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

Chapter 197 — I Did Not Run Away

With quick steps, Zayden headed toward Soren’s wing. After Ren had woken up, the physician instructed him to rest until his wound fully healed. Eiran had gone to play with Leon, leaving him alone—but it didn’t matter. He had to see Soren for two different reasons anyway.

He swung open the door—and froze.

Rihaan was straddling Soren on the couch, one hand gripping the headrest, the other frozen mid-gesture. Soren’s expression was a mix of shock and anger.

"What the—What is going on here?!" Zayden’s voice thundered across the room.

He knew for certain these two weren’t dating. After all, it was a political marriage. They couldn’t possibly have suddenly fallen in love, either, right?

Both Soren and Rihaan jerked upright.

"It’s a misunderstanding!" Soren said, straightening his clothes, his face the picture of restrained anger.

"No! I-It’s not what it looks like!" Rihaan shouted, cheeks flushing bright red.

To be found in such an embarrassing situation by Zayden of all people...

He clenched his jaw, shaking his head.

Zayden’s eyes darted between the two, trying to process the scene.

"Well... none of my concern. You are soon to be married—" he started, but Soren cut him off.

"Zayden, I swear it’s nothing like what you’re thinking," Soren said firmly, his gaze unyielding—the way he always reacted when on the verge of exploding.

Zayden narrowed his eyes.

"And why is he here? He ran off without even sparring with me last time like a coward," he sneered.

"I. Did. Not. Run. Away," Rihaan said, forcing a tight smile to mask his irritation.

The tension in the room made him grit his teeth. If there was anyone more infuriating than Soren, it was Zayden.

Since arriving at the empire, Zayden and Rihaan had been in constant competition, proving who was stronger, smarter, better. Their exams ended in a tie, and a sword fight was meant to settle it—but war had called Zayden away, and Rihaan had returned to his homeland before it could happen.

"And now you’re here, barging into my brother’s room?" Zayden’s voice cut through the air, low and sharp. "I haven’t even seen you at the hunting festival. Did you disobey the Emperor’s orders?"

"I. Did. Not," Rihaan bit out, his tone firm, jaw tightening. "Mind you, nothing happened. We were talking and... he almost fell, so I was catching him."

Soren pinched the bridge of his nose before pushing his glasses up with a quiet sigh.

"I should have locked the door," he muttered under his breath, clearly wishing he could disappear.

"What brings you here?" Soren finally asked once the room had quieted.

Whenever they were all together, silence had never lasted long. He still didn’t understand how the two hadn’t argued nonstop during their stay in the capital.

Perhaps their meetings and conversations had always been limited, surrounded by people in front of whom they couldn’t afford to lose their temper.

Well... for Zayden, it was probably Ren. And for Crown Prince Rihaan... he likely didn’t want to invite more trouble than he already had.

Soren crossed his legs, waiting patiently for an answer.

"Well..." Zayden scratched the back of his neck, his dark-blue hair falling into his eyes as he shifted awkwardly.

"Oh?" Rihaan’s smile widened, sharp and knowing. He recognized that look all too well. Zayden was here for love advice.

"Are you here for tips about your relationship?" Rihaan asked, voice teasing, catching Zayden completely off guard.

The General blinked, his gaze flicking from Rihaan to Soren and back.

"H-How do you know that? And why are you even here? I came to speak with my brother."

"Alright, alright. But tell me—does your brother have any experience in this... field?" Rihaan asked casually.

Zayden froze. Undoubtedly, Soren had never been in a relationship before. He hesitated for a moment, then pulled a chair closer and sat down in front of Rihaan.

"I will let you win against me... if you help me with this," he said, his tone quiet but firm.

"Hmph. And what exactly do you take me for?" The light-brown-haired man folded his arms, raising an eyebrow.

Zayden didn’t answer. He couldn’t afford to offend the one who would be guiding him through this—after all, it was about his relationship with Ren.

Soren watched them silently, unsurprised. Even if they acted like rivals, they were the type who would stand up for each other if anyone tried to tarnish their reputation. He still couldn’t wrap his mind around the strange, unspoken friendship they shared.

At official gatherings, they would behave as if they were strangers, speaking formally to each other. But in private? It was as if ranks didn’t matter at all—not that Soren was any different.

Rihaan slightly leaned back on the couch, a smug grin tugging at his lips. "Fine. I will help you. But don’t think I will go easy on you during the spar."

Zayden narrowed his eyes.

"It would be strange if you did."

"Good. Then we’re on the same page," Rihaan said, tapping the side of his head. "Now, tell me exactly what this ’relationship problem’ is. I need details, and I mean I need them all."

Zayden hesitated, trying to find the right words without sounding completely foolish.

"It’s... complicated. Ren—he... he used to be my servant. I mean—he is?" He sighed. "Well I confessed, and he likes me too. But... I don’t always know what comes next."

Rihaan clicked his tongue, shaking his head.

"Ahh... classic Zayden. Overthinking. You just need to learn to act naturally. Confidence, charm, a little mischief, a little intimacy and that’s all it takes."

Soren, sitting off to the side, raised a brow.

"You call that advice?"

Rihaan shot him a grin.

"I never said I was subtle. But trust me, it works."

Zayden groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Subtlety is kind of important—he’s not going to respond well to... ’mischief.’"

"Then we will practice," Rihaan said cheerfully. "I will give you tips, pointers, even mock situations if needed. You just need to listen and follow instructions. No whining."

Zayden glanced at Soren, who was already suppressing a smile, and muttered, "I’m regretting this already."

"Regret can be part of learning," Rihaan smirked.