Chapter 603
Amelie waited until the heavy doors of their chamber clicked shut before she moved toward Gabriel.
“Tomorrow night, we have to finish this,” she said.
Gabriel took the sword from her. He slid it back into its leather sheath. “Of course,” he answered, his eyes meeting hers.
Amelie leaned against the edge of the mahogany table, her brow furrowing as she worked through the variables. “Ophelia isn’t sitting idle. If she truly orchestrated the escape of Alex’s parents, she’s weaving a secondary trap. We have to ensure she doesn’t use them as leverage in a way we haven’t anticipated p>
Gabriel stepped closer, and he reached out for her hand.
“Let her plot,” Gabriel stated. “Let her exhaust every trick and every shadow she possesses. It won’t change the outcome. We will do exactly what we came to do p>
They were distracted with a gentle knock on the door.
“Your Highnesses, I have brought Noah back from the King’s manor,” Ashna announced from the hallway.
Amelie moved toward the door, her expression softening instantly at the mention of her son. Behind her, Gabriel tucked the sword back into its secure place before the doors swung open.
Amelie stepped out and peered into the stroller, finding Noah lost in a deep, peaceful sleep. “Did he finish his milk?” she whispered to Ashna, careful not to disturb him.
“Yes, he did, Your Highness,” Ashna replied with a warm, respectful smile. “The little prince was quite the explorer today. He played a lot with the King and Queen, and they were delighted. Also, there is wonderful news, little Noah was trying to push himself up onto his knees today p>
“Wow! Already?” Amelie’s eyes lit up with pride and wonder. “He’ll be crawling before we know it, and then he’ll be walking. He’s growing so fast p>
Gabriel, listening from across the room, felt happy. As an Alpha, he knew that a pup reaching milestones this early was a sign of immense strength and a thriving spirit.
“Thanks, Ashna. You can now leave. Good night,” Amelie said, pulling the stroller inside. Ashna bowed and walked away.
Gabriel watched Amelie lowering Noah into the crib. “He’s going to walk pretty early. We will not even realize when he becomes a big man,” he stated, keeping her hands on the shoulders. “Now, let’s rest for sometime before heading for dinner p>
“What are you up to these days, son?” Norma asked, her voice laced with motherly concern as she set the table. “You were gone for two days, and then you disappeared again today. Aren’t you going to fill me in? What is happening at the palace p>
“Mom, I can’t give you the specifics,” Karmen explained, offering her a reassuring look. “But it’s related to Prince Gabriel and his wife, Amelie. Since I swore my oath as Gabriel’s Beta, his work is my work. It keeps me on my toes.” His father was away on business for a few days, leaving just the two of them in the quiet house.
Norma went back to her chicken soup, stirring it slowly as she glanced at Karmen. He was distracted, his eyes glued to the screen of his phone as he monitored incoming palace alerts.
“I had hoped you’d be thinking about marriage by now,” Norma murmured, her voice soft and a little wistful. “You’re nearing your thirties, Karmen. Every time we go out, neighbors tell us about their children getting married. It makes your father and me a bit upset sometimes p>
“Mom, why let that upset you?” Karmen said with a light, easy-going laugh, finally setting his phone face-down. “Those people aren’t living our lives for us. Besides, maybe there just isn’t a mate out there made for me. Some wolves are meant to be solo p>
“Don’t you dare say that,” Norma scolded, though her tone remained light and affectionate. “The Moon Goddess has a plan for everyone; you just have to be patient enough to find it p>
Karmen stayed quiet for a moment after his mother spoke, letting the silence settle between them until she broke it again.
“I liked Aisha so much,” Norma sighed, her thoughts drifting back. “But hearing she was still in love with her former mate… It was a bit of a shock p>
“Mom, Aisha wasn’t ready for a new relationship. We couldn’t force her into something her heart wasn’t in,” Karmen stated firmly but gently.
“Yes, I know that. I’m just talking,” Norma murmured, looking down at her soup. “Sometimes I think the reason you haven’t found anyone is simply because you work too much. Day and night, morning and evening, your work never ends. You’re so busy serving the Prince that you don’t even stop to look at anyone else p>
Karmen finally lowered his spoon onto the plate and wiped his lips with a napkin, giving her his full attention. He looked directly into his mother’s eyes, his expression softening.
“Mom, please don’t worry about me, okay? I’m genuinely happy living like this. I enjoy seeing my friends build their families, but I don’t feel like there’s anything missing in my own life. I believe that when the time is right, I’ll find someone I truly click with. For now, that person just isn’t here. Just be happy knowing that your son is living a good, full life p>
Norma searched his face for a second, seeing the sincerity there. A small, comforted smile finally reached her lips, and she nodded her head in agreement.
“As long as you’re happy, Karmen,” she whispered. “That’s all a mother really wants. Now, eat more. You’ve turned thin,” Norma insisted, ignoring his protests with a motherly flourish. She scooped another generous portion of the fragrant tomato rice into his bowl, making sure he had more than enough.
Karmen laughed softly, touched by the familiar gesture. “Thank you, Mom,” he said, picking up his spoon again. He knew better than to argue when she was in a nourishing mood.
Once the meal was finished and the dishes were cleared, Karmen gave his mother a warm hug and bade her good night. He retreated to his own room. After a quick routine of brushing his teeth and changing into comfortable night clothes, he finally slid under the warm duvet.
Before closing his eyes, he reached for his phone one last time. Not finding any message, he drifted off to sleep.