Rejected and Pregnant Claimed By The Dark Alpha Prince novel Chapter 347

Chapter 347: Better to wed Sage

"Karmen, I would like to speak with you alone. Shall we?" Mabel asked.

The sudden request left Karmen momentarily flustered, and even Amelie’s eyes widened in surprise.

"Amelie," Mabel said with gentle authority, "eat the fruits the maid will bring for you. I’ll return shortly."

Without waiting for a response, she rose gracefully and walked toward the garden. Karmen followed quietly, his mind already swirling with questions.

They stopped near a bed of blooming flowers, the scent of roses drifting in the air. The Queen finally turned to face him.

"Karmen," she began, "does Katelyn like you?"

The question stunned him. ’What? How could Her Majesty possibly know?’

"Your Majesty," he said, holding her gaze, "the truth is... I have no feelings for Princess Katelyn."

Mabel tilted her head slightly. "That is unfortunate. I had thought perhaps you were interested in her. She refuses to accept Sage, and I wondered if it was because of... you."

"Nothing is going on between us, Your Majesty," Karmen replied firmly. "It’s true that Princess Katelyn confessed her feelings to me, but I could not return them." Even as he spoke, confusion gnawed at him.

"Then why did you reject her?" Mabel pressed, her tone softening. "Was it... because of me?"

Karmen straightened immediately. "Not at all, Your Majesty. I never looked at Princess Katelyn in that way."

Mabel studied him in silence for a moment, before sighing softly. "You must be wondering how I knew. I have always been aware of what lives in Katelyn’s heart. In the beginning, I was determined she should mate with an alpha, it was what tradition demanded. But as time passed, and after what I did to Gabriel... I realized the weight of forcing a bond. I could not bring myself to do harm to my daughter."

Karmen hesitated, then spoke carefully. "If Her Majesty would permit, may I offer my thoughts?"

"Go ahead," she allowed with a nod.

"Princess Katelyn does not seem happy with this arrangement," he said honestly. "I know it is not my place, but Your Majesty should intervene. Forcing her into this union will only bring sorrow."

Mabel’s lips curved into a sad smile. "I wish it were that simple. There is a promise binding the King and Sage’s father, one that cannot be broken lightly. If you had returned Katelyn’s feelings, I might have considered another path. But as it stands... Katelyn must marry, one way or another. Better to wed Sage than a stranger she cannot trust. Besides, they have been given a month to get to know each other."

Karmen nodded in understanding. He was truly astonished seeing how the Queen changed so much. Hopefully, Gabriel was liking this change.

"Let’s not discuss it with anyone," Mabel said, wanting a silent promise from Karmen.

"Rest assured, Your Majesty. It will stay between us," he said, bowing in respect.

On impulse, he pulled over at a small shop. Inside, rows of toys lined the shelves, but his eyes went straight to the plushies. After a few moments, he chose one he knew Amelie would love and asked the clerk to wrap it carefully.

Clutching the little bag as he returned to his car, Gabriel allowed himself a faint smile. He drove back to home and pulled up the car soon.

Balancing the small gift bag along with his phone and keys, Gabriel stepped inside the house. It didn’t take long to locate Amelie, she was in the garden, sunlight spilling over her like a soft halo. His mother sat beside her, their quiet conversation halting the moment they noticed him.

"I’ll head in," Mabel said gently, patting the back of Amelie’s hand before rising. Gabriel watched her retreat indoors before he turned his attention fully to Amelie. Closing the distance between them, he extended the bag toward her.

"For you," Gabriel said simply.

Amelie’s brows lifted in surprise, a delighted chuckle escaping her lips. "A gift? Why is everyone showering me with presents today?"

Gabriel frowned slightly, curiosity pricking at him. "Who else gave you something besides me?" He sat next to her on the garden couch, his arm wrapping over her shoulder.

"Karmen," she replied, a soft smile touching her lips. "He brought a blanket for Noa."

Her attention quickly shifted back to the bag, and when she pulled out the plushie, her eyes lit up. "Oh, Gabriel... you bought me a plushie! It’s adorable! I’ve wanted this for so long."

Unable to resist, she hugged it to her chest, rubbing her cheek against the soft fabric with childlike joy. "Thank you," she whispered, her gaze shining as though the small toy meant the world to her.