Chapter 395: Truths can’t stay buried
"Karmen," Katelyn whispered at last.
Raiden’s brows shot up. "Gabriel’s Beta?" His voice carried both surprise and disbelief.
"Yes," she admitted softly. "But I don’t love him anymore. That was... In the past."
Raiden leaned back. "Kate," he began with a fatherly tone, "I would never stop you from choosing a beta, or even an omega, if that’s where your heart led you. I only hoped you would consider an alpha because it might bring you strength and security. But if that path doesn’t bring you joy, I will never force it on you. You’re my daughter before anything else, and your happiness matters most. I would stand against the world if it meant protecting that."
Her heart warmed up at the unexpected warmth in his words. For so long, she had feared his judgment, certain he would question her or dismiss her feelings. Now, regret gnawed at her for not confiding in him sooner.
"Karmen is a good man," Raiden continued gently. "I understand why your heart chose him. But if he let you slip away, that is his loss. Do not let his rejection make you feel unworthy, Kate. You are worth far more than you realize, and one day someone will see it clearly."
A small smile broke across her face, the heaviness in her chest easing as her father’s words washed over her.
Raiden reached for his teacup. "I would not have asked you to meet Sage if not for the promise I made to his father. But I will not bind you to a vow that makes you unhappy. That is not the kind of father I wish to be. In the past, perhaps I was stern, even rigid in my expectations, but never again at the cost of your heart."
Katelyn’s eyes shimmered. "Th-thank you, Dad," she stuttered.
"Let’s finish our tea before it grows cold," Raidan said, lifting his cup once more.
Katelyn nodded and followed suit, savoring the last sips in companionable silence with her father. A short while later, she rose and made her way back into the palace, her steps carrying her straight toward the chamber where Amelie and Noah were.
As soon as she entered, she found the room already lively. Everyone had gathered, and in the center of it all, Noah rested peacefully in the Queen’s mother’s arms.
"I want to hold Noah too!" Katelyn exclaimed, her face lighting up as she walked over.
"Of course, dear. Be gentle," Mabel said warmly, carefully transferring the infant into her daughter’s waiting arms.
Katelyn’s breath caught as she cradled her little nephew, her heart racing with both joy and apprehension. Yesterday, Noah had burst into tears the moment she held him.
"Mom," she whispered in amazement, her voice low, "he’s not crying."
"Why would he cry?" Mabel chuckled, watching her daughter’s cautious wonder with fondness. She turned then toward Amelie’s mother, who was seated nearby. "Mrs. Conley, since the children are all here, why don’t we step aside and discuss the celebration for Noah’s official welcome into our family?"
"Of course, Your Majesty," Samyra replied gracefully, rising from her seat.
"Zilia, you should join us as well," Mabel added. "June can remain here with the others."
Once the three women departed, the chamber grew quieter. Katelyn lowered herself onto the couch, still cradling Noah close. She brushed a fingertip gently across his tiny hand before glancing toward her sister-in-law.
"June, do you want to hold Noah?" she asked softly.
Juniper shook her head. "I played with him earlier," she replied, folding her hands in her lap.
"Is Amelie still getting ready? And where’s Brother Gabriel?" Katelyn continued, her eyes never leaving Noah’s face. The infant’s gaze blinked up at her. "June... aren’t his eyes beautiful? I’ve never seen such eyes before. Not even Amelie has eyes like these."
"Maybe Alex did," Juniper said quietly.
Katelyn’s head snapped toward her. "Don’t say his name," she warned. She shifted Noah closer to her chest, protective instinct sharp in her tone. "Noah must never hear that name."
Juniper met her gaze steadily. "He will, someday," she murmured. "Truths can’t stay buried forever."
"They can if you truly wish to keep them hidden," Katelyn countered firmly. Then, her gaze softened as she studied her sister more closely. "But June... why do you look so pale? Are you feeling alright?"
Juniper blinked, startled, and raised a hand to her cheek. "I look pale?"
"Yes," Katelyn said, concern threading her voice. "And your eyes... they’re swollen. You haven’t been sleeping well, have you?"
Juniper lowered her gaze, avoiding the question. Silence lingered between them.
Meanwhile, little Noah’s long lashes fluttered shut, and he drifted into slumber in Katelyn’s arms. She rocked him gently, unwilling to disturb his peace.
Just then, Gabriel and Dominick entered the chamber.
Juniper’s eyes lit up seeing Dominick, and she stood up.
Gabriel stepped forward and gently lifted Noah from Katelyn’s arms. He cradled the infant, glancing down at his son. "He’s sleeping," he murmured.
"Yes," Katelyn replied softly. "He just drifted off."
Gabriel shifted his gaze back to her. "Sage is here. You need to leave today for San Ravendale."
"I know," Katelyn said, a touch of reluctance in her tone. "But why is Sage here already?"
"To pick you up, of course," Gabriel answered. "Do well when you get there, Kate. Father has high hopes for you."
Her expression softened as her eyes lingered on the tiny child in her brother’s arms. "I’m going to miss Noah," she whispered. She reached out, her hand brushing lightly against Noah’s small head.
Across the room, Dominick’s attention flicked toward Juniper. She hadn’t taken her eyes off Noah.
He brought her arm on her back and pulled her close. "I’ve given my official duties to Gabriel for the time we will be in our honeymoon!"
"Are we really going?" Juniper asked.
"Of course! I promised you in the morning," Dominick said with a smile. Gabriel glanced at both of them, smiling a little, as he could see things had turned better between them.