Rejected and Pregnant: Claimed By The Dark Alpha Prince-Chapter 683: To shield his senses

Gabriel pulled Casaio into a brief embrace as he congratulated his brother on his impending fatherhood. As they stepped apart, Gabriel turned to Zilia, offering her a gentle hug before retreating to stand beside Amelie, his hand finding the small of her back.

"It’s wonderful to have you both back in the palace," Amelie said, her eyes bright with warmth.

"We had hoped to linger a bit longer," Casaio admitted, casting a tender, concerned glance at Zilia. "But her morning sickness has been relentless. We decided it was best to return home where she could be comfortable."

He gave Zilia’s hand a reassuring squeeze just as Ashna arrived with a stroller preceding her. The quiet hall was suddenly filled with the sweet, nonsensical cooing of little Noah.

Casaio didn’t hesitate; he reached down and expertly scooped the toddler from the stroller, settling the boy in his arms.

"Noah, say hello to your uncle," Gabriel prompted, leaning in. "H-el-lo," he enunciated, drawing out each syllable with a playful grin.

"Elo!" Noah chirped back, waving a pudgy, frantic hand in the air.

"He’s becoming quite the little orator," Zilia noted, sharing a knowing look with Amelie.

"He is," Amelie laughed. "He’s been babbling constantly lately. Half the time, Gabriel and I are just guessing what he’s trying to tell us."

"Noah, listen closely," Casaio whispered, leaning his forehead against the boy’s. "You’re going to be a big cousin soon. You’ll have a new brother or sister to play with."

Noah, naturally, didn’t grasp the good news. His wide, curious eyes were far more interested in the shimmering gold of Casaio’s coat, eventually fixating on the ornate brooch pinned to his lapel. His tiny fingers darted out, snatching the jewelry, and he immediately leaned down to give the cold metal an inquisitive lick.

"Ah, not for eating," Gabriel chuckled, sliding his hand between the boy’s mouth and the brooch.

The sudden intervention didn’t sit well with the little prince. Noah let out a sharp, indignant wail, wriggling stubbornly in Casaio’s arms as he protested the loss of his shiny new toy.

"Oh, God!" Casaio winced as the boy’s cries were significantly sharper and more piercing than he had anticipated.

Gabriel stepped in to take the flailing toddler from his brother’s arms and beginning a gentle, rhythmic rocking motion to settle him.

"Do babies always cry this much? I remember Noah being such a quiet boy," Casaio said, momentarily closing his eyes as if to shield his senses from the noise.

"He used to be," Amelie replied with a knowing smile. "But recently, he’s discovered his own will. He cries at every little thing we refuse to give him. They go through phases like this, Brother. It’s all part of them finding their voice."

She stepped closer, placing a comforting hand on Zilia’s arm. "We won’t disturb you two any longer; you both need rest after the journey. Zilia, when is your first checkup scheduled? Would you like me to accompany you?"

"We’re going tomorrow morning," Zilia answered, leaning slightly into Casaio’s side. "Casaio will be there with me. Besides, Noah always gets so restless and misses you whenever you’re away for too long. You should stay here with him." She offered a tired but reassuring smile. "Don’t worry, though. You’ll be the first to know everything the doctor says the moment I get back to the palace."

Gabriel nodded, finally managing to quiet Noah into a soft whimper. "Get some rest."

Amelie waved a final goodbye, encouraging Noah to bid his uncle and aunt goodbye, but the toddler was far from finished with his silent protest. He buried his red, tear-streaked face deeper into Gabriel’s chest.

"It seems Noah has officially added us to his list of enemies," Casaio remarked with a dry chuckle. He reached for his lapel, his heart softening. "Fine, little warrior. I’ll give the brooch to you."

"Don’t," Gabriel interrupted firmly, shifting Noah to his other shoulder. "It’s too small. He’ll have it in his mouth and swallowed before you can blink."

"Ah, right. Good point," Casaio nodded, sheepishly letting his hand drop.

"We’ll take our leave then," Gabriel said, offering his brother and Zilia a final nod of solidarity. He reached for Amelie’s hand, interlacing their fingers, and they began the walk back through the high-arched corridors of the palace, with Ashna trailing a respectful distance behind them.

As they reached a quiet bend in the hallway, Amelie slowed her pace and turned to him. "You need to see Karmen, don’t you? Give Noah to me; I can take him the rest of the way."

"I’ll go once I’ve seen you both safely to our chambers," Gabriel stated.

Amelie didn’t protest, matching her stride to his.

"Karmen didn’t tell you anything because he didn’t want to disturb your evening," she murmured, her voice soft with understanding. She had noticed the tension in Gabriel’s jaw since the early morning; he was clearly hurt that his closest friend and Beta had faced such a danger without calling for his aid.

"He’s going to get a thorough scolding from me," Gabriel said. "Regardless of his intentions, he should have known better than to face ten of them alone." He exhaled sharply, trying to steady his temper before shifting the subject. "By the way, did Carlos contact you today?"

"No," Amelie replied, glancing up at him. "You?"

"Nothing. I suspect he’s undergoing something significant, something he’s refusing to share with us for now," Gabriel stated.

They reached the doors of their private chamber. Gabriel stepped inside just long enough to see Amelie settled and to place a now-dozing Noah into his crib.

"Carlos will contact once he feels better. His visions sometimes give him troubles. He did mention it once. Maybe that’s why he went away like this. I hope he’s fine," Amelie said.

"Hmm. I pray the same," Gabriel stated. "I’ll be back soon. Take some rest. Last night, Noah didn’t let us sleep with his constant cries." His hand caressed the top of her head before he withdrew and left to check on Karmen.