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

Chapter 187 — Where is Zayden?

When Rihaan exited the forest, he realized the hunt had ended long ago. It was a rather peculiar sight—the nobles were gathered in a circle, discussing things he could care less about, while the royal family members sat in their respective chairs.

There was no ’celebration’ for sure. Not when each of them wore a scowl on their face.

Dismounting his horse, he jumped to the ground, curiosity piqued. Just when he thought he had landed perfectly, his boots slipped for a fraction of a second, causing him to lose his balance. His surroundings tilted rapidly, and he shut his eyes tight, fists clenched.

He couldn’t afford to embarrass himself in front of Revhara’s high society!

Just then, a strong pair of arms wrapped around his waist. His eyelashes twitched before he opened his eyes slowly. His vision remained blurry for a brief moment. Blinking rapidly, his sight sharpened—Soren’s face stood before him.

Close.

Too close.

He quickly straightened himself, pushing the omega away as if he had been touched by something far too dirty.

"You left before me, but you arrived just now?" Soren asked, but there was no kindness or mockery in his tone—only cold distance.

"I was pondering about my lover," Rihaan forced a grin, hoping to irritate the Imperial Crown Prince enough to stir a reaction—even if not a marriage cancellation. "I cannot wait to leave this hell and return to my kingdom."

Soren looked at him but didn’t say anything, simply walking away.

The Emperor rose from his seat, heading toward Soren. He looked behind his elder son, scanning the forest’s exit.

"Where is Zayden?" he demanded, slightly nervous.

"Is he not here yet?" the Imperial Crown Prince asked, eyes narrowing. He hadn’t seen his father like this in a long time now—anxious.

Usually, Zayden was the one who always finished the hunt first. And like always, tonight as well, he did finish first because his prey had arrived long ago. But the hunter in question hadn’t returned yet. Nor his partner.

"No," Selena rose from her seat, worry reflecting in her eyes.

Just then, Eiran walked up behind Soren, tugging on his shirt. He heard them speak of his father, and naturally, he felt the need to know more.

The red-haired man looked down, Zaphyr’s and Selena’s gazes following his.

"Are you looking for Dad?" he asked softly.

He had been waiting for them for a while, just as he was told, thinking things would have ended well already.

Zayden had promised they would return before dinner, but now dinner had been over for more than an hour. His dad was not the type to break his word...

"Well... yes. Did he tell you he had somewhere to go?" Soren leaned down, locking eyes with the boy.

Eiran’s gaze darted back and forth, unsure if he should speak.

"Look, little one," Zaphyr said, "don’t you want your Dad to come back quickly? What if something happened on the way?"

He didn’t mean to scare the boy, but he also knew Zayden’s son wouldn’t easily reveal secrets. Despite appearances, Zayden had always kept his own counsel—never revealing much.

Eiran’s mouth opened, then quickly closed as he bit his lip.

Leon watched quietly for a moment, inhaled deeply, and rose from his chair. He approached the boy and tapped his shoulder gently. When Eiran turned, Leon leaned down, speaking softly.

"You can tell me," he whispered, a warm smile softening his words.

The silver-haired boy hesitated, glancing at Zaphyr, Selena, and Soren, before finally whispering what Zayden had told him: Frozen Lake.

"Alright," Leon said, grinning as he gently brushed the cold from the boy’s cheeks. "It seems you should head back to the palace."

"Huh?... Why?" Eiran frowned.

"I mean... it’s getting cold," the Queen said, tugging the muffler around his neck a little tighter.

"B-But Dad and Papa aren’t here. They’ll worry..."

"Oh, don’t worry about them. They’ll return to the palace when it’s time."

The child let out a soft sigh of relief. Hearing the Emperor speak of potential danger had tightened his chest, barely letting him breathe. After all... it had been his suggestion to bring Ren to a pretty place.

"I will bring him to the palace," Leon added. "And with how late it’s gotten, I’m sure they will return there too."

Selena didn’t know whether to feel relief or anxiety. She knew Zayden’s whereabouts, but not if he was safe—especially after he had been attacked twice already.

"What if something happened to him?" she muttered, tugging slightly at the Emperor’s sleeve.

"Our son is strong," Zaphyr said, trying to comfort her. "He will be fine. We should end this and head back as well."

Soren stood still—not so convinced. Yet, he had no choice but to return to the palace with his family, hoping Zayden and Ren were alright, and safe.

***

Once they arrived at the palace, Soren asked the guards if Zayden had returned yet.

The reply came quickly, "Yes." Followed by, "He returned not long ago. However... His horse was covered in blood. And his coat too—"

Upon hearing this, Soren notified his parents before running inside the building. Zaphyr and Selena followed, their chests tight with worry.

From within the second carriage, Eiran watched the three run, tilting his head in confusion.

"Why are they running? Isn’t it against etiquette to run in the palace?" he asked innocently, unaware that his father was injured.

Leon smiled softly at the boy, equally unsure of what was happening.

"It is," he said, lifting a finger before snapping it, "but since they rank the highest, the rules don’t necessarily apply to them." He blinked, surprised by his own explanation. He hadn’t expected to come up with such logic on the spot.

Eiran stared at the man for a long moment, silent.

The Queen gulped nervously.

Did he not buy it?

"But then you can also run. You are the Queen!" he exclaimed, eyes wide with excitement.

A quiet sigh of relief left the Queen’s mouth before he gave a quick nod.

"Yes, yes. Of course." His words felt hollow; her mind was too preoccupied to focus on the conversation.

Zayden and Ren had gone missing. The Emperor, Empress, and Soren had rushed into the palace as soon as they arrived... and for some reason, he felt unsettled.