The palace gates loomed high above Ren the next morning, catching the first light of dawn. Guards stood in perfect rows, stoic Alphas, silent Betas, and even a few high-ranked Omegas who'd earned posts through service.
The air smelled faintly of steel and cedar, a world away from the perfumed halls of the nobles.
Ren arrived alone, no escort, no carriage decorated in his mother's house colors, just a simple cloak and the faint trail of lavender that clung naturally to him.
"Ren Verren," he told the guards. "The King is expecting me."
The lead Alpha nodded stiffly, stepping aside but still, Ren could feel their eyes follow him as he passed. He didn't blame them, a soft-bodied omega walking calmly into the lion's den. If only they knew who the real lion was.
*********************
Inside the throne hall, Kael stood at the balcony overlooking the training grounds. His back was to the door, cloak draped over broad shoulders. Theo was beside him, posture rigid as ever.
"You summoned me, Your Majesty," Ren said, bowing low enough to show respect, but not submission.
Kael turned, gaze meeting Ren's with quiet interest. "You came."
"Would any sane person refuse a King?" Ren's voice was gentle, but his eyes glinted.
"Plenty would," Kael said, lips curving faintly. "But you're not plenty, are you?"
Theo, standing behind Kael, exhaled sharply. "Your Majesty, we should begin the council meeting. It's improper for a debutant omega to..."
"...attend court?" Kael finished, his tone light. "Then let's be improper."
Theo looked as though he might argue, but one glance from Kael silenced him.
Ren didn't miss the exchange, or the flicker of irritation in Theo's eyes when their eyes met.
*************************
The council chamber was a nest of power and perfume.
Nobles lined the room, mostly Alphas and Betas, each whispering as the young omega entered behind the King.
Ren bowed once, polite and silent, letting their words fall like daggers.
"Is that the Duchess's boy?"
"He looks too fragile."
"A toy, perhaps?"
"No, King Kael doesn't indulge such things…"
"Then why else is he here?"
"He must be the king's pet."
Ren smiled faintly, lowering his gaze. Yes, underestimate me. Please do.
Kael took his seat at the head of the long table, while Ren stood behind him, slightly to the side, as if part of the background, but every word spoken passed through his mind like pieces on a chessboard.
**************************
A minister rose. "Your Majesty, about the northern trade routes..."
Kael's attention drifted, his expression unreadable, as the man's speech was long and empty, filled with self-praise.
Ren's eyes flicked to a map pinned on the wall by the man, routes drawn in red ink, one line cutting too far inland.
A mistake. A deliberate one, perhaps.
Ren leaned forward slightly. "Forgive me," he said softly, "but isn't that trade line drawn through disputed territory?"
All eyes turned toward him. The minister who spoke frowned. "Who let the debutant speak?"
Kael's voice was quiet but sharp. "I did." before giving Ren the go ahead.
Ren continued, still calm. "If that route proceeds, the neighboring lords will demand tolls. You'll lose half the profit before the goods reach the port."
The chamber fell silent and even Kael leaned back in his chair, watching Ren. "And your solution?"
Ren smiled, just a small one. "Shift the route closer to the riverbank. It's neutral land, faster to travel, and the toll collectors there are Betas. Easier to negotiate with."
A murmur rippled through the nobles. The minister flushed red, realizing the omega had spotted what he hadn't.
Kael's voice carried easily through the room. "Noted. The plan will be adjusted."
He turned slightly toward Ren, golden eyes warm with approval. "Sharp mind."
Ren bowed his head humbly. "Merely observant, Your Majesty."
*************************
After the meeting, as the nobles dispersed in uneasy silence, Kael gestured for Ren to follow him into a smaller chamber.
It was quieter there, lined with books, scrolls, and the faint scent of paper and ink.
"You're more dangerous than you look," Kael said, breaking the silence. "Do you enjoy proving people wrong?"
Ren's lips curved. "Only when they deserve it."
Kael chuckled, a low, amused sound that sent a strange warmth through the air. "I can't decide whether to reward you or keep you under watch."
"Why not both?" Ren suggested.
Kael's eyes gleamed. "You're fearless."
Ren shook his head slowly. "No, Your Majesty. I'm careful. That's different."
Theo entered just then, the tension in his shoulders visible. "Your Majesty, with all due respect, we can't..."
"...ignore talent when it's offered freely," Kael interrupted smoothly, "Ren will stay at court as an assistant to the royal council." he added with finality in his voice.
Theo's jaw tightened, his voice was colder this time. "Understood."
Ren bowed slightly, the picture of obedience. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I promise not to dis appointment you." But as he straightened, his gaze brushed Theo's just for a heartbeat, a quiet, knowing spark.
Theo frowned, for a moment, he wasn't sure if the omega was mocking him… or warning him.
**************************
Later, as Ren walked down the marble corridor toward his temporary quarters, the late morning light poured in through high windows, painting golden stripes across his path.
He let out a small breath, not from exhaustion, but exhilaration.
The game had just begun.
************************
That evening, Ren sat by the window, quill in hand, writing to Lian:
Dearest Lian,
The King is not what they say, unlike rumors, he listens and watches too. And he is far lonelier than a man with power should be.
Theo, that Alpha beside the king despises me already, but it's good. It means he'll watch me closely, and I prefer to be seen by my enemies rather than ignored by my allies.
I'll tread carefully, I promise.
Though I admit… part of me is enjoying this.
Yours, as always,
Ren.
He folded the letter with a faint smile and looked out at the horizon.
"Let's see how long you can resist me, Your Majesty."
The candlelight flickered, painting the room in gold and shadow. Outside, the wind carried the faint sound of the royal bells, a quiet herald of the chaos that would soon come.