The Alpha's Unwanted Bride novel Chapter 631

Chapter 631: THE PAGE WITHIN

Jasmine’s POV

The sun was already crashing behind the palace walls when I finally left Otto’s chaotic study.

My head throbbed with too many thoughts dream walking, Drasil trees, prophecies, danger I didn’t understand.

All I wanted was air.

Fresh air.

I stepped into the courtyard, letting the cool evening breeze brush my face. The roses swayed gently, their scent calming my racing heart.

Then I saw her.

Queen Rose.

She stood near the fountain, sunlight touching her vibrant red hair and making her look almost ethereal. Her gown shimmered like water. She looked peaceful.

But my heartbeat spiked.

Auburn.

Yesterday.

Burned by the fire.

And I had laughed.

For a split second, panic held me.

She’s going to punish me.

My feet stalled.

The Queen looked up and smiled.

"Jasmine, my love," Queen Rose called warmly. "Come here, child."

Relief washed over me so fast my knees nearly buckled.

I walked forward slowly, uncertain, but she opened her arms and wrapped me in a soft hug.

Her scent was warm, like lavender and something faintly magical.

My chest loosened.

"Your Majesty..." I whispered, unable to hide the happiness rising inside me.

"How do you find the royal pack?" she asked, brushing my cheek gently as she pulled back.

"It’s... beautiful," I answered truthfully. "And warm. I’m learning a lot every day."

She nodded approvingly. "And your search for your mother’s family? Any progress, dear?"

I swallowed, thinking of Otto’s frustrated curse filled tantrum and the leaf that proved I might not even know what species of wolf I was.

"Yes," I lied softly. "A little each day."

Rose studied me with kind eyes. Eyes that saw more than most but never judged.

"Good," she said. "And Jasmine..."

Her voice lowered, softer, almost conspiratorial.

"Don’t worry about what people say regarding Otto. He is a strange one, yes — but he has a good heart."

I smiled faintly. "I’ll remember that."

She gave a pleased hum.

Her gaze drifted toward the distant mountains before returning to me.

"Do you... miss the Crescent pack?"

The question hit deeper than I expected.

My throat tightened.

I didn’t say a word.

But Queen Rose nodded as if I had.

"It’s alright if you do," she said gently. "It was your home. And I know leaving it couldn’t have been easy."

My eyes stung unexpectedly.

I looked down.

Rose placed a warm hand on mine.

"I’m glad you’re here, Jasmine," she whispered. "Your extended family... they were unfortunate. To abandon your mother? Cruel. Foolish. They didn’t deserve either of you."

Heat flushed up my neck.

"I... I don’t know what to say."

She cupped my face, smiling softly.

"It would be a privilege to have you as a daughter."

I froze, heart thudding painfully, beautifully.

But before I could respond, two guards hurried over and bowed.

"Your Majesty, your presence is required."

She sighed softly. "Duty never sleeps."

She leaned in and kissed my forehead.

"I must go, but I’ll see you later, little one. I have a gift for you."

A gift?

My heart warmed.

"Thank you," I whispered finally finding words to put two and two together.

She squeezed my hand one last time before floating away like a queen carved from moonlight.

The courtyard felt emptier without her.

How I wished she were my own family!

~~~~~~~~~

I wandered toward the lake.

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