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

Chapter 198 — Opposites Attract

"Let me check if he’s awake first," Zayden said, standing in front of his room’s door. He glanced over his shoulder at Soren and Rihaan, who waited behind him.

Earlier, when Rihaan had been offering his so-called expert advice, Soren had pointed out that it made little sense to take advice from someone who didn’t even know Ren. Naturally, Crown Prince Rihaan took that as a challenge—and insisted on meeting the man himself before saying another word.

"You’ll see. My advice was perfectly on point," Rihaan said, a smug smirk tugging at his lips.

Soren exhaled slowly through his nose—a deep, deliberate breath.

"Is that how you pursued your lover? I almost feel sorry for them," he said, his voice distant and cool, with just a trace of mockery.

Rihaan’s eyes narrowed, but before he could snap back, Zayden interrupted.

"We can go in," he said, pushing the door open.

Inside, Ren sat with his back resting against the edge of the bed, his gaze lifting toward the unexpected guests.

"I hope we didn’t startle you," Zayden said softly, offering a small, reassuring smile—though he could feel sweat forming on his palms.

Why was he so nervous? Everything was the same—

No, it wasn’t.

Their relationship had changed. He just couldn’t figure out how to act normal about it—like Ren somehow managed to do with such ease.

"Of course not," Ren said with a soft smile, bowing slightly. "Greetings, Your Imperial Highness. And..."

"Crown Prince Rihaan of Danshin," Rihaan cut in smoothly before anyone else could introduce him.

"Oh—greetings, Your Royal Highness," Ren bowed again, his tone polite and measured.

"Enough," Zayden said, stepping closer and gently lifting Ren’s head. "He doesn’t need to bow to anyone. He’s injured."

"Yes, yes," Soren and Rihaan chuckled, exchanging a knowing look before taking their seats on the couches not far from the bed.

For a moment, silence filled the room—an awkward kind of quiet where even the faint crackle of the fireplace felt too loud.

"Are you feeling alright?" Soren asked at last, his voice softer, a hint of genuine concern flickering in his eyes.

"Yes. Much better now," Ren replied, his expression calm—perhaps too calm, perfectly composed as always.

"Much better now," Ren replied, his voice calm and polite.

"That’s good to hear. I heard you have risked your life to save the General," Rihaan said, leaning back against the couch, arms resting at his side.

"So this is the person General Zayden has been keeping so carefully hidden from the world," he said, half-teasing although his expression remained composed.

Zayden’s jaw tightened.

"I wasn’t hiding anyone."

"Of course not," Rihaan replied smoothly, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "You simply forgot to mention that your servant turned out to be someone important enough for half the empire to talk about."

Ren blinked, unsure how to respond, his gaze flickering briefly toward Zayden, almost asking for help.

"You shouldn’t mind him," Soren interjected with a dry tone. "He tends to talk more when he’s bored."

"Not bored," Rihaan said, tilting his head slightly, eyes still on Ren. "Merely curious. You have caused quite the stir in the capital, you know. Well... among the nobles. It isn’t every day someone risks their life for a general."

"Rihaan," Zayden shot him a warning glance. He didn’t want Ren to know how he behaved during the time he was unconscious. Like a real demon.

And... How can he act like this after knowing the kind of relationship we just began? Or is he doing this on purpose?

His brows knitted into a frown.

"Relax," Rihaan said, his voice unwavering, though amusement laced his words. "I’m only saying you should appreciate him more. Loyalty like that doesn’t come easily."

Ren lowered his gaze, a faint hint of colour brushing his cheeks. Was he being complimented? He rarely received praise from anyone other than Zayden.

Noticing the faint colour blooming on Ren’s pale skin, Zayden clenched his fists. Why was he blushing? Although slightly annoyed, he tried to remain composed.

Soren’s gaze shifted between them before he sighed.

"You came here to test Zayden’s love life, didn’t you?" he whispered.

Rihaan smiled faintly.

"Observe, not test. But if my conclusions prove useful, I might just share them."

"Not both of them. Just Zayden."

Rihaan raised an eyebrow.

"Why?"

"Well... because that’s what Zayden wants."

The light-brown-haired man shrugged. It wasn’t any of his business, at the end of the day, how Zayden managed his love life. He was simply here to analyze Ren and his personality.

Rihaan noticed that Ren wasn’t the type to talk much. Zayden was the one carrying the entire conversation—asking if Ren wanted food, if the windows should be opened, or if the fire in the fireplace was too warm.

How annoying.

He shook his head. How did Ren even like this man? He rolled his eyes and subtly slid closer to Soren.

Soren frowned, eyeing him suspiciously.

"Why are you getting close to me?"

"Shh," Rihaan hushed him, studying the two men intently. "Your brother... he needs to work on a lot of things."

"Like what?"

"Like keeping his mouth shut."

Soren sighed.

"You just don’t like his talkative side."

"And you think Ren likes it?" Rihaan countered without missing a beat.

Soren parted his mouth only to close it again. He couldn’t say anything. He didn’t have an answer to that question.

"Still," Rihaan added after a moment, quieter this time, "I suppose that’s part of his charm. It must be what attracted Ren to him. After all, opposites attract."

Soren blinked at him, unsure whether to be surprised or amused.

"That’s the nicest thing you’ve said all day."

"I am a nice person," Rihaan simply said.

Zayden adjusted the blanket draped over Ren’s knees, lowering his voice.

"If there is anything else you need, tell me."

Ren looked up, his eyes meeting Zayden’s for a brief moment.

"You have already done more than enough... Letting me stay in your room all these days..."

"Don’t say that. You can stay in my room as long as you need," he smiled softly, his hand reaching for Ren’s head. However, he stopped himself right away.

Rihaan caught the small exchange, his expression thoughtful now rather than teasing.

"He is worse than I thought," he whispered to Soren.

"Maybe. But he’s trying," Soren sighed. It seemed his brother was truly head over heels for Ren—to the point that he couldn’t even bring himself to act like a proper lover, even now that he had become one.