Chapter 65: Warm, caring woman

"Take a seat," Davian offered, gesturing to the chair across from him in his private chamber.

Caroline sat down as the heavy doors clicked shut behind her, tightening the knots in her stomach. She braced herself, wondering if the Alpha King intended to voice his displeasure away from prying eyes.

"It was a mistake on my part," Davian began with a thoughtful tone. "And you saved Nina’s life as well. As for my wife, she is not an evil woman. By royal custom, we have always preferred Alpha blood within this family. I always knew, however, that Andrew would choose his own path. Seraphina only feared he would become reckless, which is why she tried to arrange a match with an Alpha she-wolf. But those are old concerns. What matters now is the present."

"Your Majesty, I–I was dying on the forest floor," Caroline began, keeping her voice steady despite her nerves. "When I saw Andrew walking toward me in the haze, I knew my life belonged to him. When he proposed, I couldn’t refuse. I want him. Even as an omega, I will prove myself worthy over time."

She lowered her gaze for a brief moment.

Davian offered a faint smile. "I trust you will. For a long time, omegas have not reached the standing of gammas or betas, let alone an Alpha. But you were right. Without omegas keeping this household running, much of the work would grind to a halt."

Then, taking a deep breath, he continued, "I will give the honor to your late parents."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Caroline immediately said, her eyes brimming with tears.

"You can go now," Davian told her.

Caroline stood up and bowed in respect before stepping out of the chamber. As she turned around, her eyes met Seraphina’s, who was burning with rage. Caroline lowered her head but Seraphina ignored her and walked inside, the guards shutting the door.

Not waiting for another second, Caroline left.

Meanwhile, inside the private chamber, Seraphina stood with a look of deep displeasure.

"Davian, discipline is necessary for women like Caroline," she insisted. "You declared her a part of this family without taking a moment to see if she was even suitable. Emmett came here today because of Andrew, not her. She cannot accomplish a single thing on her own."

"Sera, none of that matters anymore. You will push Andrew away completely if you continue down this path. Didn’t you hear what he said in the chamber? He knows we tried to abort him," Davian said firmly. "You need to accept Caroline if you want to keep this family together. You are a warm, caring woman. When I was young and carrying the full weight of this kingdom alone, you stood by me. You gave me strength. I believe Andrew feels that exact same way about Caroline. Let them find their own path."

He paused briefly, his tone sharpening. "I also heard you tried to force Alarick into a marriage with Jessica. That will only end in disaster. Jessica has always held feelings for Andrew. I do not want you discussing this with her again."

"Davian, she is my best friend’s daughter," Seraphina said, sitting down beside him. "Alarick has not found his mate, and he is already thirty years old. I doubt he ever will. You are consumed with the political and economic affairs of the kingdom, but I hear the gossip circulating in court. By his age, Alarick should have been married with a child of his own."

"I agree with you," Davian replied softly. "But fate does not work the same way for everyone."

He placed his hand over hers. "I am not a tyrant Alpha King. I lead with tolerant policies and liberal values wherever they are necessary. Alarick will find a woman of his own choice one day. Do not worry. Now that you are here, I want you to organize a welcoming party to officially receive Caroline into this family."

"I will not do it," Seraphina refused, sharply pulling her hand away.

"For Andrew you have to. Let’s not make him feel he was unwanted. It suddenly hurt me," Davian stated softly.

Seraphina’s expression shifted, the rigid anger in her face faltering at the mention of her son.

"Fine. I’ll do it for Andrew," she agreed. "But mark my words. Caroline will bring troubles to this family."

Davian didn’t say a word because he understood from where Seraphina’s such thoughts arose.

~~~~~~

With the help of a palace servant, Caroline finally made her way back to the bedchamber and thanked her before stepping inside.

She found Andrew sleeping soundly in the center of the room, though the duvet had slipped, leaving his chest exposed to the air. She walked over to the bedside and carefully pulled the duvet back up over his shoulders, tucking the edges neatly around him.

As she adjusted the blanket, he stirred faintly and murmured in his sleep, "Caroline... it’s not your fault."

A soft smile touched her lips. Even deep in his sleep, he was still thinking of her.

Her hand automatically moved to his hair, gently caressing it. "It is. You were never once injured in your life."

She slid under the duvet beside him and closed her eyes, holding him close. After such a tiring journey, she was completely exhausted without having had a proper chance to rest. With her eyes closed, she focused on the mild scent of his pheromones and smiled. They soothed and calmed her mind before she drifted off to sleep.

When she woke up, it was already evening. "Andrew!" Caroline panicked, not finding him on the bed and sat upright only to see him coming out of the balcony in a thin robe, covering his top.

"You woke up," he said.

"How’s your wound? Should I call the doctor? Why didn’t you wake me up?"

Caroline was still in the daze of sleep and got out of the bed when Andrew stood in front of her. He hugged her tightly and replied, "I am fine."