บท 37: Broken Rules

"I'll be leaving for the werewoods tomorrow," Gabriel said after a while of silence. He was certain he noticed a flash of surprise in her eyes, and... fear. Judging from how she paused in her chewing, he could tell she wasn't glad to hear the news.

"I'll be taking Darion with me since his presence might be of concern in the capital," he added, and this time, Elena dropped the steak she was holding subconsciously.

Her lips parted to say something but strangely, she ended up nodding in return. "You might find favor from your father at the end of your quest."

Gabriel scoffed. "Favor hasn't been father's greatest qualities as far as I can remember. Not to me anyway."

"He made a promise and I don't think he's a man to break promises. If you'll get the rogues, he's going to name you the crown prince." She sounded optimistic, but to Gabriel, her statement left a pang in his heart.