— Last Night —

After the long, dull conversations, Zayden finally made his way back to his table. The nobles were beginning to leave, their voices fading as the once-crowded hall slowly emptied.

But when he reached his seat, he stopped. Ren sat there, head resting on the table, eyes closed.

"Ren?" Zayden leaned down slightly, his voice soft.

No response.

A flicker of alarm crossed his face. He crouched beside him, placing a hand near Ren’s nose. When he felt the gentle warmth of his breath, he exhaled in relief.

"He’s just asleep..." he murmured under his breath.

Still, he hesitated. Should he wake him? His gaze lingered on Ren’s face—peaceful, unguarded, and simply breathtaking.

He didn’t need to think long to decide. He couldn’t bring himself to disturb him.

Carefully, Zayden slid an arm beneath Ren’s knees and another around his back, lifting him in his arms.

A soft sound escaped Ren’s lips—a faint groan that made Zayden freeze. He waited, pulse quickening, until Ren stilled again.

Only then did he continue, stepping quietly through the corridors toward the omega’s room.

The scent of wine clung faintly to Ren, mixing with the soft trace of orange-blossom pheromones that brushed against Zayden’s senses. It made his pulse jump, urging him to walk faster.

By the time he reached Ren’s room, his hold had grown firmer—protective without meaning to be. He carefully pushed the door open and stepped inside.

Gently, he laid Ren down on the bed, adjusting the blanket so it covered him up to the shoulders.

But just as he withdrew his hands, Ren’s eyelashes fluttered.

Zayden’s body stiffened.

Was he waking up?

Ren shifted slightly, a soft sigh leaving his mouth.

Panic flashed through Zayden. If Ren woke up like this—in his bed, being carried, with his scent all over Zayden—he would misunderstand everything.

Zayden instantly stepped back. Then another step.

Almost stumbling over himself to put distance between them.

He held his breath, watching the slightest movement on Ren’s face, praying he wouldn’t open his eyes.

But Ren did.

"It’s so hot..." he whispered, reaching for his shirt and tugging it off.

Zayden gasped and immediately grabbed his wrists, trying to stop him.

"Ren," he said softly, meeting the half-conscious man’s unfocused gaze. "You’re drunk. Go back to sleep."

Ren didn’t listen—of course, he didn’t.

He simply moved on to taking off his pants.

"This room is too hot," he complained, eyebrows pinched in discomfort.

Zayden didn’t bother arguing. He gently wrapped the blanket around him again and, beneath it, used a small burst of magic to cool his skin.

"So... good..." Ren murmured, the tension melting from his face as he slipped right back into sleep.

Zayden exhaled in relief, brushing a few strands of hair away from Ren’s forehead, slightly damp from sweat. He gently pulled out his handkerchief, wiping it off his face and neck.

Then, his gaze drifted around the room—Ren’s clothes were scattered across the floor, dropped in a careless trail.

The General shook his head, smiling helplessly. He crouched down and picked up each piece, placing them neatly on the table.

If anyone saw him—an Imperial General, a man of the highest status—tidying a room just so the person he loved wouldn’t wake up at the sight of something that would displease him... they would call him insane.

Once he was done, Zayden stood like a statue, staring at Ren—peaceful, cheeks flushed from the wine, breathing softly under the cooled blanket.

He shouldn’t look.

He knew he shouldn’t.

Just then, Ren shifted in his sleep, the blanket slipping just slightly off his shoulder, exposing the smooth curve of his collarbone.

Zayden’s breath caught. He clenched his jaw and turned away sharply, dragging a hand through his hair.

The scent—sweet orange blossom pheromones—was too much. Even cooled by magic, Ren’s scent clung to the air as if reaching for him.

A tight heat coiled low in his pants.

No. Absolutely not.

Not when Ren was drunk. Not when Ren wasn’t even conscious. Nor without his consent.

He forced himself to take a deep breath, then another, but the bulge in his pants wouldn’t disappear.

With one final glance—just to make sure Ren was comfortable—Zayden quietly slipped out of the room, shutting the door behind him before anything embarrassing could happen.

And he spent the entire night unable to sleep, tossing in his bed.

***

Sunlight spilled through the large window panes while Zayden walked toward Ren’s room. He raised his hand to knock but halted midway. What if he was still asleep?

Should I just go in quietly?...

Before he could think further, his body acted on its own, turning the door handle, swinging it open.

His eyes widened at the sight before him.

Ren was already awake—sitting rigidly on the bed, blanket pulled up to his chest, face flushed bright red.

His eyes darted to Zayden... then immediately away.

"...Good morning," Zayden said, unable to hide the smile tugging at his lips.

"G-Good morning," Ren muttered.

Silence followed.

A heavy one.

Then Ren swallowed hard and finally asked, without looking at him, "What... happened last night? Why am I naked?" He asked, pulling the blanket closer to his chest.

Zayden raised an eyebrow.

"Oh? You don’t remember?"

Ren’s blush deepened to the tips of his ears.

"I-I woke up like this and—" His voice cracked. "Did we do it?..."

Zayden pressed a hand over his mouth, trying not to laugh.

"Oh, Ren. This is bad. How can you do this to me?" He lowered his head, covering his face with his hand.

Ren’s frown deepened.

"So something happened—" he gasped. He didn’t mean to say it out loud.

Zayden parted his fingers, studying the omega’s expression. He was flustered, blushing like a teenager although he had already birthed a child.

The General let out a soft chuckle, causing Ren to turn his way.

Then, he stepped closer, leaning near to his ear, whispering, "Well, you are in this state for a reason. You wouldn’t be sitting here like this otherwise."

Ren grabbed the pillow and threw it at him.

"Zayden!"

Zayden caught it easily, his grin widening although he was taken aback by this reaction.

"Relax," he said softly. "Nothing happened. You just stripped yourself naked because you were too hot. I merely put you to bed."

Ren froze.

"I... I, WHAT?"