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

Chapter 200: 200 — It Isn’t Poisoned

”What do you plan on doing about the Duke?”

Zayden turned, noticing the servants who had been watching them a little too long.

”You may leave,” he said curtly, his sharp gaze leaving no room for hesitation.

The maids flinched and bowed quickly before hurrying out of the room.

”Worry not,” Zayden said with a faint smile once they were gone.

But Ren couldn’t help but worry. That man had already tried to hurt Zayden more than once—if he was also behind the other assassination attempts, like that time when Zayden had been asleep...

His chest tightened just recalling that moment. Back then, he’d been unaware—or rather, in denial—of his growing affection for the general.

The panic he had felt when he saw the blade that nearly struck Zayden still made his hands tremble.

”He nearly killed you,” he muttered, just loud enough for the man beside him to hear. The tremor in his voice revealed a fear he would never admit out loud.

”Almost,” Zayden grinned, gently placing a hand on Ren’s cheek. ”But everything is alright now that you’re here.”

Ren frowned, clearly unconvinced.

”You can’t keep brushing it off like this.”

”I’m not.” Turning his hand, Zayden traced the curve of Ren’s face with the back of his fingers, smiling softly. ”You shouldn’t be worrying about something that’s already been taken care of.”

”Taken care of? What did you do?” Ren asked quietly, allowing the man’s touch.

It wasn’t that it made him uncomfortable—not like before, at least. Perhaps the mark’s effects had dulled over the years, and another alpha’s touch no longer made him sick. Or maybe... it was simply because his heart had begun to accept this man as his alpha.

Zayden chuckled softly, fighting the sudden urge to lift Ren onto his lap and hold him close. How could someone look so endearing even when worried?

Rihaan had once told him that omegas liked being pampered—being pulled close, having their heads patted, or sitting on their lover’s lap. But Ren wasn’t as small or delicate as most omegas. Would he even like that?

He smiled faintly at the thought, deciding against testing his luck—for now.

”Well... let’s just say he won’t be sleeping peacefully for a while,” Zayden said, picking up a piece of apple carved into the shape of a rabbit and holding it out to Ren.

The omega looked hesitant, his gaze flicking nervously around the room.

”I am certain it isn’t poisoned,” Zayden teased, raising a brow. ”Should I test it for you?”

Before he could move, Ren leaned forward and took a bite right from his hand.

Zayden blinked in surprise before bursting into laughter. He hadn’t expected that kind of reaction from him.

”I trust you wouldn’t hurt me,” Ren said simply, his voice calm but firm, eyes steady.

And for a moment, Zayden remained frozen for quite some time before he could let out a soft laugh. The sincerity in Ren’s gaze left no room for jest—he truly meant it.

”I would never hurt you,” Zayden murmured, pressing a soft kiss to the back of Ren’s hand.

A sudden warmth rose to Ren’s neck, his cheeks flushing scarlet red. His heart pounded so loudly it nearly drowned out the sound of Zayden’s voice. He wasn’t a teenager anymore—yet when it came to love, it seemed, the body never changed how it reacted.

***

Although Zayden had told Ren that everything was taken care of, the truth was far from it. In reality, nothing was in order—absolutely nothing.

The bag marked with the Duke’s seal, where the coins had been found, was somehow proven not to belong to him. The Duke claimed a sack of gold coins had been stolen from his mansion, and—conveniently—several servants testified in his favour, throwing the entire investigation into chaos.

Even the Emperor and Crown Prince were at a loss. After all, someone had hired that assassin to kill Zayden.

And amid all this turmoil, Zayden had to ensure his relationship with Ren went smoothly. He couldn’t let misunderstandings arise simply because he was too busy. He’d seen far too many couples fall apart over neglect—and he refused to let that happen with Ren.

Not that he believed Ren would ever be the type to complain. But still, he didn’t want to take the risk.

Just then, Zayden noticed a familiar figure pass by—Enzo.

”Enzo!” he called out, but the man didn’t stop.

Narrowing his eyes, he trailed him, careful not to catch his attention. He appeared to be in a rush—and from the way he kept glancing left and right, it was obvious he was up to something. Something he shouldn’t be doing.

The man stopped in front of a tree, lowering himself to place a bowl of milk on the snow-covered ground.

Zayden stepped closer, his movements quiet and deliberate.

”What are you doing here?” he demanded, raising an eyebrow.

Enzo flinched, some of the milk spilling onto the snow.

”Z-Zayden? What are you doing here?” he stammered, straightening quickly, a hint of nervousness in his posture.

Just then, from the hollow of the tree trunk, a snake appeared, its silver scales glimmering under the pale light of the day. The sun shone softly, casting a gentle glow over the scene.

Enzo knelt, tilting the bowl so the snake could drink without fear, even with Zayden watching.

”Where did you find it?” Zayden asked.

”I didn’t find it—” Enzo paused, frowning slightly. ”It came to me, strangely enough. It was injured... I couldn’t just turn a blind eye.”

Zayden let out a soft sigh, shaking his head. Rubbing his temples, he murmured, ”For a demon—you’re far too kind.”

Enzo chuckled, glancing up at the alpha.

”Talk about yourself. I’ve learned this from you.”

Zayden leaned against another tree a little further away, watching Enzo smile. Perhaps it was the first time his friend had smiled sincerely since returning to Revhara.

”Are you ready?” he asked, causing Enzo to turn toward him, confused.

”Ready for...?”

”For your freedom,” Zayden said softly, a small smile tugging at his lips.

Enzo lowered his gaze, uncertainty flickering in his eyes.

”Don’t tell me you want to back down. You told me he wasn’t a good person and that he doesn’t treat you right.”

Enzo bit his lip. He hadn’t told Zayden everything yet—about the harsh treatments he endured in Hianshu, and in Charles’s bedroom almost every night. He tugged at his muffler, adjusting it to hide the mark on his neck.

”Of course I want to be free...” he murmured.

”Then get ready. I spoke to the Emperor, and it will happen in two days. I apologize for not telling you sooner—Duke Danman’s case has kept me busy,” Zayden sighed, rubbing his temples.

Enzo flinched. He remembered that name. And it was also a name often mentioned in the letters Charles received. Could his husband have been behind this too...?