CHAPTER 182: A PAIN NO ONE DESERVES

The three Alpha princes entered the grand hall. With a respectful bow to their parents, Casaio and Dominick settled onto the couch opposite the King and Queen. Gabriel, however, quietly took a seat beside Amelie.

"You alright?" Gabriel leaned in and looked on her face.

Amelie gave a small nod. "Yeah."

Queen Mabel, observing them with a knowing look, spoke gently. "Her senses are sharpening," she said. "Now that Amelie is entering her second month, even the slightest triggers, especially scents, will affect her. Though it’s perfectly normal, she might feel weak or lethargic."

Gabriel turned back to Amelie. "Did you feel nauseous earlier?"

"I did," she admitted. "But I’m alright now."

Queen Mabel folded her hands on her lap. "I think you should focus more on your well-being and the baby, rather than jumping into work just yet. You mentioned joining Gabriel’s company, but I’d prefer you get ample rest. Your first pup’s birth won’t be easy. Instead, focus on gentle exercise, a nourishing diet, and listening to your body. That matters more right now."

Everyone in the room seemed taken aback by the Queen’s open display of concern toward Amelie.

"Amelie, listen to your queen mother," King Raidan said. "If you find it difficult to manage everything, consider staying in the palace until the baby is born. You’ll be well taken care of here."

"I think that’s a wonderful idea," Katelyn chimed in, nodding. "Brother Gabriel can’t always be around her, so it would make sense for them to stay here. She won’t feel alone, and we can all help."

Gabriel gave a small, appreciative smile, but his response was measured. "I primarily work out of San Ravendale," he said. "Staying here full-time won’t be practical for us. If Mom is so worried for Amelie, she can consider living in San Ravendale."

That was one bold request that Gabriel made. Everyone knew Mabel wouldn’t do it, knowing the fact that the palace was her chief residence.

"I’ll send one of my most trusted ladies to assist Amelie," Mabel said after a moment.

"Thank you, Mom, but that won’t be necessary," Gabriel responded firmly. "Anyone close to you would feel more like a spy than a helping hand. I know you mean well, but I also know what’s best for my mate. I’ll hire the right people for her care when the time comes."

Amelie, seated beside him, lowered her gaze and nervously fiddled with her fingers, feeling the tension circle around her like a tightening net. She hadn’t expected to become the center of such a standoff.

Across the couch, Casaio and Dominick exchanged a brief glance with their father, silently urging him to step in.

King Raidan sighed and looked at his wife. "Let him handle things his way, dear," he said gently.

Queen Mabel turned her gaze away from them.

"The reason I’ve summoned you all here," King Raidan began, "is to inform you about an important event. A protection ritual will be held for Amelie’s pup, to ensure its safety and well-being. It will take place under the light of the upcoming full moon."

His gaze swept across the room. "I want everyone present. The ritual must go smoothly."

He then turned toward Dominick. "On the same day, we will also finalize the date for Dominick and Juniper’s wedding."

A small smile touched his lips before he added, "And, if the Moon Goddess is kind to us, we may even receive a sign... perhaps a suitable match for Katelyn as well."

"Mom... I already have someone I like," Katelyn blurted out, then immediately froze, realizing what she’d just revealed.

A flicker of surprise crossed King Raidan’s face. "Oh? Who is it?" he asked, intrigued. "And why didn’t you tell us before?" A knowing smile began to form on his lips.

Caught off guard, Katelyn opened her mouth but no words came. She looked down, fumbling for an answer.

"Why the silence?" Queen Mabel interjected, her eyes narrowing slightly. "The one you like... he isn’t your fated mate, is he?"

Katelyn hesitated. "Uh... no, he isn’t. Mom, just give me some time. Perhaps a month."

"A whole month? Don’t tell me it’s a one-sided love," Mabel muttered with concern and disapproval.

"Mom, you can’t expect me to marry someone just because you chose him," Katelyn said firmly, feeling frustrated.

"Let our daughter follow her own heart," King Raidan intervened gently, casting a glance at his wife.

Mabel’s expression hardened. "Just make sure you don’t end up like Casaio," she said coldly. "He fooled himself into believing a woman’s lies, thinking it was love."

The room fell into a heavy silence.

Amelie looked over at Casaio. Though his fists were clenched tightly in his lap, his face remained composed. But deep down, he was clearly hurt.

"Your Majesty," Amelie finally spoke, breaking the silence. "It wasn’t Brother Casaio’s fault that he was betrayed by his own fated mate. Sometimes life teaches us lessons the hard way. But as a mother, you don’t need to be so harsh on him."

"Amelie, Mom never listens to anyone," Gabriel muttered bitterly. "Hurting her own children, that’s her specialty. Later, she’ll say it was all out of love and concern."

Mabel chose to ignore her son’s jab. "Amelie, one day when you give birth to your child, you’ll understand the position I’m in."

"But I would never hurt my child with harsh words," Amelie replied softly. "That’s not the way to show love. Brother Casaio never chose to be betrayed. Who would? No one wants their mate to turn on them. It’s a pain no one deserves... especially not from the one fate bound them to."

"I get from where those words are coming. You still haven’t forgotten about Alex, did you? You carry his pup, so it’s fine to remember him," Mabel remarked.

Gabriel was about to speak but Amelie was faster.

"That’s not true, Your Majesty. Why would I even remember a jerk like Alex, who’s no more in this world? Your Majesty, I decided to carry this pup because it’s mine. And thanks to this pup, I found my second chance mate, who’s my world now," Amelie said, smiling without flinching even a bit.