him too well. I’ve learnt to lie well, but never to Ma.

Gabriel's mischief faded. “I admit, I did come with a purpose. It's about Jessinta,” he said with worry.

His mother smiled knowingly. “Well, you do spend an awful lot of time with her. It's only natural that you would develop feelings for her.”

Gabriel's eyes widened, caught off guard by his mother's assumption. “No, Ma, I don't have feelings for Jessinta.” While he couldn't deny that Jessinta had grown to be pretty, they had always been friends.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

His mother took another sip from her goblet, seemingly hiding her smile. “Very well, my dear. So, what is it that troubles you about Jessinta?”

“She came to me today, worried about her father and Lovren. The king sent them on a mission, and they were expected to be back yesterday.”

His mother's expression turned serious as she nodded. “Yes, the king sent Lord Carnahy to investigate Lord Loftus’s taxes more closely. He suspects that Loftus is hiding his revenue and evading his required tax amount.”

“Do you know where they are now?”

“I haven’t heard anything since they left; but don’t worry, they may have just stayed an extra day or two. There shouldn’t be any danger, Lord Carnahy is accompanied by an entourage of guards.”

Gabriel wished he could feel more reassured, but questions flooded him. “Why did the king send them to the merchant guild? What is he expecting to find?”

“From what I've heard, the king suspects that Lord Loftus is selling the kingdom's grain to the Galatians and pocketing the profits for himself.”

Gabriel found it hard to believe that Loftus would betray his own people. The land was strife with hardship. Surely he didn’t? They were at war with the Galatian Kingdom —this would be more than just greed; it would be treason. Gabriel hadn’t interacted much with the lord, but he couldn’t comprehend him doing such a thing.

“But our own people are starving! Surely Lord Loftus wouldn’t let the people suffer for his greed,” Gabriel said. But as he said it, he realized that didn’t matter to some. He had read several books where people abused their position of power and profited from the detriment of their own people. And yet, hearing it now, he was mystified how anyone could betray their own people for wealth.

“Some people are driven by their insatiable greed; it’s not just about wealth, Gabriel, it’s about power.”

“Are you saying that as Lord Loftus becomes wealthier, he becomes more powerful?”

His mother studied him, assessing his response before replying, “Wealth can bring power, but there are other ways to accumulate wealth that don't carry such a large risk.”

Gabriel analyzed the implications of his mother's words. Then, as if struck by lightning, he realized the truth. “Food provides stability to the kingdom. Without it, the people go hungry, causing trouble,” he said, the pieces falling into place. “By intentionally causing food shortages and undermining the king's authority, Lord Loftus aims to position himself for a power grab.” Now his anger grew, fueled by his newfound understanding of the situation.

Fear gripped Gabriel—if there was a new monarchy, his family wouldn’t be safe; Sarah and Ma would be in danger. A coup could result in his family being killed to reduce the threat of their legitimacy.

His mother tried to alleviate his anger, placing a calming hand on his arm. “It’s only my assumption; it will depend on what Lord Carnahy finds. But it concerns me that you were also able to draw the same conclusion.” She paused as if contemplating her next words, “Still, it’s best not to jump to conclusions and judge a man when no evidence has been found.”

He nodded, still consumed by the revelations. Gabril couldn't ignore the burning desire within him to take action. He wouldn’t rush to judgement, but instead he’d find his own evidence. He had to protect his family as well as the people. A plan began to form in his mind.

His mother interrupted his thoughts, reminding him, “We are already late for supper. Come, let us be on our way.”