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

Chapter 229 — Stop Running Away

Walking down the street, Enzo and Eiran searched for a toy shop, but there were none in the alley they had wandered into.

"Should we go somewhere else?" Enzo asked softly, glancing down at the boy while holding his gloved hand.

Eiran nodded, not saying anything. He followed Enzo earlier, unwilling to disturb his fathers. After all, they needed time alone—Leon had told him a few days ago that adults needed that if they ever wanted to get married.

He thought about it for a long moment.

Did he even want General Zayden to marry his father?

If they did... would that mean his father might forget his real dad?

The thought twisted something in his chest, but then another followed—gentler, warmer.

Would it matter if they could finally be a happy family?

At least then, his father wouldn’t be alone anymore... and he wouldn’t be bullied by the nobles in the royal palace.

Slowly, Eiran’s expression brightened.

Yes.

That was more important.

Resolute, he decided he would try his absolute best to bring them closer. He would make sure they became a real family—one that Ren deserved.

Enzo and Eiran left the narrow alley and wandered toward a livelier part of the district.

Snow still fell, the wind blowing rather quietly. Street vendors called out to passing families, children laughed as they chased each other—playing with each other, and the smell of all kinds of food drifted through the air.

It was the street reserved for commoners. Not all were dressed appropriately for the weather, but they each wore relatively warmer clothes than they would during fall.

Enzo let Eiran choose whatever caught his eye. They tried a ring-toss game—Eiran missed every time. However, he giggled everytime—so much that Enzo couldn’t help laughing with him.

Then they stopped at a small fishing stand, where players scooped tiny fish from a shallow pool.

"You should try it!" Eiran looked up, grinning warmly.

Enzo reluctantly agreed. He had never played such games during his childhood.

He blinked when the child extended his hand, confused. Then, he felt the stick in his hand being taken away—Eiran smiled.

"I will hold onto it for you."

Enzo’s chest warmed at the kind gesture.

Kind... Just like his parents...

He thought, smiling bitterly. He never harbored hatred for Eiran. But he couldn’t bring himself to like him because he was, after all, the fruit of love between the man he loved and another.

However, now that he had decided to let go, he realized that even if he wanted to, he couldn’t possibly have hated such a lovable child.

Inhaling deeply, he rolled up his sleeve, focused, and with one smooth motion, caught the little golden fish. The animal jumped on the net, and Enzo quickly put it back in the pond.

The vendor cheered and handed Enzo a soft teddy bear with tiny wings sewn on its back.

"Congratulations, dear customer! You have won!"

Enzo took it, handing over a gold coin for payment to participate.

The vendor gasped, his eyes widening.

"Oh dear! I don’t have the change for it..."

"You can keep it," Enzo smiled gently, heading toward Eiran who stood at the corner of the shop, his green eyes glimmering like stars.

"You were amazing!" he clasped, dropping the stick. He quickly bent down, picking it up and giving it to Enzo. "S-Sorry."

"It’s alright," Enzo smiled, handing over the teddy bear to the child.

"For me?" Eiran blinked. He didn’t expect this.

"Yes. For you," Enzo said, patting his head.

It was thanks to this boy that he had the chance to smile like this and enjoy the day—after all the suffering of all these years.

They continued walking, Eiran hugging the teddy bear to his chest, when Enzo suddenly bumped into someone turning the corner.

"Hey! You should watch where yo—"

The stranger’s voice cut off mid-sentence. His eyes flicked down to the cane in Enzo’s hand.

Silence. Then—

"S-Sorry." He stepped back immediately.

Enzo frowned, taken aback.

"Why? Are you—" He stopped mid-sentence.

But the man was already gone before Enzo could see his face, the tall figure slipping into the crowd without waiting to hear him out.

Enzo stood there for a moment, eyebrows furrowed, while the child tugged lightly at his sleeve.

"Are you hurt?"

The man nodded, forcing a smile.

As if being in this sorry state wasn’t enough. I am even worrying a child about me now...

He bit his lips.

"Let’s go get you toys," he grinned.

Eiran nodded quickly although he noticed the shift in the man’s expression.

***

Soren walked ahead, his steps quick, while Rihaan struggled to keep up.

"Your Imperial Highness! Please, wait!" Rihaan called out, breathless. But the Crown Prince showed no reaction at all, his back rigid, his pace unwavering.

A loud crash echoed behind him.

Soren stopped. He turned sharply, only to find Rihaan sprawled on the ground, limbs tangled, cloak half-slipped off his shoulder.

"Did he fall?—" Soren muttered under his breath.

He wouldn’t slip on purpose... right?

He sighed, shaking his head before walking back toward him. When he reached Rihaan, he extended his hand with a stiff expression.

"Get up."

Rihaan stared at the hand before him—pale, slender, smaller than his.

Could Soren really help him up?

Still, unwilling to be rude, he took it, barely applying any pressure so as not to hurt the prince.

"I am not weak," the red-haired man muttered once he was back on his feet.

"I didn’t want to hurt you. But you’re hurting me." His voice wavered with desperation. "You can choose any other candidate. Why me? Please... tell the Emperor to cancel this arrangement. If you need a contract to secure an alliance, we can sign one. But not a marriage."

"No paper solidifies an alliance better than a marriage certificate," Soren replied, cold and distant.

Rihaan grit his teeth.

"Why are you acting like you’ve never loved anyone?"

Soren’s eyes widened—only for a fraction of a second, but enough.

"Why? Did you think I never noticed the way you looked at that person when we studied together?" Rihaan sneered, frustration spilling out.

"I don’t know what you’re talking about," Soren said sharply, turning away as he forced his composure back into place.

"Stop running away from me," Rihaan said, hurrying after him.

"I am not," Soren said, his strides quickening.

"Really? Then why are you walking so fast?"

Soren’s steps faltered. His jaw tightened as he shot Rihaan a sharp glare.

Why couldn’t this man just keep his mouth shut?

Why couldn’t he act like a responsible adult—like the Crown Prince he was supposed to be—and accept his duties without this constant whining?