Chapter 543
“I can’t be with Aisha,” Karmen admitted, the words barely a whisper.
Carlos lifted his head from his book, his brow furrowing. “Why p>
“I don’t pursue connections like that because of the inevitable pain they bring,” Karmen explained, avoiding Carlos’s gaze. “And I have to believe the future isn’t fixed; that things can change p>
Carlos gave a slow nod. “My visions, Karmen, are never wrong p>
Karmen offered no reply.
“Did she… reject you?” Carlos pressed, his voice softened with a hint of compassion.
“Well, it’s a bit more complicated than a simple ’no,’” Karmen replied, running a hand through his hair in frustration.
“You know you can confide anything in me,” Carlos assured him. “I’m here to listen p>
“I liked her for a reason even I’m unaware of,” Karmen continued, reflecting on the woman he nearly married. “Aisha had a lover; they married right after we finished college. Then, recently, her parents set up a meeting with me p>
He sighed. “My mother wants me to get settled since many of my age have their mates by now, some even have kids. So, she was a bit worried for me. I didn’t know I’d ever meet Aisha again in this life. But thankfully, the arrangement between us ended quickly p>
Carlos curiously gazed at him. “Did she get separated from her mate p>
“Yes. He’s dead,” Karmen replied, his tone subdued.
“Oh. That’s why her parents set up a date,” Carlos murmured, finally understanding the context of the arranged meeting.
“They were going to get us engaged. I’m happy it didn’t happen,” Karmen stated firmly.
Carlos looked at him in confusion, finding the final statement contradictory to the earlier vision of regret. Did he see something wrong regarding Karmen?
He took a deep breath and continued, clarifying his happiness that the engagement failed. “For a wolf, one mate is their lifelong partner. Aisha feels the same way; she refused to consider getting mated with another man, which I respect p>
He looked away toward the garden. “You don’t always get everything in life, especially what you desire most. At least, that’s what I’ve known and seen p>
“Hmm. That’s a deep statement,” Carlos answered, thoughtfully petting Noah. “Have you let go of her completely, Karmen p>
“Yes, a long time ago,” Karmen replied. “And I don’t regret it. As I told you I don’t entertain people who become the reason of my misery or hurt me, that’s why your vision maybe wrong about me p>
“I hope so,” Carlos answered, lowering his gaze to Noah, who had fallen asleep.
“You did the right thing,” Zilia said, gently holding Casaio’s hand after he shared how he chose to not punish Jake, recognizing the boy was a troubled child.
“I saw Gabriel in him,” Casaio replied softly, the connection making him reflective.
“What? Gabriel was never like that,” Zilia remarked, surprised by the comparison.
“He was a rebellious child because of what Mom did to him,” Casaio explained. “And he didn’t like any of us. When either of your parents is cold to you, or abusive toward you, the child often grows out to be aggressive. Gabriel didn’t hesitate to beat up any boy he would get annoyed with. And he always got away with it because he’s the Prince p>
“Gabriel once tried to kill you and Nick, didn’t he?” Zilia suddenly recalled, the memory surfacing.
“Yes. I don’t blame him, though,” Casaio admitted honestly. “I realize now I never truly understood my brother. He desperately needed our support, but we simply overlooked his pain. I got everything easily in my life, so did Nick. From love to respect to a mate. Gabriel hasn’t had anything easy. Mom always hurt him with her harsh words p>
Casaio looked tired. “My father is still reluctant to make Gabriel the next Alpha King partly because of some of these issues. He’s not soft like me. He would have punished Jake. Severely. Even now, when he returns, you will see how he’s going to yell at me for being too soft p>
“But his attitude toward you and Nick has changed dramatically,” Zilia remarked, offering a brighter perspective. “He has helped both of you many times recently. Amelie brought about a change in him, perhaps even without his fully knowing it p>
“Yes, you’re right,” Casaio answered. He saw the loose strand of hair that kept falling forward and gently tucked it behind Zilia’s ear. “Speaking of changes, we have to shift outside the palace soon, as I told the King. A council member, Ian, specifically, wants us to do things according to his public strategy. Dad has tasked him with something important, which he didn’t tell me in detail, but it requires us to move p>
“Okay. But like why? Is it because of all the things happening recently?” Zilia asked, seeking clarity on the urgent relocation.
“He wants me to build trust with the people, show them I’m relatable and present,” Casaio replied, summarizing Ian’s justification. “I even told him Gabriel can be the next Alpha King, that he deserves a chance to lead. But Dad refused, saying Gabriel isn’t fit for this position yet p>
“People misunderstand Gabriel,” Zilia answered softly, defending the third Prince.
“Yes, they do,” Casaio agreed sadly. “Besides, Gabriel is utterly adamant to leave the capital as soon as the month passes. The palace gives him intense anxiety, something he didn’t wish to tell us in so many words p>
“That’s also true. I just hope he finds his happiness with Noah and Amelie, which he already is,” Zilia muttered, her voice full of maternal concern for his well-being. “He already has a lot on his plate p>
“Yes,” Casaio agreed. “He was telling me he and Amelie have seen the past through some kind of vision or ritual. I haven’t gotten the chance to talk to him properly about it. I wonder what exactly happened with them that they had to undergo so many difficulties. Ophelia is still wandering out there. I hope they end her this time,” he murmured, his expression thoughtful, deeply concerned about the fate his brother and Amelie had faced.