Chapter 389: I’m hurt too
"I heard earlier that your brothers went to catch the leader of the beta hunters. Won’t you go?" Amelie inquired after she put Noah to sleep.
"Casaio said he could handle it," Gabriel answered. "Besides, I should be beside my wife. Everything can wait," he added, leaning close. His lips found her cheek, making her smile. She turned to look at him as his arms were wrapped around her from behind.
"What Sage said turned out to be true. I gave birth to a boy. I still can’t believe I gave birth. It was painful, but this feeling is different, Gabriel," she whispered.
"Of course, for you it’s different. Only another mother can understand such a kind of feeling," Gabriel answered. "I had plans for a baby shower, but it turns out Noah wanted to come to this world asap." He glanced at Noah, who was sleeping peacefully beside Amelie.
"You can plan it for my second baby," Amelie stated.
"Are you serious? It’s too much for your body. I don’t want you to undergo so much pain again," Gabriel said, his chin resting on her shoulder. "It was difficult for you, I know. For now, we have to only focus on your recovery."
Amelie smiled simply and shut her eyes for a moment. "Now, Noah is born, I’m less worried." Again tilting her head, she continued, "Our only worry left is to fight the witch. Also, we have to be careful with Noah. Babies are easily prone to any negative elements."
"Nothing will happen to Noah. The security is tight here. Besides, only trustworthy palace maids are allowed to be near you," Gabriel explained.
"Hmm. By the way, did Karmen come by?" Amelie questioned.
"Umm... He has been outside since last night. Maybe tomorrow you can get to meet him. You know he will be shocked seeing Noah. It was unexpected, Amelie. It’s just beautiful. The mere presence of Noah makes everything joyful," Gabriel remarked, again smiling brightly.
"You’re right. And what makes it more beautiful is that he’s getting everyone’s love and attention." Amelie’s eyes turned a bit watery as she recalled the day when she ran away from the pack.
Her voice became a bit heavier as she said, "I’ve shared this earlier too. But the day I found out I was pregnant, I was feeling over the moon. Noah gave me a lot of strength in every situation after that. I thought my love would be enough for me. I didn’t know\... He would meet you all, especially you. Gabriel, you fought for us and claimed us as yours."
"Amelie, I know those thoughts are overwhelming for you. But you’ve come a long way from that phase. Don’t recall the day of your run. If you want to recall, then remember the moment we met," Gabriel advised. His thumb moved over her cheek as he kissed her lips. She returned it, her eyes fluttering shut, agreeing with him mentally.
~~~~~
"I let my anger took over me. I shouldn’t have said that to Zilia," Juniper murmured while pacing through the large balcony of her room. "Nick is going to hate me after today. I have to be more understanding."
She stopped and exhaled her breath before looking up at the half-moon.
"June," Dominick’s voice came from behind, and she turned promptly.
"Nick, I-I am sorry," Juniper whispered. She lowered her eyes in shame while fiddling with her fingers. "I didn’t mean any of those words. It was just my anger that spoke. And in anger and frustration, I lashed out at Zilia too. I’m truly sorry."
She found him approaching her.
"Look at me," Dominick demanded.
Juniper lifted her head, meeting his gaze. "You not only hurt Zilia, but you revealed the deeper truth buried in your heart."
A frown appeared on her forehead. "What’s in my heart?"
"You are upset because my brother got the throne, aren’t you? From the moment he married Zilia to Father announcing him as the next King, you’ve been upset. I noticed everything. But I love you, June, that’s why I kept my silence."
"That’s a blatant accusation against me," Juniper stated.
"Is it? Then why did you speak to Zilia about her past? I used to think you were kind to everyone around you. I always thought you were like me. But it turns out, I was wrong," Dominick stated, feeling annoyed.
"Nick, I was truly upset about how the wedding went," Juniper affirmed.
Dominick averted his gaze from her.
"You don’t trust me!" She held his arms in shock. "Why can’t you see I was hurt?"
"I thought you were until I saw the way you talked to Zilia," Dominick replied.
"I didn’t say entirely wrong about her. You think if we keep it hidden, no one will find out," Juniper asked, searching for an answer in his eyes.
"You’re scaring me, June. I didn’t fall in love with..." Dominick shook his head. "Never mind. Let’s end it here."
He turned to walk away when Juniper held his hand. "Finish what you were saying to me. Then you’re free to go."
"There’s nothing to speak," Dominick asserted, removing her hand from his.
Juniper’s eyes brimmed with tears. "I have only you. Can’t you see I’m hurt too? Everything I dreamed about in my wedding didn’t go the way it should have."
"Then why did you say such harsh words to Zilia? Why did you tell her she didn’t deserve a family because she was a spy? You were aware her brother was held captive by the Alpha she was forced to serve. It’s true Zilia had to accept that role, but you are no one to judge her. And how could you tell her she doesn’t deserve to be the next Queen? Her past never defined her. June, tell me why you had to say all of that unless you had those things in your heart?"
Juniper clenched her fists tightly at her sides. "Fine, I am jealous. So what? Your father could’ve chosen you too. But he didn’t. I am upset about everything that has happened since yesterday."