Chapter 166
“I loved the dress you brought from Elarion,” Katelyn said, her eyes lighting up with a spark of excitement. “I’m going to wear it when I go out next time p>
“You should save it for a date with Karmen,” Amelie teased with a warm smile.
But as soon as the words left her mouth, she noticed Katelyn’s smile falter. The brightness in her eyes dimmed, and her smile vanished. Amelie’s brows furrowed with concern. “What happened?” she asked gently.
Katelyn hesitated for a moment before finally admitting, “Amelie… Karmen rejected me p>
“What?” Amelie’s eyes widened in disbelief, as if she’d misheard. “Why p>
Katelyn looked down, her fingers nervously fidgeting in her lap. “He said I’m not his type,” she murmured. “I invited him to the musical my friend was performing in. He accepted, and I thought… I assumed it meant he was interested in me too.” She let out a bitter breath. “But I was wrong. A few days later, he made it clear he didn’t see me that way. He’s just a beta and a close friend of my brother. He asked me not to see him that way p>
Amelie was quite bewildered to learn it. However, a part of her knew Karmen could be blunt. He had been that way with her too in the beginning, but she hadn’t expected him to turn Katelyn down so harshly. Katelyn, who rarely opened her heart, had gathered the courage to try, and been hurt.
“Did you try asking him what could it possibly mean a close friend to Gabriel?” Amelie asked softly.
Katelyn shook her head, the hurt still visible in her eyes. “There was nothing left to ask further. It was too awkward after that night. And honestly, it would’ve felt wrong to keep pursuing someone who already told me I wasn’t what he was looking for p>
Without a word, Amelie reached over and gently placed her hand on Katelyn’s. “I think first loves are like that,” she said quietly. “They leave a mark, and sometimes they hurt us more than we expect. But it’s still brave of you to have opened your heart p>
Katelyn looked up at her and hummed softly in agreement.
“Enough about me,” she said, forcing a small smile. “Tell me about you. How was the honeymoon? And how’s the pup doing? That bump is getting bigger by the day p>
Amelie chuckled gently, instinctively resting a hand over her belly. “It was wonderful. We had a lot of fun in Elarion,” she said, her voice soft with fondness. Her thoughts drifted to the peaceful days they spent together, Gabriel’s laughter, their shared prayers for a strong future, and the warmth of just being together, away from everything.
“And yes,” she added, glancing down at her growing belly, “Noa is growing slowly every day p>
Katelyn’s smile returned, warmer this time. “That’s so beautiful p>
A moment later, she stood up. “What would you like for breakfast p>
Amelie sighed and made a face. “Nausea’s back again. I think I’ll pass p>
“You should still eat a little something,” Katelyn insisted gently. “How about porridge? It’s light and easy on the stomach p>
Amelie shook her head gently. “Gabriel insisted too,” she said with a faint smile. “But I told him I’ll eat when I feel like it p>
Katelyn gave her a knowing look but didn’t press further. Instead, she sighed dramatically and said, “Do you know Zilia was a spy? She betrayed Brother Casaio. They were talking about it downstairs. Apparently, all my brothers and even our parents knew, except me p>
Amelie’s eyes widened. “You didn’t know p>
“No,” Katelyn replied quickly, pouting. “My brothers never tell me anything serious. Now it makes sense why Brother Casaio’s been looking so down lately p>
Amelie felt more upset for the princess when Katelyn added, “But isn’t it shocking? Zilia was his mate. How could she do that to him? They were together for ten years, Amelie. Ten whole years p>
Amelie’s brows drew together in concern. “Yeah. Turns out for Zilia their bond meant nothing p>
“Zilia was with our family through everything. In every celebration, every gathering, big or small,” Katelyn said with a faint sigh. “It’s hard to believe someone so close could betray us. I can’t even imagine how long it will take Brother Casaio to truly heal p>
She paused, her tone growing more thoughtful. “I think Mom is going to arrange a marriage for him now, someone she approves of. She mentioned it in the past too, especially when Zilia kept putting off their marriage. In a way, I’m relieved they never went through with the wedding. If they had, it would’ve only made things worse for him p>
Amelie nodded gently.
“You know,” Katelyn continued, “Brother Gabriel might punish Zilia even before Dad does. But… I think Brother Casaio asked him not to harm her p>
Amelie’s eyes lowered. “Gabriel has to do what’s right. He’s bound by duty, even if it hurts p>
Katelyn let out a soft sigh. “I just hope everything settles soon… and that Brother Casaio comes out of this pain. Maybe he’ll find a second chance mate, like you did. That would give him something to look forward to. At least then… he might finally be happy p>
“Well, I don’t think Brother Casaio will trust anyone any time soon,” Amelie said, recalling how Casaio said he would never meet a second chance mate.
“That’s true,” Katelyn said, “but I believe in magic. You know, when I was little, Brother Casaio fell seriously ill. Alphas are supposed to be immune to most diseases, but somehow… it happened. He was poisoned accidentally, and nothing seemed to work. No medicine, no healer could help him. But then, something miraculous happened. He got fine. It was one of the scariest times for us. I still remember it like it was yesterday p>
She looked off as if reliving the memory, then added softly, “That’s why I still hold on to hope for him. If magic saved him once, maybe it will again, just in a different form p>
Amelie gave a small, knowing smile. “You’re right, Kate. Magic does happen. Sometimes, when we least expect it p>