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

Chapter 217: 217 — Who’s Locking Up Who?

For some reason, Ren was no longer allowed to do his usual duties. Every time he went to the kitchen to prepare Zayden’s meals or tried to lend a hand with the chores, he was promptly told to leave.

Whenever he asked why, the answer was always the same: ”You’re a guest. You shouldn’t be doing these things.”

But Ren had done these things before—at least until the hunting festival, when he had gotten injured.

As if that weren’t enough, Yusha had been assigned to take care of Eiran’s bath and clothes by Zayden.

Eiran’s usual attendant and nanny hadn’t followed them to the capital, so Ren had assumed he would get to spend more time with his son. Yet somehow, even that had been taken away.

”I don’t understand,” Ren groaned, slumping into a chair while Yusha helped Eiran dress.

The young man tilted his head, his gaze landing on Ren.

”You don’t understand what?” he asked.

”I mean... it’s peculiar. Why is everyone acting so strangely?” he murmured, his gaze fixed on the gray carpet.

”Strange? How?” Yusha asked, buttoning Eiran’s shirt.

”I mean, why are you doing this? Aren’t you supposed to be attending Lord Liam?”

”Yes... however, he told me I could stay here for a while. He was asked to do something for General Zayden.”

Ren sighed without answering, leaning back against the chair.

Yusha straightened Eiran’s collar before stepping back.

”You should be grateful, Ren. Everyone is trying to let you rest.”

Ren let out a faint chuckle, almost mocking.

”Resting isn’t something I’m used to.”

”Maybe you should learn then,” Yusha teased, glancing up at the young man.

Eiran turned to Ren, his hair still damp from the bath.

”Papa, should we get going for the quiet?”

Ren’s expression softened.

”Hmm... Maybe we can—if your father doesn’t lock us up,” he murmured under his breath.

”Who’s locking up who?” came a voice.

Zayden, who had apparently been standing there for gods knew how long, stepped forward with a bright grin on his face.

His dark-blue hair was neatly combed back, though a few strands fell over his forehead. His well-built frame was draped in a light grey coat over a white shirt and black pants.

Ren studied the man as if he were a piece of art—his breath caught in his throat for a moment. He had seen Zayden wear countless colours over the past years, but the combination of grey and white only made his pale skin and sharp features stand out more.

Or perhaps that wasn’t it. Perhaps it was the fact that this man was now his alpha—someone he could look at without being questioned. Someone who wouldn’t mind—

”I know I’m handsome, but...” Zayden stepped closer before crouching in front of Ren, their gazes locking. ”At this point, I’m afraid you might drill a hole in my face.”

The omega quickly turned away, averting his gaze. The tips of his ears burned, a faint red blooming on them. His heart raced faster than ever.

Yet, he couldn’t help but be flustered to be called out like this.

Though Zayden wanted to tease him further, he held back and stood up.

”Are you ready, young man?” he asked, leaning down to Eiran.

Eiran nodded, smiling brightly.

”But Papa needs to get dressed...” he mumbled, turning toward Ren.

”Yes, yes. He will do that now,” Zayden chuckled, glancing at the omega who glared at him.

Was he mad?

But he looks cute even when he is angry. Ah, what do I do?

He bit his lips, trying to keep a serious expression.

***

Ren couldn’t understand why Zayden had brought them to the imperial banquet hall in a carriage. Even if the walk might have been long, it still felt unnecessary.

Eiran and Zayden descended from the golden carriage, escorted by knights. Then they turned, waiting for the other man to follow them.

Ren, however, refused the help of anyone—until Zayden extended his hand, his gaze softening. Inhaling deeply, he placed his hand in the General’s palm, stepping onto the snow-covered ground with quiet grace.

”Hold my hand too!” Eiran extended his small hand, and with a faint smile, Ren took it gently.

The three walked toward the grand doors, where guards stood verifying each guest’s invitation letter. It was an exclusive banquet, held only for the nobles who had attended the hunting festival.

Once their arrival was announced, they stepped into the hall. By then, the three had already released each other’s hands.

The gazes of the nobles already present in the room immediately shifted toward the newly arrived guests.

”Ah, look at that.”

”The servant is dressed quite well this time.”

”They look like family.”

”Are they not?”

”And I heard he was the Imperial General’s partner...”

Whispers rippled through the hall, greeting them like an unwelcome breeze.

The Emperor was already seated on the throne—the Imperial Crown Prince to his left, the Empress to his right, and the Queen beside the Crown Prince.

Zayden paid no attention to the meaningless chatter of the nobles and headed straight to greet the Emperor. Ren and Eiran naturally followed, both uneasy in such an atmosphere.

Once they finished greeting the Emperor, they stepped aside and took seats at a table where the General’s name was inscribed.

Zayden pulled out a chair for Ren, and the murmurs around them only grew louder. Then he helped Eiran sit down, though the boy kept insisting he could do it by himself.

”You told me this banquet was supposed to be held a week after the hunting festival,” Ren began, breaking the silence between them.

”Yes,” Zayden replied.

Soft music played in the background. Some nobles had already begun to dance, and Eiran had run off to play with children his age. The couple remained seated, gazing at each other for a moment before Ren spoke again.

”But... It’s been almost a month now.” The omega narrowed his eyes, doubt flickering in them as he looked at Zayden.

The General let out a soft chuckle.

”The Emperor didn’t want to hold a banquet when my life was most likely in danger.”

Ren stiffened immediately, his gaze shifting between the Emperor, seated far from them, and Zayden.

”Everything is fine. Duke Danman was sent to the Ombre Fortress.”

”What is that?”

”It’s a prison for criminals. You know how we can’t kill immortals... but this sentence is as good as an execution. He won’t be able to pass through the fog of the Dark Forest.”

Ren remained silent, listening carefully, though unease still lingered within him.

”Also, did you apply that medicine?”

”How do you know about that...?” The omega looked at him, surprised.

”What do you mean? I’m the one who sent it to you,” Zayden said with a soft laugh.

Ren blinked, completely clueless.

”Wait—you didn’t know?”

”Well... the physician gave it to me. He did mention your name, but I...”

”You?”

”I didn’t pay attention...” Ren bit his lip, lowering his gaze.

Zayden’s shoulders shook as he tried—and failed—to hold back his laughter. It wasn’t mocking, just quietly amused.

Flustered, Ren glared at him, his eyebrows furrowed.

”What’s so funny?”

Zayden smiled, warmth glinting in his eyes.

”Nothing. You’re just... unbelievable sometimes.”

”Is that a bad thing?”

”No. I love this side of you.”

The words were simple—quiet and gentle—yet Ren’s heart hammered in his chest, as if threatening to burst. His cheeks flushed, and he quickly turned away.

”Greetings, everyone,” the Emperor began, looking down at the crowd before him.

The room fell silent immediately, everyone carefully listening to the man.

”I believe all have arrived. I shall now announce the winner of the hunting competition.”