Chapter 465
The following morning, an excited energy coursed through the palace. Every gilded hallway and marble floor hummed with the anticipation of the day’s major event: Noah’s Welcoming Ceremony.
Mabel had been tirelessly instructing the swarm of uniformed servants since dawn. She oversaw every minute detail, from the precise placement of the floral arrangements to the execution of the elaborate decoration and theme.
“Mom,” Katelyn said. She carried a clipboard, holding various lists on it. “I’ve checked and cross-referenced the registry for the presents. Everything is perfect and accounted for p>
“Alright,” Mabel murmured, taking the clipboard. She briefly scanned the elegant script on the pages before raising her gaze to meet her daughter’s.
Her expression softened, and a small smile began to form on her lips. “Now, tell me: how is everything between you and Sage? You two were spotted spending a rather good deal of time together in San Ravendale. I’ve been reported that you even went to his house p>
“Mom?” Katelyn asked, arching one of her eyebrows. “Did you actually send your spies behind me while I was working p>
Mabel’s expression tightened as her voice turned stern. “Tell me what I asked, Katelyn. Did your time together help you reach a decision regarding his suit p>
“I have not, Mom,” Katelyn replied, a slight shake of her head indicating frustration with the pressure. “I haven’t made a final decision p>
Mabel’s lips compressed into a thin line of disappointment. “Then, by palace standards, Katelyn, that is functionally a no p>
“No, Mom. It’s not a no,” Katelyn immediately countered.
This continues the conversation between Mabel and Katelyn, focusing on the revelation of the “mate” bond and the resulting conflict.
“Then what is it, Katelyn?” Mabel persisted. “You must announce your decision after the three days. The families are expecting it p>
“Mom, please, don’t tell Dad yet,” Katelyn pleaded, leaning in. Her eyes darted nervously around the perimeter, ensuring none of the bustling servants were within earshot. “But I have to tell you something p>
Mabel’s expression softened instantly, her protective instincts overriding her current focus. “Is Sage giving you a tough time? If he is, I’ll speak to your father immediately and stop this whole charade of pressure p>
Then, a hint of genuine regret entered her tone. “In the past, I’ve been so lost and worried about Gabriel that I couldn’t focus properly on you or my other children.” She affirmed, ready to move mountains for her daughter.
Katelyn took a deep breath, the secret finally ready to be shared. “Mom, Sage… he’s turned out to be my mate p>
Mabel’s eyes widened momentarily. Then, a radiant smile bloomed across her face. “Really?” But her keen maternal gaze quickly registered the cloud lingering over her daughter’s features. “Ah, I see. That’s why the confusion. It seems you’re not quite ready to accept the bond yet, are you p>
“I’m worried,” Katelyn confessed. “Before, my concern was just that Alphas aren’t nice.” As she opened up, Mabel realized her daughter wasn’t battling mere nervousness, but a deep-seated trust issue regarding relationships and power dynamics.
“This is not a conversation for a public hall,” Mabel opined decisively, already heading toward the nearest exit. “Let’s go somewhere private p>
Katelyn nodded immediately, relief washing over her that her mother was listening, and followed her out of the grand hall toward the secluded refuge of Mabel’s private chamber.
“Here, take a seat,” she said, gesturing toward a cushioned armchair, before settling gracefully onto the facing divan. “Now, I need to know your exact concerns, Katelyn. Don’t mince words p>
Katelyn bit her bottom lip. “Mom, I am terrified of what happened with Juniper and Brother Nick. I’m worried what if Sage’s family attempts to use me against all of you.” She wrung her hands.
“Yes, I’ve observed Sage closely all this time. I genuinely believe he isn’t the type of man who wants to benefit from me, or at my expense. But we can’t know the future, and frankly, his family isn’t exactly trustworthy p>
“That is a serious concern.” She paused, her eyes searching her daughter’s. “But let’s discuss the foundation of this match first. What about your feelings for Sage? I want the honest truth about that. Remember, Katelyn, this isn’t just a political alliance; it’s a fated bond bestowed by the Moon Goddess. I consider it sacred p>
“Honestly, Mom, I need more time,” Katelyn replied “I’ve definitely started liking Sage. But I don’t want the intense pull of a fated bond to cloud my judgment about his loyalty or his family’s intentions. I need to be sure. I can already see that Sage isn’t as bad as people thought him of. It’s tough to explain everything I feel p>
“Alright. I’ll ask your father then to give you more time. What about this? But Kate, I’ll look into Sage’s family too. What if they indeed try to take your advantage?” Mabel asked with worry.
“But don’t be worried about this yet. Today is a big event. So, let’s put all our focus on Noah’s ceremony,” Katelyn suggested.
“You’re right,” Mabel conceded, straightening her posture. “And Kate, I’m genuinely glad you opened up with me and didn’t keep the truth locked away p>
Just as Katelyn was about to reply, a nervous servant appeared at the chamber door. “Your Majesty, the Alpha King has arrived p>
Both women immediately rose to their feet. A moment later, Raidan, walked in. He paused, a look of mild surprise crossing his features upon seeing Mabel in her private sitting room.
“Good morning, Dad,” Katelyn greeted him, offering a slight, respectful bow.
“Morning, Princess!” Raidan returned the greeting with a warm, genuine smile for his daughter. “I suppose you two must be discussing something serious, keeping yourselves hidden away from the fanfare p>
“Not at all, Your Majesty,” Mabel smoothly interjected.
“I’ll take my leave now,” Katelyn said promptly. She gave a quick, low bow to her father and exited the room.
Raidan watched Katelyn go before turning back to his Queen “Don’t tell me Kate again came here to refuse seeing Sage. Honestly, if she has refused this time, then p>
“That’s not the matter, Raidan,” Mabel quickly interrupted, stepping closer to her husband. “She likes Sage. But she’s doubtful about his family p>