[BL] Alpha, You've Got the Wrong Mate!

Chapter 125: 125 — You Knew?

”Have you met the delegation?”

”Yes, Your Imperial Majesty.” Zayden lifted his head slightly, meeting his father’s gaze. He hated how his knee sank into the soft fur beneath him, yet he kept a polite smile on his face. ”They were asked to take some time to look around the palace before being summoned by you.”

The Emperor shook his head.

”And how safe is it to have those bastards roaming around my palace?”

”I have instructed my knights to keep a close watch on them. Some of the Imperial guards have also joined in. So far, they haven’t left the wing assigned to them.”

The Empress coughed softly, clearing her throat even though she knew she shouldn’t interrupt. It was already difficult enough to keep from running to him and embracing him tightly. His occasional visits remained limited to the court; he rarely came to see her in the palace anymore.

”General,” she said, trying to maintain her composure, though everyone in the hall knew the bond they shared. ”Come have some tea with me this afternoon.”

The Queen simply smiled. He had to stay, as required by imperial rules. However, Leon knew very well that he wasn’t needed—neither in the court nor at the gathering the Empress had organized.

Zayden parted his lips to reply, but instead bowed, signaling his agreement.

The Emperor then turned toward his ministers, listening to their complaints about the High Priests’ arrival.

”Not only were two but three of them came!”

”Three?” The Empress furrowed his eyebrows. ”But what is the problem? Do we lack food, room?”

”Your Imperial Majesty, my deepest apologies if I offended you. However, that is not the issue. Is it not suspicious that they decided to come separately?”

”Additionally, the Imperial General was attacked on the way!”

”I am almost certain it is—”

”Proof,” Soren stated, the word pressed under his breath.

”Pardon?”

”Do you have any proof to support this?”

The ministers exchanged a glance at each other, swallowing hard. Then, they shook their heads faintly.

”You do not have anything to support your statement yet you accuse the Temple of being behind such treacherous actions? What if they heard you? Do you know the severity of your words?”

The Emperor nodded, grinning. He knew his eldest son had grown wise, but it seemed like he had underestimated him. He could become a great Emperor and take over his position.

”W-We apologize, Your Imperial Majesty, Your Imperial Highness,” the ministers bowed, stuttering while their gaze kept lowering with each passing moment.

”You should be careful during the meeting with the delegation.”

The ministers bowed, nodding quickly.

”But when is that?” One of them dared to ask although his hands trembled in fear.

Soren glanced at the Emperor. After all, that was something he couldn’t decide on his own.

”Our first meeting will take place in a week.”

”In a week?..” The ministers mumbled in unison.

The Emperor nodded.

”It is best to observe them and understand what they want before meeting them.”

The ministers’ grim expressions brightened.

”You are right, Your Imperial Majesty!”

***

Zayden knocked on the door, waiting for permission to enter.

Eiran opened it almost instantly, eyes lighting up.

”Papa! Where did you go? We were supposed to have tea together!”

Kneeling down, Zayden smiled at him.

”The Emperor called for me so I had to go see him.”

Eiran nodded, grabbing his hand and pulling him inside.

Zayden stood, letting the boy lead him.

”I hope you haven’t prepared the snacks yet.”

Eiran shook his head.

”I thought the tea would get cold if you came late.”

Zayden chuckled softly and patted his head.

”Ah, my son has grown wise.”

Eiran immediately frowned and swatted his hand away.

”Dad! My hair!” he groaned.

”Alright, alright,” Zayden laughed, lowering his hand. His gaze wandered around the room.

”Papa isn’t here,” Eiran said, noticing his Dad’s gaze wandering around the room, searching for someone.

He noticed it so often that now he didn’t need to think twice.

As if caught off guard, Zayden’s shoulders tensed. He had momentarily forgotten—Eiran was Ren’s son. His hand slipped into his pocket, brushing against the anklet still resting there.

Right... I should return this to him.

He exhaled softly. But for now, he had decided to let Ren be—to give him space. He wanted Ren to speak when he was ready, like he did, even if it took him another five, ten, twenty, or fifty years. Yet now that he knew Ren had lost his fated mate, Zayden didn’t dare let his heart reach further.

After all, he knew all too well what losing a mate could do to someone.

And a fated one... that pain must be unbearable.

How did he endure all this?

His jaw tightened as he clenched his fists.

”I wasn’t looking for him. Go get ready—we have to attend a gathering soon.”

Eiran, who had already taken a seat on the chair, tilted his head, confused.

”On such short notice?”

Zayden nodded.

”I apologize for that. But... Empress’ order.”

”Isn’t she your mother?” the boy asked, eyes widening with curiosity.

Zayden’s lips curved into a faint smile.

”She is.”

”Then why do you call her the Empress?”

Zayden hesitated. How could he explain? For the child, ranks meant nothing. He called Ren father despite the rules, despite everything.

His breath caught.

Damn it.

He bit down on his lower lip. Eiran had always insisted Ren was his father—no matter how many times they tried to correct him.

As if he somehow knew.

Maybe... he really did know.

”Eiran,” Zayden said softly, his tone shifting. ”You...”

”Yes?” The boy looked up, voice barely above a whisper.

”You knew, didn’t you? That... Ren is your real father. Like how you knew that I wasn’t.”

Eiran’s mouth parted slightly. He looked away, fingers nervously twisting a lock of his own hair before meeting Zayden’s gaze again.

”You knew?” Zayden repeated quietly, waiting for confirmation from the boy.

The child nodded curtly. ”Of course.”