Rejected and Pregnant: Claimed By The Dark Alpha Prince-Chapter 703: Not hearing a single word

The following morning, the palace was bathed in the golden glow of the winter sun, perfectly setting the stage for the royal family’s Christmas portrait. After the photoshoot happened, Amelie and Gabriel were asked by the Alpha King and Queen to follow him, leaving Noah in his uncles’ care.

Casaio lifted young Noah high into the air, his arms extended fully as the toddler let out a chorus of delighted giggles, reaching toward the ornate ceiling as if he could touch the chandeliers. Laughing, Casaio brought him back down to earth, tucking the boy against his chest and pressing a tender kiss to the top of his head.

"You’re going to be a big brother soon, Noah," he whispered with joy. "You’ll have a little brother or sister to play with before you know it."

Noah, however, seemed entirely unimpressed by the news, his tiny fingers focused solely on trying to pry the shimmering emerald brooch from Casaio’s blazer.

"He isn’t hearing a single word you’re saying," Dominick remarked from the sidelines. With a weary sigh, he slumped into a nearby velvet chair, adjusting the cuffs of his formal attire.

His solitude didn’t last long, as Katelyn appeared, walking gracefully toward them with Sage by her side.

"Noah, baby, look! Your favorite auntie is back," Katelyn chirped, beaming at the little one. "Don’t I look gorgeous?" She waved a hand at him, though her other arm remained firmly and affectionately hooked around Sage’s. Noah finally turned his head, offering a wide, toothy grin as he recognized his aunt’s vibrant energy.

His eyes locked onto the shimmering diamond necklace gracing Katelyn’s throat, and he immediately lunged forward with toddler-like determination. His small body leaned dangerously far out of his uncle’s grip, forcing Casaio to tighten his hold.

"Noah, calm down," Casaio muttered, trying to steady the wriggling child.

"He just wants his auntie, Brother," Katelyn laughed, reaching out to scoop the boy into her arms.

Zilia watched the scene with a faint smile, but her gaze eventually drifted to Dominick. He sat slightly apart from the group, looking distracted and strangely out of place amidst the festive chaos.

"Everyone is quite taken with Noah," Idris whispered, stepping up beside Casaio.

"Because he’s the smallest person in the room with the most power," Casaio replied, caressing his head. "Kate, be careful with him. He’s in a mischievous mood."

"Please, I know how to handle a baby," Katelyn asserted, tossing her hair back. She had barely finished her sentence when she let out a sharp gasp. Noah’s tiny, surprisingly strong fist had clamped firmly around her necklace.

"Noah, honey," she squeaked, trying to gently pry his fingers back. "Let go, baby. It will break if you pull it that hard!" 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

Noah simply babbled in response, a string of nonsense syllables that made sense only to him. Sage stood by, watching the struggle with a suppressed grin, amused by how a single toddler could keep the entire royal family, especially a frantic Katelyn, completely on edge.

"Looks like he’s determined to destroy your favorite neckpiece," Sage whispered playfully into Katelyn’s ear, his breath hitching in a quiet laugh at her predicament.

"Don’t just stand there, help me!" she urged her mate in a frantic undertone. "You’re the one who bought this for me! If he snaps the chain, I’ll never forgive you."

Sage chuckled and stepped closer, murmuring, "Noah," in a soothing tone as he reached out to grasp the boy’s tiny, chubby hand. He was visibly surprised by the toddler’s tight grip; the boy had the strength of a true Alpha in the making.

Quickly realizing that force would only lead to a shower of diamonds on the floor, Sage pulled his hand back and shook his head at Katelyn.

"Let him play with it until his parents take him back. If we annoy him or try to pry it away now, he’s definitely going to break it."

"Nick, shall we talk in private?" Zilia asked, her voice a soft whisper as she finally reached his side.

Dominick looked up, meeting her concerned gaze, and gave a brief nod. They quietly slipped away from the festive noise of the hall, walking until they reached an isolated corridor.

"How are you coping?" Zilia inquired, searching his face. "You’ve looked troubled ever since you arrived for the holidays. You’re physically here, but your mind is somewhere else."

"Um... I’m in rut, Zilia. That’s all," Dominick replied, looking away. "I’ve taken suppressants, so it’s under control for now. There won’t be any issues."

"Your wolf is already screaming for a mate. That’s the burden of being an Alpha," she murmured, her heart aching for him. "I am so sorry you have to endure this alone. I—I still feel responsible—"

"Zilia, don’t," Dominick interrupted. He stepped closer, offering a small, reassuring smile. "You’ll only make me feel embarrassed if you keep apologizing. What happened in the past can’t be changed, and I’ve finally accepted that June and I were never the right fit for each other. Don’t worry about me. Just focus on yourself. You’re going to bring a new life soon."

Zilia’s smile widened, a sense of relief washing over her. "Hmm. I’m glad you’re looking forward, Nick."

Dominick hesitated for a heartbeat. He watched her expression and realized that if he didn’t say something now, she would continue to carry the weight of his loneliness on her shoulders. He decided it was time to let her in on his secret.

"I’ve found a mate," he said, his voice barely above a breath.

"What?" Zilia’s eyes widened in genuine shock.

"Keep it between us. Don’t tell anyone, not even Cas," Dominick urged, glancing back toward the hall. "I found her the day I stepped into Gridlock. I’m still trying to learn who she is, and it’s not certain yet that we’ll end up together. You could say I’m still deciding if she is truly the one meant for me."

"Definitely," Zilia asserted, her shock melting into a look of pure joy. "You should take your time to know her. I won’t say a word to anyone, Nick. I’m just so happy for you. Maybe the Moon Goddess knew you needed a fresh start."